Trial 27: Test of Strength

Arriving at the training room, I noticed that several gym equipment had been set up. When I asked what those equipment are doing inside, Dashiell said that he will test if I'm fit enough to clear this phase and move onto the next one. With that, I started warming-up by doing some breathing exercises, stretching, and light cardio exercises.

When I finished warming-up, Dashiell explained that between each test, there's a five-minute interval in which I could take a little rest. Then, without further ado, he started testing me. Beginning with a speed test, I underwent a flying 30m sprint test, 40m Cycling Sprint Test, and a Plate Tapping Test. My punching speed was also tested.

Moving on, my power was put on a test. In that test, my punching power was measured. I did bench presses too as well as basketball throws in a seated position. Following such, I had the vertical jump test, drop jump test, standing broad jump test, and a power clean repetition max test.

The next moment, I was told to do push-ups and sit-ups as many as I could within a minute; that's two minutes of putting a lot of vigor. After that, Dashiell instructs me to do pull-ups again as many as I could in a minute. Lastly, I climbed up the ropes using only my upper body strength.

Everything wasn't as difficult for me as they were during the first week of the training. Looking back to that time, if I were to do what I did today, I would have passed out before finishing all of the speed tests. The present me certainly improved, I can say and I'm happy about it though I'm unsure whether I passed this phase or not because I'm breathing heavily as I'm trying to catch my breath. Anyway, I'm excited to know the answer so I called out Dashiell to ask, "So, how did I do? Did I pass?"

"Hmm... Aren't we excited? I'll tell you when I finish doing the same stuff you did."

"But Dashiell, is that still necessary? I mean you're already fit and you've proven that to me."

"Idiot, that's not the point. As your trainer, I should assure not just you but myself that I'm cut to do my job. This isn't a simple game after all."

"Oh okay. If you say so."

"Just record my stats, okay?"

"Okay, Dashiell."

And so, Dashiell starts undergoing the same tests that I underwent. Nope, scratch that, they're not really similar. They're similar in nature but on a way higher level.

He took one test after the other with only almost a minute of interval in between. He doesn't seem to be struggling in these tests. It's as if it's as natural as breathing for him which amazes me. He's like a male protagonist in an action movie. Oops, enough of this, I should focus on what he asked me to do. I continued watching Dashiell's every move in awe as I was noting down his stats. And before I knew it, he was done. Even after those rigorous actions, he didn't break as much sweat as I did. In an instant, he walks over to where I stand and told me to show his record. I handed it to him. He knitted his eyebrows upon seeing his stats which confused me. I asked why he's making such a face and he responds with a question, "What face am I making?"

"Uh, well, you were knitting your eyebrows?" was my response which came out more like a question instead of a statement.

"Who wouldn't do that in this situation?"

"I see. I get it, you're not happy with your results-"

"Tch, that's not it. Would you look at this? Anyone would knit their eyebrows over this kind of writing. Your writing is all over the place."

I felt embarrassed by his honest reply that I bowed my head down and apologized. The atmosphere suddenly fell silent that it made me feel uneasy.

Then out of the blue, Dashiell laughs then lifts my face, saying, "I'm not that upset so don't worry. Come on, let's have a short break first before I discuss the results with you."

"Okay, got it."

We walked over to the bench and sat down. Dashiell picks up our bottled water and handed one to me. I immediately opened mine and started drinking on it. As I do so, my mind wandered back to earlier and got me thinking, "Dashiell just touched my face; I'm so happy." With that thought in mind, I can sense the giddiness that I felt then is building up again. I don't know if that's a bad thing or not but I like it. Waiting for the discussion of the results, I maintain the pleasant mood that I got from today's happenings.