Chapter 10: Testing the Limits
The fifth day of training began with a heavy atmosphere. The morning sky was overcast, and the air felt charged with tension, as if reflecting the intensity of what was to come. Stella had risen earlier than usual, her mind racing with thoughts of how much she had learned in the past few days—and how much further she still had to go.
Michael, standing at the edge of the training grounds with his usual stern demeanor, called out as she approached. "Today, we're pushing your limits. You've shown progress, Stella, but real combat requires more than control and coordination. You need endurance, adaptability, and the ability to think under pressure."
Rosinante, leaning casually against a nearby wall, gave her a cheerful wave. "Good luck, Stella. You're gonna need it."
Stella smiled nervously but nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I'm ready."
---
Michael gestured toward a new setup on the training grounds. It was a sprawling obstacle course, lined with spinning barriers, moving platforms, and dummies equipped with spring-loaded weapons. At the far end of the course stood a high platform, with a flag fluttering in the wind.
"This is the gauntlet," Michael explained. "Your goal is to reach the flag. Along the way, you'll face physical challenges, simulated enemy attacks, and me. I'll be testing your abilities to adapt, endure, and fight."
Stella took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the flag in the distance. "What happens if I fail?"
Michael's expression didn't change. "Then you try again until you succeed."
Rosinante snickered. "No pressure, right?"
Stella squared her shoulders, determination flaring in her emerald green eyes. "Let's do this."
---
The moment Stella stepped onto the course, the obstacles sprang to life. A set of spinning barriers whirred into motion, forcing her to time her movements carefully. She ducked and weaved through the gaps, her reflexes sharper than they had been days ago. The first section of the course was behind her before she even realized it.
The next section was more daunting. Wooden dummies sprang up, swinging padded clubs toward her. Stella summoned a thin mist, using it to obscure the dummies' sensors and slow their movements. She darted through the chaos, narrowly avoiding a blow to her side.
As she cleared the second section, Michael descended from above, his wings casting a dramatic silhouette against the overcast sky. "Not bad so far," he said, landing lightly in front of her. "But let's see how you handle a moving target."
Before Stella could respond, Michael charged forward, his fist glowing with holy fire. Stella reacted instinctively, creating a dense cloud barrier between them. The barrier held for a moment but quickly dissipated under Michael's strength. She leapt to the side, summoning a series of smaller clouds to block his follow-up attacks.
"You're learning to think on your feet," Michael said, his attacks relentless. "But don't get comfortable. In a real fight, your enemies won't give you time to breathe."
Stella gritted her teeth, using her clouds to create a platform that lifted her out of Michael's reach. From her elevated position, she condensed a portion of the cloud into a dense projectile and hurled it toward him. Michael dodged effortlessly, but the move gave her enough time to dash past him toward the final section.
---
The last part of the course was the most challenging: a narrow bridge suspended over a pool of water. At the center of the bridge stood Rosinante, grinning mischievously with a wooden staff in hand.
"Your job is to get past me," he said, spinning the staff lazily. "Good luck!"
Stella hesitated for a moment, knowing that falling into the water would spell failure. She took a deep breath, summoning a small cloud to hover beside her. With a sharp motion, she sent the cloud forward, using it as a distraction.
Rosinante laughed, easily sidestepping the cloud. "Nice try!"
But Stella wasn't done. She created a second cloud, this one denser and faster, and sent it hurtling toward him. Rosinante dodged again, but the cloud hit the bridge, creating a temporary smokescreen. Using the cover, Stella sprinted forward, weaving around Rosinante and reaching the end of the bridge before he could recover.
She grabbed the flag and raised it triumphantly, her chest heaving with exertion. "I did it!"
---
Michael and Rosinante joined her at the end of the course, both looking impressed. Michael crossed his arms, nodding approvingly. "You've come a long way, Stella. Your control, creativity, and ability to adapt have improved significantly. But more importantly, you didn't give up."
Rosinante grinned, giving her a playful nudge. "Not bad, rookie. I might actually start taking you seriously."
Stella smiled, pride swelling in her chest. She had pushed herself harder than ever before, and the results were undeniable. But she knew there was still much to learn. "Thank you, both of you. I'll keep working hard."
Michael's expression softened, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're doing well, Stella. Remember, strength isn't just about power. It's about perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to keep fighting, no matter the odds."
Stella nodded, his words resonating deeply. She felt a newfound confidence, not just in her abilities but in her purpose. She wasn't alone anymore—she had found a mentor, a friend, and a place where she belonged.
---
That evening, as the trio sat together outside their quarters, Rosinante broke the silence with a teasing grin. "So, Michael, when are you going to let Stella take on a real mission?"
Michael shot him a look. "When she's ready."
Rosinante leaned back, smirking. "She's already better than half the recruits I've seen. I say she's ready."
Stella blushed, looking between the two of them. "I… I'd like to try, if you think I'm ready."
Michael considered her words, his gaze thoughtful. "There's a mission coming up—a scouting assignment near Sabaody Archipelago. It's low-risk, but it'll give you a taste of what to expect. If you're serious, you'll join me."
Stella's heart raced, excitement and nerves swirling within her. "I'll do it."
Michael nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Then get some rest. The real journey starts tomorrow."
As Stella lay in bed that night, she couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The training had been intense, but this was different. This was real. Yet, as she thought of Michael and Rosinante, she felt a sense of reassurance. She wasn't alone anymore.
Her path was just beginning, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
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