Stage 2

Lance awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. The night of cultivation had gone well, and there were signs that he might advance to Middle Stage-1 Initiate soon.

After having a tasty breakfast, Lance got back into the dojo, rearing to go.

The familiar figure of the Castellan was there waiting for him.

"Welcome to stage-2! Before we start, there is something you need to know. Depending on your performance in the remaining stages, it is possible that the a person who has more knowledge about cultivation techniques than anyone living might customize a technique for you. If you succeed, this technique, in your hands, has the potential to make you have nigh infinite stamina. That's all the details you need to know now, the rest will be explained if and when you do succeed. You should only keep this in mind: progress with a single minded determination to finish the training as fast as possible. I have full confidence in you my disciple. I know you will make me proud."

Lance felt a warmth in his heart on hearing this. The feeling of someone having confidence in him was new to him. It felt like a small voice was cheering him on in his head, urging him to do his best.

Overall, it felt good.

"I will definitely succeed, master.", replied Lance in a voice filled with determination.

Smiling, the Castellan took a deep breath before saying, "Good. I know you will. This is stage 2."

A familiar machine appeared in the dojo as the sound of the flick faded.

It was the Punch Power Testing Machine. This was the machine where Lance had first shown his strength.

Seeing it here, Lance asked, "Master, do you want to test me before we proceed?"

"This is the test. Your PP was 1001 kg. Your job is to increase it to 10,001 kg. With your previous experiences and especially the experience from stage-1, this might be a hard task but it is certainly not impossible. After collecting data from your training and matching it with wishers before you, our scientists have decided that a 10x amplification is highest you can aim for at this stage. They actually advised me to give you the goal of 5x. I simply told them this:my disciple has the grit to make a 5x into a 10x even if it required a him to bleed a bucket of blood everyday. Was I wrong?", asked the Castellan, with the last question echoing around the dojo.

"No!", shouted Lance. Whatever it would take, he was ready.

"Besides, if you cannot even achieve a 10x, you can kiss that technique goodbye. My only advice for you in this task is this: it takes many tiny drops to form an ocean. Good luck."

Lance had no idea how this simple logic would help him in punching with the power of a literal moving truck. He could only nod in reply.

"Oh, there's one more thing. Glove training isin't over. 4 gloves will be waiting for you with increased power and speed, same time everyday. Take care, because these can actually injure you now."

A helpless look appeared in Lance's face seeing his master disappear. The damn gloves were back for revenge and he was so not looking forward to spitting blood instead of just spit from now on.