Chapter 3: The Training Grounds
The air in the training arena was thick with tension. Xander stood at the edge of the massive training grounds, feeling a mix of excitement and fear coil in his gut. His muscles ached from the anticipation, though his mind was still trying to process everything that had happened so far. He had only just begun to understand the weight of his new reality. Now, he was about to experience the first true test of his abilities.
The voice of the Mafia System rang out once again in his mind, clear and directive.
"The training grounds are where your abilities will be tested. You will face trials to unlock and strengthen your powers. Survive, and your powers will evolve. Fail, and you will be left behind."
Xander's breath caught in his throat. He had heard that the Mafia System could be merciless, but now it hit him with full force. There was no room for mistakes in this world. He wasn't just going to be handed anything. He had to prove himself. He had to fight for everything.
"This is your first trial. You will be facing other recruits, each with their own abilities. Use your powers to defeat them. Only then will you move on to the next phase of your training."
Xander stood there for a moment, eyes scanning the sprawling arena. The ground beneath him was hardened dirt, and in the distance, he could see a group of other recruits—people who had been summoned here, just like him, to fight for their place in the mafia world. They were all standing in their own corners, sizing each other up. Some were stretching, others were whispering to one another. A few looked confident, others nervous.
"Looks like it's time," Xander muttered to himself. He glanced at Kael, who had been standing silently by his side since he arrived.
Kael gave him a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. "Remember, Xander," he said softly, "this isn't just about strength. You'll need to think. The Mafia System tests more than just your physical capabilities. But don't get too caught up in overthinking. You'll need to act quickly, decisively. The first test is simple—survive."
Xander nodded, feeling a bit more grounded by Kael's words. He didn't know why, but having the strategist there made him feel like he wasn't completely alone. He still had no idea how to fully trust him, but for now, Kael seemed like someone who could at least offer guidance.
The training grounds suddenly came alive with movement as a group of guards marched into the center of the arena. One of them raised a hand, signaling for silence. The recruits quickly stopped talking, and Xander could feel the weight of their collective gaze on him. It was clear that this wasn't just a game. They were all competing for a place in this new world, and each one of them would do whatever it took to rise to the top.
"Listen up," the guard's voice boomed across the arena. "You've all been chosen for your potential. But potential means nothing unless you can survive. You'll face off against each other in trials, and the Mafia System will be watching. Make it through, and you'll be given the chance to prove your worth. Fail, and you'll be discarded. Simple as that."
Xander's heart rate quickened as the reality of the situation hit him. He wasn't here to train or learn slowly. This was a trial by fire. If he didn't perform well, he would be out of the running before he even had a chance to understand what was going on.
The guards stepped aside, and a large, glowing portal appeared in front of him. The voice of the Mafia System filled the air once again.
"Your trial begins now. Defeat your opponents to advance. Your abilities will be unlocked as you engage in combat. Survive the battle, and your strength will increase."
Xander's body tensed, a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He had no idea how his powers worked—he could barely feel any change in himself—but the moment the portal activated, something inside him stirred. He could feel a pull, a calling to step forward.
Without thinking, he took a step toward the portal, his breath steadying. As his foot hit the ground, something clicked inside him, and a surge of raw energy shot through his body.
His vision blurred for a moment, and when it cleared, he felt… different. Stronger. Faster. The world around him seemed to slow down for a brief second, and he instinctively crouched, ready for whatever was to come.
He stepped through the portal, and in the blink of an eye, he was transported to a new arena—a circular battleground surrounded by towering walls. The air was thick with an unnatural tension, and the sound of distant footsteps echoed in the distance.
Xander wasn't alone.
Four other recruits stood on opposite sides of the arena, each of them staring at him. Their expressions varied—some were determined, others nervous, but all of them were sizing him up. They had powers too, Xander realized. They all looked ready for a fight.
"Fight or be fought. You are in a trial to test your abilities. Your first challenge: defeat your opponents."
Xander's heart skipped a beat. Defeat them? Was he really supposed to fight these people?
Before he could think further, one of the recruits—a tall, lean man with black hair and a cold gaze—charged toward him. Xander instinctively dodged, the movement almost effortless, as if his body knew what to do without him having to think about it. His speed had been enhanced, far beyond what he was used to. He sidestepped just as the man swung a fist at him, barely avoiding the attack.
Xander's instincts kicked in, and before the man could recover, Xander punched him in the chest. The impact sent him stumbling backward, shock flashing across his face.
The voice of the Mafia System echoed in his mind once again.
"You have unlocked Enhanced Strength. Your body is now capable of feats beyond normal human limits. Use it wisely."
Xander took a deep breath. His body felt strong—stronger than ever before. The feeling was surreal, as if his muscles were charged with energy. But there was no time to think about that now. The man he had struck was recovering, his expression turning to one of pure fury. He wasn't about to let Xander get away with that punch.
The man lunged at Xander again, but this time Xander was ready. He sidestepped, but as he did, something else kicked in—an urge to move faster, to be quicker. His legs propelled him forward with blinding speed, faster than any normal person could move. In the blink of an eye, he was behind his opponent.
"You have unlocked Enhanced Speed. Your body can now move at velocities far beyond the average human's."
Xander didn't hesitate. He grabbed the man by the arm and twisted it behind his back, forcing him to the ground with a swift, controlled motion. The recruit grunted in pain but didn't give up easily.
"Damn," the man muttered, struggling beneath Xander's grip. "You're not what I expected."
Xander didn't respond. He was too focused, too immersed in the new abilities coursing through him. The fight wasn't over yet. He wasn't going to let his guard down.
But as he glanced around, Xander saw that the others had already begun their own battles. It was clear that he wasn't just fighting to win. He was fighting to survive.
And survive he would.
The trial had only just begun.