The body of Kaoru felt like it was made of lead. His arms were sore. His legs shaky. His chest burned with each breath. Practice sword in his hands felt heavier. It seemed as though weight of whole world was pressing on him. Yet there he stood. He was facing the warrior construct once again.
Rei observed from the sidelines. Her expression was unreadable. She hadn't uttered much since first trial but her eyes were sharp. They were always studying him. Every time Kaoru believed he couldn't go on Rei would push him. She was urging him to stand and fight again.
"Let's go Kaoru" Rei called. Her voice was sharp. "You've got another round in you. Don't quit now."
Kaoru gritted his teeth. He didn't want to do this. His whole body was screaming for rest. It wanted an escape from relentless training. But he knew there was no escaping the Veil. It would consume him if he didn't fight back. He had to survive.
Warrior construct raised sword. Movements were cold and precise. It didn't hesitate. Kaoru had no time to prepare. Construct lunged forward. Its sword was a blur of motion.
Kaoru barely managed to bring his sword up in time. He blocked the blow. The force sent him stumbling back. His footing was unsteady. His heart pounded. Adrenaline surged through him but it wasn't enough. His grip on the sword faltered. He felt sweat pouring down his face. It stung his eyes.
The warrior swung. This time with more power. Kaoru tried to dodge but his legs were tired. Reflexes were too slow. The sword came down, crashing against his shoulder. Pain exploded through him. He cried out. He barely managed to stay on his feet.
"Kaoru!" Rei's voice emerged through the haze of pain. "Get up! You're not done!" He wanted to collapse. He wanted to lie down. Pretending this wasn't real seemed appealing. But Rei's voice was like a whip. It forced him to move. He was pushed past the breaking point.
He staggered to his feet. Vision blurring with exhaustion he saw the warrior closing in. The warrior's sword was raised for another strike. He knew he didn't have the strength to block it this time. He had no energy left.
Something snapped inside of him.
Kaoru didn't think. He didn't plan. He just acted.
With a cry he launched himself at warrior using every last ounce of energy in his body. The sword in his hands felt like an extension of himself. No hesitation. He swung it with all the force he could muster his arms trembling with the effort.
The blade and warrior's sword met with a deafening clash, a shockwave passing through his body. For a split second seemed the world around him was frozen. And then without warning he twisted his body. He utilized the momentum to disarm warrior. The warrior's sword flew from its hands. In that moment of vulnerability, Kaoru struck.
Wooden blade collided with warrior's chest, knocking it backward. The construct staggered. It collapsed its body flickering dissolving into nothingness.
Kaoru stood there. He was panting heavily, chest heaving with exhaustion. His entire body felt like it was on fire. However for the first time in hours, he felt something than pain. He felt… alive. He had won.
Rei stepped forward. Her expression was stoic as always. However there was a hint of something in her eyes—approval, maybe. Perhaps it was something else.
"That was better," she said. Her voice was cool. There was a trace of satisfaction. "You've got more fight in you than I thought."
Kaoru remained silent. He felt his legs sway under him. They gave out, and he collapsed to his knees. The sword dropped to the ground with a clatter. His body was worn out. His muscles ached. His body was sore to the bone. A surge of relief washed over him. Kaoru had made it. He was alive.
"Take a moment to rest" Rei advised, as though she had read his thoughts. "You deserve it. But don't get too comfortable. This is just the start."
Kaoru didn't object. He leaned against the floor. His breathing gradually shifted back to its usual pace. His thoughts were muddled. However a sense of achievement was sufficient to help him power through the tiredness. Today he learned something new about himself. In the face of fear and suffering he found strength to persist.
And it was just the initial test.
Kaoru paused to recover his breath. He caught a look at Rei. Her eyes were fixed on him. But there was an element of inscrutability in her look. Something appeared far away.
"Can you tell me what's next?" He asked. His voice had a hoarse quality to it.
Rei didn't provide an immediate response. Her attention shifted toward the door. She spotted a few additional warriors who had congregated. They were observing the sparring match. Next she sighed. This gesture seemed as if she was meticulously contemplating her words.
"Alright" she said. "Now you launch into your genuine training. You've witnessed how the Veil functions. You've sensed its threat its ominous presence. It's beyond just combat there's more to it. You must master control over your power."
Kaoru appeared puzzled. His mind was drowsy from the trial's intensity. "Power?" he queried. "What's the matter you talk about?"
Rei's gaze became more focused. "You are a Seeker Kaoru. That means you have the ability to leverage energy from Veil. Not everyone can manage that. Not everyone can endure like you did. You have potential to do more than just wield a sword. But it's not about instinctive reliance. You require an understanding of it. And control over it. Otherwise it will be your undoing."
Kaoru's mind whirled. "What are you insinuating? Do I possess some sort of power?"
Rei approached him. Her gaze never wavered from his. "I'm indicating you're barely navigating the surface. If you wish to live through what's on the horizon you must learn whatever you can. And do it quickly."
Kaoru couldn't find the words to respond. He was overwhelmed. His mind felt overloaded due to facts he had just learned. Now this was a new twist - more confusion and peril.
Even with his confusion, one thing was evident. He couldn't afford to halt now. He had to keep moving forward. He had to stay alive.
"I am prepared," he said. But he was uncertain of the words himself.
Rei nodded. Her face displayed a small almost unnoticeable smile.
"Good," she said. "The real challenge is beginning."
To be continued.