While they are talking, they hear a loud sound outside the door. They all look at the door as something slips by it. Immediately, they run outside to see what it is. It turns out to be one of their comrades.
"Hey Travis, are you alright?" Luka extends his hand.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking," Travis replies, standing up with Luka's help.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Alaric asks, closing the gap while his hands rest behind his neck.
"Those bastards! They didn't teach us anything," Travis says, slamming his fist on the wall.
"Calm down. Who didn't teach us anything?" Matteo asks, offering Travis a glass of juice.
"I overheard two guards talking. Believe me, they lied to us. The things the instructor taught us aren't even the basics," Travis says as he accepts the juice.
A small crowd begins to gather around them.
"Tell us more," Saul interrupts.
"We only know about the existence of Pbv in all living organisms, but have you ever wondered why none of us can maintain it for more than two minutes?" Travis finishes his juice.
"So, you're saying that despite all our practice, none of us can sustain it for more than two minutes? I thought I was the only one struggling with this," Oliver says, biting his nails.
A murmur spreads through the crowd.
"Well, the reason is that to maintain Pbv for longer, we have to completely awaken it. None of us has been able to do that yet. What we've done so far is just a small overflow, like a drop spilling from a full glass. To fully awaken it, we need to meditate longer. Slowly, we'll be able to awaken it. And let me be clear—there are no shortcuts. It's only through hard meditation that we can awaken it, sustain it longer, and become stronger," Travis explains as he goes to the sink to wash the glass.
"That's why we can't maintain it. Damn it. We need to awaken it quickly before the first mission," Nitin says, starting to sweat.
After hearing this, everyone begins to prepare a practice schedule. Most of them leave immediately for the training field.
"By the way, where's Sebastian?" Livio asks.
"He went to get some sweets," Tomasz replies.
"Hey, it's been a while since we met the others. Why don't we visit them? We can pick up Sebastian on the way," Alaric suggests, hugging Nitin and Livio from behind.
"Yes, I don't think we'll get the chance once training starts," Viktor agrees.
"Fine, let's go," Nitin says.
Livio's group heads to the bakery. On their way, they spot Sebastian between some trees.
"Hey, I see Sebastian. You guys go ahead. I'll inform him," Nitin says, marching toward the trees.
Livio follows Nitin.
"Hey Sebastian, let's go to a reunion," Nitin says, putting his hand on the tree Sebastian is sitting under.
"What reunion?" Sebastian asks as he stands up.
"We're going to meet Eero and the others," Livio says, catching up.
"Okay, let's go. It's been a while. I wonder how they're all doing," Sebastian says as he rubs his knees and stretches.
"Hey Sebastian, I need to tell you something important," Nitin begins, sharing everything with Sebastian on the way.
"So, we have to work really hard," Sebastian says, looking at the bright sky. Suddenly, the sun is covered by clouds.
When they reach the bakery, they open the door slowly. The beautiful sound of the bell resonates throughout the store. The aroma of coffee, the sight of various breads, and the peaceful demeanor of the patrons catch their attention.
The shop is divided into two sections. The first section has tables, while the second displays freshly made food. Behind the second section is the kitchen.
Upon entering, they see Viktor waving at them.
"You guys are late," Viktor says, sitting back down.
"Sorry!" Nitin apologizes as he takes a seat.
"Drink up, guys! The meal's on the house," Eero announces, bringing them a variety of coffee to choose from.
Everyone picks their favorite, but Nitin just watches.
"What? Do you want something else? I have cappuccino. Do you want to exchange?" Matteo offers.
"No, it's not that. I'm from a village. I studied in a town, but we didn't have many coffee shops like this. So, I've never tried any coffee variants," Nitin says, feeling a little embarrassed.
"It's okay. We'll stay here a while. You can taste different breads and coffees," Viktor says, sipping his drink.
"You can come anytime. I'll make you the best ones," Eero adds, bringing a variety of bread.
"Nitin, you motivate me. Your decision-making is amazing. The same goes for Sebastian with his positive attitude. You're both incredible," Livio thinks, giving a genuine smile.
"Hey, where are the others?" Nicola asks, biting into a croissant.
The door opens, and four girls enter gracefully.
"Sorry for the wait!" Freja says, carrying five bottles of premium wine.
They take their seats and pour wine for their friends. Livio, Nitin, and Sebastian decline.
"So, Nitin, don't you drink alcohol or anything like that?" Freja asks, sipping her wine.
"No, I've never tried it, and I'm not interested," Nitin replies, drinking water.
"Ah, that's boring. You should enjoy life. Who knows what might happen in the future? Maybe you're free today but a slave tomorrow. In the worst-case scenario, someone might even sacrifice you," Anya teases, stirring her wine.
"I think you've watched too many ghost movies," Luka comments, looking at her.
Everyone sits at different tables, as each can only host five people. Eero and Elena stand nearby, drinking juice.
The door opens again with a soft chime. Livio's friends continue their reunion as Athena steps inside. Her silver-white hair, silky and shiny, tumbles over her shoulders. Her sky-blue eyes scan the room with confidence. She wears a flowing, midnight-blue, floor-length dress with a delicate silver belt that gleams against the fabric. The subtle pleats and off-the-shoulder neckline perfectly complement her figure. Her silver heels make her feet stand out.