A Sudden Test of Power

The following morning, I woke up feeling sore but exhilarated. The training had left a lasting mark, both on my body and my spirit. I could still feel the faint buzz of energy beneath my skin, a reminder of the power Kael had helped me uncover the previous night. For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I wasn’t entirely helpless.

Kael had promised we would continue my training today, and I found myself eager for it. Though I still didn’t fully understand my powers, each step toward mastering them felt like a piece of the puzzle falling into place. I couldn’t help but wonder—if I learned to control this energy, could I also learn why I was brought to this world? The thought gave me hope, but it also filled me with questions I wasn’t ready to face just yet.

As I made my way to the training grounds, the castle seemed quieter than usual, the air heavy with an almost eerie stillness. When I arrived, Kael was already waiting for me, his tall figure outlined against the gray sky. His expression was unreadable, but his dark eyes seemed to be studying me with more intensity than usual.

“You’re late,” he said, though there was no real reproach in his voice. “We have a lot to cover today.”

“I’m ready,” I replied, standing tall. The nerves I had felt yesterday were gone, replaced by a quiet confidence. Whatever came next, I was determined to face it head-on.

Kael didn’t waste time. “Today, we’re going to push your limits. You’ll need to learn how to tap into your power quickly—without hesitation.” He paused, his gaze piercing mine. “Out there, in this world, hesitation will get you killed.”

A shiver ran down my spine at his words, but I nodded. “I understand.”

He stepped back, his stance signaling that today’s training wouldn’t be like the last. “Good. Let’s begin.”

We moved through the exercises swiftly, Kael pushing me harder and faster than before. My muscles screamed in protest, but I fought through the pain, focusing on the energy within me. Each pulse of power that I summoned felt a little more controlled, a little more natural.

But just as I was beginning to feel more confident, Kael threw a new challenge at me. “Defend yourself,” he commanded, his voice cold and distant. Before I could react, he sent a burst of energy hurtling toward me.

I barely had time to raise my hands, summoning a shield of light to block the attack. The force of his power slammed into my barrier, pushing me back a few steps. My heart pounded as I struggled to hold the shield in place, sweat beading on my forehead.

“Focus!” Kael barked, his eyes locked onto mine. “If you can’t handle this, you won’t survive out there.”

His words stung, but I knew he was right. I couldn’t afford to falter—not now, not ever. Gritting my teeth, I concentrated harder, pushing back against his energy with everything I had. My shield glowed brighter, stronger, until finally, Kael’s attack dissipated into the air.

I gasped for breath, my arms trembling from the effort. Kael lowered his hands, nodding in approval. “Good. But you’ll need to be faster. Stronger.”

Before I could catch my breath, he attacked again, this time with even more force. I barely had time to react, raising my shield just in time to block the blast. The impact sent a shockwave through my body, but I held my ground, refusing to let it break me.

This time, something shifted. I felt a surge of power unlike anything I had experienced before, raw and untamed. Without thinking, I channeled that energy into a counterattack, sending a wave of light crashing toward Kael.

He dodged it effortlessly, his lips curling into a faint smile. “You’re improving. But remember—control is everything.”

I nodded, panting from the exertion. “I’ll get better. I promise.”

Kael’s smile faded, his expression growing serious once more. “You will. And you’ll need to, Hyza. There are forces in this world that will test you far beyond what we’re doing here. You need to be ready for them.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. Whatever awaited me in this world, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But with each passing day, with each pulse of power that I learned to control, I felt more prepared to face it.

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