The first light of dawn barely touched the horizon when Alex stirred from his sleep. The soft glow of the rising sun filtered through the curtains, casting a pale light across the room. He yawned, stretching his limbs, but something drew his attention outside the window. Peering through the glass, he saw Kenji and Mia already on the training grounds, their movements focused and deliberate despite the early hour.
Alex frowned. Today was an important day — the finals of the duo division tournament. He had planned to tell them to rest, knowing how crucial it was for them to conserve their energy. But as he observed them, he noticed the tension in their movements, the slight furrow in their brows, and the nervous energy that hung in the air. They were anxious, their unease palpable even from a distance.
He sighed, understanding their predicament. He was nervous too. His semi-final match in the solo division loomed ahead, and it was just as significant. Feeling the weight of the day upon him, Alex quickly dressed and made his way downstairs to join his friends.
The training grounds in front of the inn were small but sufficient for a warm-up session. Kenji noticed Alex approaching and waved him over to where Mia was stretching. "Hey, Alex," Kenji greeted, his voice steady but carrying a hint of concern. "Mia did some research on the people still in the solo division. You'll be facing either the cloaked figure, an archer named Sig, or a tank named Raymond."
Alex listened intently as Kenji continued, "To help you prepare, Mia and I will spar with you. She'll mimic Sig with her arrows, and I'll help you deal with Raymond's strength. It's the best way to get you ready for any of them."
Alex nodded, appreciating their dedication. "But what about you two? You need to prepare too."
Kenji glanced at Mia, who looked downcast. "We tried to find information on the duo we're facing, Hikari and Amber, but all we found were rumors. They say you have to pray for yourself when you go against them, and that one of them hasn't even moved a muscle during the tournament. Without solid info, we just have to warm up and hope for the best."
Understanding the gravity of their situation, Alex agreed. They started with basic exercises, warming up their bodies. They sprinted back and forth across the grounds, with Mia outpacing both of them effortlessly, while Alex proved to be faster than Kenji. Push-ups followed, where Kenji's strength became apparent. He powered through them with ease, his muscles barely showing any strain.
Once they were sufficiently warmed up, the real training began. Mia positioned herself a good distance from Alex and prepared to shoot arrows. The blunted tips ensured they wouldn't cause harm, but they still carried enough force to challenge Alex.
The first arrow whizzed through the air, and Alex sidestepped it with ease. As more arrows followed, he quickly adapted, dodging five at a time. However, deflecting them proved more challenging. The trajectory and speed required precise timing, and Alex struggled. After numerous attempts, Kenji stepped in, offering guidance from his own experience.
"Watch the release," Kenji advised. "The way she draws the bow and the angle will tell you everything you need to know. Trust your instincts."
With renewed focus, Alex tried again. This time, he began to catch on, his movements becoming more fluid. After twenty tries, he was consistently deflecting the arrows, his confidence growing with each successful block.
Next, it was time to simulate facing Raymond's brute strength. Kenji stood before Alex, his fists clenched. "Alright, Alex. I'm going to swing hard, and you need to react. Deflect if you can, but sometimes you'll have to take the hit. Ready?"
Alex swallowed hard, bracing himself. Kenji's punches were no joke, each one carrying immense power. The first blow landed on Alex's guard, sending a jolt through his arms. The impact stung, the force reverberating through his body. He gritted his teeth, trying to maintain his stance.
Again and again, Kenji's fists flew, and Alex struggled to keep up. The pain was sharp and unrelenting, each hit testing his limits. Sweat poured down his face as he worked to deflect and absorb the blows. Gradually, he began to anticipate Kenji's movements, lessening the impact with each attempt.
Despite the grueling nature of the training, Alex found himself growing more resilient. His reflexes sharpened, his body toughening against the onslaught. By the end of the session, he stood, battered but unbroken, his resolve stronger than ever.
The trio took a moment to catch their breath, the morning sun now fully illuminating the training grounds. They exchanged determined glances, the silent understanding that they were ready for whatever came next.
As the time for the finals approached, they made their way to the coliseum, the anticipation thick in the air. The crowd's roar greeted them as they entered, the announcer's voice booming across the arena.
"Welcome, everyone, to the finals of the duo division tournament! Today, we witness the clash between Mia and Kenji versus the formidable Hikari and Amber. This is a battle you won't want to miss!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, the excitement reaching a fever pitch. Alex, standing by the entrance, felt a surge of adrenaline. He watched as Mia and Kenji stepped into the arena, their faces set with determination.