The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains as Elara stirred awake. Even before anyone else in the household had stirred, she was already up, stretching and preparing herself for the grueling day ahead. She plugged in her earbuds, choosing an upbeat playlist, and slipped into her running shoes. Today, she was going to begin her training in earnest.
With a steady breath, Elara jogged through the quiet streets, the cool morning air biting at her skin. She focused on building her stamina, making each step deliberate and powerful. The rhythmic pounding of her feet on the pavement was almost meditative, clearing the fog from her mind as she imagined the challenges she would soon face at the military school.
Her heart rate quickened, but she pushed herself harder, ignoring the urge to slow down. She wasn't just doing this for herself—she was doing this for the new life she intended to carve out. Her past might have been full of twists and betrayals, but this time, she would be ready for anything.
Once she returned to the house, Elara didn't take a moment to rest. She went straight to her room and began practicing her punching techniques. She envisioned an opponent, each punch a calculated move to improve her form. Her body was still adjusting to the strength she needed, but she was determined to get stronger.
She didn't stop there. Elara performed a variety of exercises:
Push-ups: She did sets until her arms burned, pushing past the discomfort.
Sit-ups: Her core was key to keeping her balance and strength in combat, so she worked tirelessly.
Planks: Holding the position for as long as possible to strengthen her core further.
Squats: Building the power in her legs would help with her stamina and endurance.
It was only when a maid called out from downstairs that Elara reluctantly stopped. "Miss Elara, breakfast is ready," the maid announced gently.
Elara made her way downstairs, still feeling the rush of energy from her workout. Her appetite was larger than usual, and she ate more than she had in a long time, her body demanding more fuel after the intense session. Her family, watching her eat with such gusto, exchanged confused glances.
Her father and brother were the first to finish their meals and prepare to leave. Before heading out, her father turned to her. "You will take the military school entrance exam in one month," he stated firmly. "There will be no backdoors or favors. You will have to pass on your own merit. Understand?"
Elara nodded with quiet determination, meeting her father's eyes. "I understand, Father."
Her father, seemingly satisfied, gave her a brief nod. Her brother, ever the protector, added, "You've got this, Elara. Just stay focused."
As they left for work, Elara called out to them, her voice warm and genuine. "Have a nice day, Dad. You too, Elder Brother."
Her father and brother smiled in return, the warmth in their expressions unexpected but appreciated.
As Elara watched them leave, her mother stood by the door, her gaze following them with a soft, wistful look. There was something different about Elara these days, something that made her wonder.
Her daughter, who had always been distant from her father and brother, was now speaking to them with a warmth that was unfamiliar. There had been a time when Elara kept to herself, too focused on her work and investigations to really bond with the family. But now, something seemed to be shifting.
Her mother smiled gently, her heart full of hope. It was clear that Elara was changing—both physically and emotionally. The path she was walking was no longer one of isolation; it was a path that would lead her toward her own strength, and perhaps, a closer connection to the people she loved.
After excusing herself from the breakfast table, Elara made her way upstairs. The house was quieter now, with her father and brother already gone to work. The silence wrapped around her like a blanket, giving her the solitude she needed to think.
As she walked through the empty halls, her mind was already buzzing with plans. She needed to stand out at the military university—she had to make her mark early. One skill she knew would set her apart was marksmanship. Elara had always felt a profound love for guns, the way they felt in her hands, the precision required. She longed to be a sharpshooter, mastering the art of hitting targets with unerring accuracy.
But as her thoughts lingered on the idea of becoming a sharpshooter, she pushed it aside for the moment. There was still more to do. She needed to prepare for the entrance exam first.
Elara sat down at her desk, opening her notebook. She scrolled through her phone, searching for any resources or sample questions she could find on the military exams. She knew that no matter how physically prepared she was, she also had to be mentally sharp.
She meticulously went through practice questions, studying subjects ranging from tactics to military history, survival strategies, and leadership. Hours passed in a blur as she poured over the material. The questions started to make sense to her, each one another step toward the future she was determined to create.
However, the hours of studying caught up with her. Her stomach let out an unmistakable growl, reminding her of the time. It was already afternoon.
She got up from her desk, stretching and rubbing her eyes. The house was quieter than usual, and she walked downstairs, realizing it was unusually empty. She beckoned to one of the maids.
"Where's Mother?" Elara asked, a little surprised by the absence of her mother.
The maid smiled softly and answered, "Madam went for shopping. She saw you were busy and didn't want to disturb you."
Elara nodded, appreciating her mother's thoughtfulness. With that, she made her way to the kitchen. She ate her lunch in silence, savoring the peace while she could. Her parents' absence gave her the perfect opportunity to execute a plan that had been brewing in her mind for a while now.
Once she finished, Elara stood and glanced out toward the backyard. There was a section of the land that her parents rarely ventured to, a corner of the property that was somewhat isolated. The perfect place to create a training room.
Her eyes gleamed with determination as she headed outside. It wouldn't be anything fancy—just a small, discreet space for her to practice without anyone noticing. She could set up targets for her sharpshooting practice, build strength, and hone her skills.
There was no telling when her parents might come back, so she quickly began gathering materials—old crates, discarded equipment from the garage, and a few tools she found hidden in the shed. She worked efficiently, assembling her makeshift training space. The area would be perfect for her needs: secluded, quiet, and unnoticed by the rest of the family.
With a sense of accomplishment, Elara stepped back to assess her work. The small, hidden training ground was taking shape, just the way she envisioned it. It would serve her well in the days to come.
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