A week passed, and the ability users were becoming smoother and more skillful at using their abilities.
January 27, 2025
Inside the training hall, Sylas dodged the incoming plant vine shooting straight at him like a snake. The vine twisted and turned before immediately lunging toward Sylas, trying to entangle him. But Sylas was nimble and agile, escaping every time. He waved his hand, and the air seemed to slice through with an invisible blade—the vine was immediately cut into small pieces, falling to the ground.
Serena, who was controlling the plant vine, quickly threw out another vine seed. A green vine sprouted, growing rapidly before shooting toward Sylas at incredible speed.
"Your spatial blade precision has improved, but so has my control over plants. Let's spar once more," Serena said as she smoothly manipulated the vine, its branches stretching out, trying to bind Sylas.
Sylas tilted his head, and the vine, like a sharp arrow, flew past his ear. He smirked and replied, "Not bad, but watch out for my spatial blades too."
He clenched his fists, then released his fingers. From each fingertip, an invisible sharp blade seemed to rush out, heading straight for the vines.
Slash!
The vines were cut into pieces again, but some branches escaped. Sylas bent backward as a vine shot past above him.
"Nice speed and control," Sylas said.
Serena's cold eyes narrowed as she skillfully maneuvered the vine again, still attempting to wrap around Sylas.
"Thanks, you too," Serena replied, still engaged in the spar.
After some time, Serena's vines were once again cut into pieces by Sylas's spatial blades. However, he wasn't completely unscathed—one of the vines had managed to wrap around his hand, leaving red marks and scratches, with tiny drops of blood oozing out.
"Both of you have improved a lot in a week's time. Sylas, your precision has improved greatly, and Serena, your control over plants is getting smoother by the day. Sparring with each other is a great way to sharpen your combat skills and get used to using your abilities in battle. Sooner or later, you'll encounter other ability users, and you might end up fighting them. There will be battles over supplies, so it's better to refine your control and combat skills as quickly as possible," Major Kyle said.
Leo immediately rushed toward Sylas and covered his injured hand with his palm. A milky white glow began to emit from his hand, and Sylas's wounds started healing. Before long, his hand was completely fine, without a single bruise.
"Dylan, spar with Serena after she recovers her energy," Major Kyle instructed.
"Yes, Major," Dylan responded eagerly, looking forward to the match.
Sylas wiped his sweat with a towel and asked, "How is Dudu doing? Did he make a fuss?"
"He's fine, but there's been no progress so far," Major Kyle said, shaking his head.
A few days ago, after seeing everyone train hard, Dudu had declared that he wanted to train too—something Major Kyle had been waiting to hear. Without hesitation, he took Dudu to a soundproof room in a remote area, placed a dummy in front of him, and told him to destroy it using his sound wave ability.
Although Dudu was confused, he still nodded, his tiny head bobbing up and down with a serious expression. But now, after three days, there were still no results.
"Can I go talk to him?" Sylas suggested.
Major Kyle thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but he's still a kid—he doesn't understand how to summon his ability yet. Yesterday, he was screaming at the dummy until his throat hurt… I felt guilty."
Sylas understood Major Kyle's feelings. He also didn't want Dudu to get hurt, but looking at the bigger picture, he believed it was necessary to train him sooner rather than later. They had no idea what dangers lay ahead. Even within the safe zone, there was no guarantee of absolute safety.
Major Kyle led Sylas to Dudu's training room. When they arrived, they didn't enter immediately. Instead, they watched him through the glass window.
Inside, Dudu sat cross-legged on the warm carpet, resting his chin on his hand as he stared at the dummy.
After a while, he stood up, clenched his fists, opened his little mouth, and shouted at the dummy with his eyes shut tight.
But the result was the same.
The dummy remained completely intact.
Outside the room, Sylas felt amused. Dudu looked unexpectedly cute.
"He looks adorable," Major Kyle said with a smile.
"Yes, indeed. Let's go inside," Sylas said with a chuckle.
Inside the room, Dudu stomped his tiny foot on the floor angrily. When he heard the door open, he immediately turned toward it. Upon seeing Sylas walking in with Major Kyle, his face lit up, and he rushed toward Sylas.
"Brother!" he called out, leaping into Sylas's arms.
Sylas swiftly picked him up and spun him in the air before setting him down.
"How's our little Dudu's training going?" Sylas asked, pinching his nose.
Dudu scrunched his brows and replied dejectedly, "I… I don't know how…"
His head drooped, tears welling up in his eyes.
"It's okay, don't be sad. I know you can do it. Our Dudu is very smart—and very strong too. Brother will guide you. Shall we try again?" Sylas asked as he led him to the dummy.
Dudu nodded and raised his tiny fist. "Dudu strong"
"Yes, Dudu is strong. Now, look at that dummy and shout at him once more," Sylas said.
Dudu immediately opened his mouth and shouted, but the result remained the same.
Seeing Dudu on the verge of tears, Sylas quickly rubbed his head. Then, as if struck by a thought, he asked, "Dudu, do you find the dummy scary?"
Dudu held back his tears and sniffled before replying, "Not scary."
The dummy was made of white cloth, shaped like a human but without any features.
Sylas immediately turned to Major Kyle.
"Major, I think I know why Dudu can't summon his sound wave ability."