---
Waking up the next day, Elara was reminded by the blaring alarm that another grueling day of training awaited her. With a sigh, she forced herself to get up, her muscles still aching from yesterday's session. The thought of more torture was unappealing, but she couldn't back down now.
After a quick shower and changing into her sports clothes, she jogged downstairs, her heart already pounding in anticipation. When she entered the garden, Arthur was already there, stretching and waiting. His calm, serious demeanor only made Elara more determined to keep up.
"You ready?" Arthur asked, his voice steady.
"I'm always ready," Elara responded with a determined grin, though inside, she was bracing herself for the oncoming challenge.
Arthur didn't waste time. "Start with a warm-up. After that, we'll move on to something more intense."
Elara began jogging alongside him, pushing herself harder than ever. Her body felt like it was already reaching its limits, but she couldn't afford to stop. She had to get stronger, faster. They went through different routines, from high-intensity interval training to complex martial arts drills. But it was clear that her 18-year-old body lacked the muscle mass and stamina that her previous life's training had honed.
After a grueling hour of physical exercises, Arthur stopped and faced her, his expression stern. "Now, Elara, I want you to attack me with everything you've got. Don't hold back."
Elara narrowed her eyes and squared her shoulders. She gathered all the strength she could muster and launched herself at him, her fist aimed for his chest. She was expecting her punch to land with force, but it barely made a dent in his stance. It felt like hitting a brick wall.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You've got the technique, but your strength is still too weak. You're fighting with your mind, not your body."
Frustration bubbled up inside Elara, but she swallowed it down. She wasn't going to give up. "Then I'll make my body stronger. Show me what to do."
Arthur nodded, taking a step back. "We'll start with the basics. To improve your power, we need to build your core strength. Internal energy is just as important as physical conditioning. You've got the knowledge of your past life, but right now, you need to make your body your weapon."
He spent the next hour guiding her through various strength-building exercises and breathing techniques to help her tap into her internal energy. Elara struggled at first, but her resolve kept her going. Every drop of sweat, every aching muscle felt like it was one step closer to the power she needed.
After several rounds of training, Elara's arms were trembling, and her legs felt like they might give out. But her brother wasn't letting up. He pushed her to the limit, knowing she would only grow stronger if she endured.
"Again, Elara," Arthur said, his voice unrelenting.
Elara gritted her teeth and stood tall, despite the exhaustion. "I won't stop."
She attacked again, this time with a bit more force behind her strike, but it still wasn't enough. She could see the disappointment in Arthur's eyes, but also the determination. He knew what she could become, and he wasn't going to let her fail.
---
For the next few days, Elara's routine became a cycle of intense training, eating, resting, and studying. Arthur kept pushing her harder each day, ensuring she improved with every passing moment. She trained tirelessly, determined to become outstanding, and Arthur was always there, supporting and guiding her through every challenge.
Even though she was exhausted, Elara never complained. Her goal was clear, and Arthur's unwavering belief in her made her want to prove herself even more. After each training session, they would share a meal together, and then, in the evenings, Elara would dive into her studies, reading military strategy and tactics in preparation for her future.
One particular evening, after another grueling day of training, Elara sat down to rest, knowing the next day would mark the end of Arthur's leave. She would have to face the real challenges ahead without him by her side. But that night, as they ate dinner together, Arthur reassured her that even though he would be gone, he would always be there in spirit, guiding her through every obstacle.
The next morning, Elara's heart was heavy as they got into the car to drive to the teacher who would take over her training. Elara couldn't stop talking, babbling about everything on her mind, trying to ease the tension in the air. Arthur, in his usual calm manner, listened intently, offering words of encouragement as they drove to the new chapter of her journey.
The car pulled up to a small, unassuming building, and Elara stepped out with Arthur. As they approached the door, Arthur gave her a warning glance.
"Your teacher, though skilled, is always a bit grumpy," he said with a chuckle, knocking on the door.
The door creaked open, and a man's irritated voice echoed from inside. A head popped out, looking as if he had just been pulled from sleep.
"You brat, you came so early and disturbed my sleep!" he snapped, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Arthur.
Then, he turned his attention to Elara, giving her a skeptical glance. "The student?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow. "She looks so fragile..can she handle it"
Elara met the teacher's skeptical gaze without flinching, her mind sharp and focused despite her youthful appearance. Her voice was steady and confident as she replied, "Though my body may not be where I want it yet, my mind is sharp, and my resolve is unshakable. I've been through worse, and I'm not afraid of hard work. You'll see."
Her words, filled with quiet determination, seemed to catch the teacher off guard. He studied her for a moment, then broke into a rare grin. "Not bad, not bad at all," he muttered, his voice softening a little. "You've got some spirit in you, little girl."
He repeated the words again, his grin widening as he acknowledged her with an approving nod. "Not bad, not bad."