The second day of Ren's true training arrived with the crack of dawn, casting long shadows across the Yamazaki training grounds. Ren stood at the edge of the arena, his body still sore from the grueling regimen of the day before.
Hiroshi Yamazaki, his instructor, was already waiting in the center of the arena, flanked by an array of strange devices—wooden dummies with pivoting arms, weighted bags dangling from ropes, and spiked poles that whirled menacingly.
Today, Hiroshi began, his voice carrying over the training grounds, we test your reflexes. The Yamazaki Hybrid Style requires speed, adaptability, and instinct. Without these, even the strongest fighter will fall.
Ren squared his shoulders, nodding.
What's the test?
Hiroshi smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes. Survive. For one hour.
At his signal, the devices sprang to life. The dummies spun wildly, their arms lashing out unpredictably. The weighted bags swung back and forth, gaining momentum with each pass. The spiked poles rotated with alarming speed, their deadly tips gleaming in the morning light.
Ren took a deep breath and stepped into the chaos.
[System Update]
[Trial: Reflexe Training]
[Objective : Avoid, deflect, or neutralize 90% of incoming attacks within the time limit.]
[Reward: 2500 Points, Skill Enhancement: Reflexe Boost Lv. 1]
The first blow came from a pivoting dummy arm, aiming for Ren's side. He twisted out of the way, only to feel the rush of air as a swinging bag narrowly missed his head. His heart pounded as he ducked and rolled, his mind racing to track the barrage of movements.
You're thinking too much! Hiroshi barked. Fighting isn't just about analysis—it's about instinct!
Ren gritted his teeth. Instinct wasn't his strong suit. In his past life, every move he made had been calculated, precise, based on reason and logic. But here, in the heart of combat, there was no time to think.
The System chimed softly.
Let go. Focus on the flow of movement. React without overthinking.
Ren closed his eyes for a split second, centering himself. When he reopened them, everything seemed sharper. He ducked under a swinging bag, pivoted to avoid a spiked pole, then jabbed out with his hand, halting a dummy's spinning arm.
The crowd, gathered again to watch, murmured in surprise. Ren was starting to find his rhythm.
He moved like water, flowing around the obstacles, deflecting blows with quick jabs and kicks. His body began to move on its own, each action faster and more fluid than the last.
The hour dragged on, each minute a test of endurance. Ren's muscles burned, his breath coming in ragged gasps, but he didn't falter.
At the fifty-minute mark, Hiroshi increased the difficulty. More bags swung into motion, and the dummies moved faster. Ren found himself backed into a corner, forced to leap and roll to avoid a cascade of incoming blows.
Just as he thought he might collapse, the System pulsed urgently in his mind.
Reflex Boost Lv. 1 activated. Reaction time increased by 20%.
Everything seemed to slow down. Ren's eyes darted between the incoming threats, his body responding instantly. He sidestepped a bag, ducked under a pole, and slammed his palm into a dummy, halting its momentum.
When Hiroshi finally called for the test to stop, Ren collapsed to his knees, gasping for air.
The System's voice was calm, almost congratulatory.
[Trial Completed]
[Reward Unlocked: 2500 Points, Reflex Boost Lv. 1]
Hiroshi walked over, his expression unreadable. He stared down at Ren for a moment before nodding. You've done well. But this is only the beginning. You're starting to understand instinct, but there's still much to learn.
Ren nodded weakly, too exhausted to speak.
Chiron Yamazaki appeared at the edge of the arena, his piercing gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. Disperse, he commanded, his voice cold and firm. The spectators scattered immediately, leaving only Ren, Hiroshi, and Chiron behind.
You endured today's trial, Chiron said, his tone measured. But endurance alone is not enough. Your opponent won't always give you time to react. Tomorrow, you will face unpredictability—a true fighter's greatest challenge.
Ren's heart sank slightly. He wasn't sure how much more his body could take. Still, he bowed deeply to his father, his resolve unshaken.
That night, as he lay under the stars once more, the System chimed softly in his mind.
[Stats Updated: Reflexes +10]
[Skill Acquired: Reflex Boost Lv.1]
Ren stared up at the sky, determination burning in his chest. No matter how grueling the trials became, he would overcome them. The path to becoming the strongest was paved with pain, and he was ready to walk it.
--END--