The sun had climbed higher by the time Aryan and Rahul reached the park, casting long shadows over the trees and pathways. The park was still quiet, with only a few early risers jogging or walking their dogs. Aryan chose a secluded corner near a grove of trees, far from the curious eyes of the public.
"Alright, Rahul," Aryan began, turning to face his friend. "Before we dive into advanced training, we need to establish a strong foundation. We'll start with basic combat drills to understand your new strength and agility."
Rahul nodded, his face a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "What do I do first?"
Aryan gestured toward a nearby tree. "Let's start with some punches. I want you to punch that tree as hard as you can. It's not about breaking it; it's about understanding your power and control."
Rahul took a deep breath, stepped forward, and clenched his fists. He squared his stance, drew his arm back, and then thrust it forward with all his might. His fist connected with the rough bark, sending a dull thud echoing through the air.
"Ow!" Rahul yelped, shaking his hand. "That hurts more than I thought."
Aryan chuckled. "You're still human, Rahul. Even with increased strength, you need proper form and technique to avoid injuring yourself. Watch me."
Aryan stepped up to the tree, assuming a relaxed stance. He slowly demonstrated a punch, explaining each movement. "Keep your wrist straight to avoid sprains, use your hips for extra power, and keep your fist tight but not too tense."
Rahul watched intently, mimicking Aryan's movements. "Got it. Let me try again."
This time, Rahul's punch was more controlled. The impact was stronger and more solid, though his hand still stung. Aryan nodded approvingly. "Better. Practice this until you can do it without thinking. Repetition will make it second nature."
They spent the next hour working on various punches, kicks, and dodges. Aryan corrected Rahul's form, offering tips and demonstrating techniques. Rahul's movements grew smoother and more confident with each attempt.
"Now, let's test your agility," Aryan said, pointing to a series of benches arranged in a line. "You'll run through these, jumping over them without touching. It's a simple parkour drill, but it'll test your reflexes and balance."
Rahul took a deep breath, sprinted toward the benches, and leapt over the first one. He stumbled slightly but caught his balance. He continued, clearing each bench with growing ease.
"Good job!" Aryan called out. "You're getting the hang of it."
As Rahul completed the circuit, Aryan noticed a small crowd beginning to form at a distance. Some park-goers had paused, watching the duo with curiosity. Aryan sighed. "We're starting to attract attention. Let's wrap it up for now."
Rahul, panting but exhilarated, nodded. "This feels amazing, Aryan. I've never felt so alive."
Aryan clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the power of being Awakened. But remember, it's not just about strength. You'll need strategy and quick thinking in real battles."
Rahul grinned. "What's next?"
Aryan glanced at the crowd and lowered his voice. "We'll continue this later. For now, let's head back and discuss the next steps. We need to plan how to handle the dungeons and gather resources like Aura Stones."
As they walked back, Aryan's mind raced with thoughts of the future. Rahul's progress was promising, but they would need more allies. The dangers of the Eternal Tower and the mysteries of the dungeons loomed ahead, and Aryan knew they had only scratched the surface of what was to come.