The first day of school felt oddly normal at first. I entered the classroom, ready to follow the usual routine—study, listen, repeat. Nothing unusual. Or so I thought.
As I was settling into my seat, I noticed someone standing outside the classroom. It was Mia. She was motioning for me to step out. Confused, I followed her.
"Come with me," she said with an authoritative tone.
I followed her down the hallway until we stopped in front of a private room. Inside, it looked like a mini training hall with a whiteboard, some equipment, and mats on the floor.
"Wait… You live here?" I blurted out.
She ignored my question and went straight to the board. "Today, I'm teaching you about the Ability System."
I sat down reluctantly, unsure of what was happening.
"Abilities are categorized into four classes: C, B, A, and S," she explained. "C stands for Common, B for Better, A for Advanced, and S for Special."
She paused, giving me a serious look.
"C and B-class abilities are common and achievable. Some people are even born with them, making their mastery easier. A-class abilities, however, are near-impossible to achieve, requiring years of training. As for S-class… they are considered untouchable. They exist only in legends."
Her words sounded like something straight out of a fantasy novel. I wanted to ask a hundred questions, but she suddenly clapped her hands and said, "Now, we spar."
"Spar? Wait, what does that even mean?" I stammered.
"Fight me," she said with a smirk. "Don't worry; it's just a tutorial fight. I won't hit you too hard. Or maybe I will. Depends on my mood."
Before I could process her words, she lunged at me. Her first strike was clean—a punch aimed directly at my stomach.
"Feel that? That's my first C-class ability: Heat Up. It warms up my muscles instantly, so I'm always ready to fight."
I staggered back, clutching my stomach. She wasn't done.
She moved faster than I could track. "This is my B-class ability: Quick Step. It enhances my speed."
I was struggling to stand when she activated her A-class ability. Her eyes glowed faintly as she said, "And now… All-Seeing Stance. I can predict and react to every move you make."
I barely lasted another second before her kick swept my legs, and her punch connected with my face. Pain exploded through my head, and the world spun. Darkness was closing in fast.
When I woke up, I was back in the training room. Mia was leaning over me with a satisfied grin.
"Not bad for your first lesson," she said. "From now on, you'll train with me every day. Your uncle's car will drop you here, and I'll take you back home."
I groaned but didn't argue. It was clear she wasn't giving me a choice.
"Tomorrow," she added, "we start your real training. Today was just an introduction. Soon, you'll learn how to activate your abilities and master martial arts to enhance your level."
I couldn't help but feel a mix of dread and determination. If I was going to survive Mia's training, I needed to give it my all.