Ali Raza began to circle the group with a serious air as the leaves of the trees slowly fell, carried by the soft whisper of the wind.
-This training will not be easy at all. We will not only train your physical strength, but also your mind and spirit. In this world, underestimating the enemy is a deadly mistake. No matter how weak they seem; if they become overconfident, they will pay the price. -His voice boomed with authority.
Each member of the group reacted differently to his words: Denek tried to joke to hide his nervousness, Laura showed determination, but could not help worrying about Forny, who was serious, trying to assimilate everything that was happening. Mayilla, for her part, looked unsure and nervous, while Mishu let out a laugh, enjoying the lack of seriousness of some of them.
Ali Raza, ignoring the reactions, continued with a firm tone:
-Each of you has different abilities. Learn to use them and make the most of each one. -Extending his hand, he added, "My ability is the Hover. I can manifest illusions and scenarios so realistic that your mind will believe that are real. This training will not only make you stronger, but also more astute. Today, the tests will be individual. I will create opponents with simple weapons that will not be able to harm you physically, but remember: trusting is the worst mistake you can make.
With a loud applause, the atmosphere changed radically. Everything was plunged into darkness, and, little by little, each member was transported to a different scenario, adapted to their fears and strengths.
Forny's Challenge
Forny found himself in a bleak landscape, where the earth was dry and cracked. The air smelled of dampness and rusty iron, and a light mist covered the horizon. In front of him appeared five burly warriors, with stern expressions and simple but intimidating weapons. Although they lacked special skills, their coordinated movements showed that they would not be an easy opponent.
-I can't afford to fail. -he muttered, clenching his fists.
Forny clenched his fists and rushed at the first of the warriors, trying to knock him down with his brute strength. However, he underestimated his opponent's speed. The latter easily dodged and counterattacked, forcing Forny to back up quickly to avoid an accurate blow. "They're fast," he thought, adjusting his stance. He took a deep breath, focusing on his movements, and began to use his surroundings to his advantage. With effort and strategy, he managed to take down the first warrior, but he still had four left.
Denek's Challenge
Denek found himself in a stormy landscape. Lightning illuminated a ground that trembled beneath his feet, and from the ground emerged five cadaverous figures armed with sharp swords. Although they appeared slow, their sinister appearance intimidated him.
-This is great! -Denek exclaimed, trying to stay calm.
However, when the first of the dead advanced toward him, he discovered that its speed was much greater than expected. He barely managed to dodge the attack, but then the figure stumbled as it advanced too fast. Denek seized the moment to disarm him and, with an improvised move, grabbed his sword to use it against him. With his heart beating at full speed, he began to analyze the movements of his enemies. Gradually, his charisma and humor gave way to a more serious approach. He brought down the first one with his new weapon, but not without effort.
Laura's Challenge
Laura was surrounded by a thick fog. The humidity in the air made it difficult for her to breathe, and she could barely make out the figures moving around her. Suddenly, skeletons armed with bows began to draw their arrows, aiming at her.
-I can't see them... but I can feel them. -He murmured, closing his eyes to concentrate.
Laura was surrounded by a thick fog that made it difficult for her to see. Suddenly, she felt a strange vibration in her mind and, without warning, her premonition ability activated on its own. As if a higher instinct was guiding her movements, she managed to anticipate the exact moment when the arrows would be fired, dodging them with fluid and precise movements. Confused but relieved, she found temporary shelter behind some rocks while she tried to understand what had happened. Gathering courage, she relied on her newly manifested skill and launched herself towards one of the skeletons, knocking it down with an accurate blow.
The Mayilla Challenge
Mayilla found herself in a rainy landscape. The water was falling heavily, making it difficult for her to see. Five blurry figures began to move around her. They were fast and stealthy, which increased her anxiety.
-What do I do? I don't know if I can handle this... -she whispered, backing away.
When one of the enemies lunged at her, she instinctively raised her hands, and a translucent energy barrier appeared in front of her, stopping the attack. Mayilla surprised herself.
-I did it! -he exclaimed, although the barrier quickly disappeared.
Encouraged by this discovery, she began experimenting with her ability "Fialser," creating small barriers to block enemy attacks while looking for opportunities to defend herself.
After what seemed like endless hours of combat, the illusions faded, and the group was returned to the clearing where Ali Raza awaited them. Each of them was exhausted, their clothes in disarray and their breathing labored, but they also carried a renewed spark in their eyes.
-They have taken their first steps. -Ali Raza watched them with folded arms and an inscrutable expression. But make no mistake: this was only an initial test. You still have a long way to go.
The mentor approached each one to offer personalized feedback:
-Laura, your ability is extraordinary. Premonition will allow you to foresee what others cannot, but you need to trust your instincts more. That hesitation could cost you dearly in a real battle.
-Forny, you have immense potential, but your biggest obstacle is your insecurity. Brute strength is not everything; learn to use it with precision and self-confidence.
-Denek, your enthusiasm and creativity are your greatest strengths, but impulsiveness will cause you to make unnecessary mistakes. Learn to remain calm even in chaos.
-Mayilla, your ability to create barriers is exceptional, but your insecurity keeps holding you back. Today you discovered that you can do more than you thought. Remember that moment and stop doubting yourself.
Ali Raza stepped back, encompassing everyone with his stern gaze.
-What you faced today was only a rehearsal. The real enemy will give you no respite, and this world offers no second chances. But if you work together and learn from your mistakes, you can survive. For now, rest. Tomorrow, the training will be even more demanding.
The group nodded silently, each deep in thought. As they dispersed to their resting areas, their emotions were a reflection of their experiences:
Forny looked at his hands, the same ones that had trembled at the beginning of the fight, and clenched his fists with determination. Laura, sitting under a tree, mentally reviewed each movement, trying to identify how to overcome her failures. Denek, though exhausted, couldn't help but let out a light comment to lighten the mood, drawing a small smile from Mayilla. She, for the first time, felt that she might actually be able to contribute to the group.
Ali Raza, as he watched them, allowed a hint of satisfaction to cross his face before fading into the shadows of the forest. There was still much work to be done, but the seed of change had been planted.