Chapter 39: The Way I Fight

Christian and Jimmy stood before Madeline, their faces exuding determination. Madeline wore a big smile, observing their newfound confidence.

"It looks like you two are motivated," she remarked, awaiting their response.

However, instead of replying, Christian and Jimmy maintained a serious demeanor, their focus unbroken.

"Perfect, let's get started, shall we?" Madeline suggested, sensing their eagerness.

Christian glanced at Jimmy's gloves and chuckled. "Fancy gloves you've got there."

Jimmy snickered in response. "Shut up, Christian. These gloves are important." In his mind, he reflected, "Miss Madeline has taught me a lot, but I had to compensate for my weaknesses. So, I created a way to fight with smaller amounts of water. That's why I made these gloves. They contain small capsules of water in each finger, ensuring I can fight no matter what!"

Suddenly, Jimmy let out a loud proclamation, "I won't be holding back, Miss Madeline!"

Madeline nodded approvingly. "Good. I don't expect you to."

Christian, observing Jimmy's pumped-up state, smiled to himself. It was now his turn to demonstrate his progress. "I guess it's my turn to get started as well."

Christian begins to power up with electricity manifesting all around him.

Jimmy scoffed at Christian's lack of apparent change. "Looks like nothing has changed with you."

With a calm yet determined expression, Christian replied, "Is that so..."

In that moment, the electricity enveloping his body condensed, forming a thin, protective layer of lightning.

Madeline, impressed by the display, couldn't help but voice her awe. "Ohhh..."

Jimmy, recognizing the progress, grumbled, "Tsk, not bad."

Christian declared confidently, "Alright, I'm ready to go."

With her spear at hand, Madeline called the fight to commence.

Christian took the initiative, charging forward to engage in close combat, believing that staying within Madeline's spear range would provide an advantage.

Madeline deftly evaded Christian's attacks, impressed by his improved movement and energy conservation. She thought to herself, "Not only has his speed increased, but the dispersed lightning coat offers better protection."

Madeline smiled, acknowledging the progress. "However..." She skillfully dodged another of Christian's strikes before countering with a straightforward punch. Christian managed to block, though the impact sent him flying backward.

Christian, with a smile on his face and sweat on his forehead, taunted, "Is that all you got?"

Madeline responded, "Ohh... cocky, huh."

She clenched her fist and swiftly closed the distance, delivering a powerful punch. This time, Christian's defense faltered, and he was blown away.

Panting, Christian muttered in disbelief, "Damn... What happened?"

Madeline remarked, "I'll admit, you have gotten better, but you're still an amateur. Don't forget that. Besides the lightning coat is a good idea but you are suppressing way too much of your power making a simple punch from me still very effective."

As Madeline spoke, two water dragons appeared, but she effortlessly evaded them.

Meanwhile, Jimmy joined the fray, announcing his presence. "I'm here as well, Miss Madeline."

Madeline assured him, "Don't worry, I didn't forget you."

Jimmy leaped toward Madeline while she was mid-air, utilizing his gloves to form water weapons. "Here we go."

Crafting water knives, Jimmy relentlessly launched attacks, but Madeline effortlessly dodged each one.

Christian, observing the situation, decided it was time to switch tactics. He gathered all his lightning into his hand, signaling an impending attack.

Madeline commented, "You've gotten better, Jimmy. But you still have room to improve..."

She swiftly dispatched Jimmy, knocking him to the ground by flipping him after he got too close. However, Christian took advantage of the distraction and charged Madeline with his lightning-infused strike. "Here 's some teamwork for you!"

Reacting quickly, Madeline performed a quick motion, kicking Jimmy away and readying her spear to meet Christian's attack head-on.

Christian found himself struggling against Madeline as their attacks clashed. Amid the battle, Jimmy managed to compose himself and, from the ground, used water droplets in the air to create tiny spears, aiming them at Madeline.

Madeline chuckled, acknowledging the duo's increased challenge. "Well, both of you are making this tough on me now."

Jimmy defiantly declared, "Give up, Miss Madeline!"

Smiling mischievously, Madeline responded, "Well, let's get serious, shall we?"

With a burst of power, Madeline broke free from the struggle against Christian and hurled her spear at the ground. The resulting lightning shock spread through the electrified water on the ground, incapacitating Jimmy.

Christian, frustrated, shouted, "Dammit!"

Madeline regained her composure mid-air and swiftly descended toward Christian, delivering a powerful drop-kick that created a crater upon impact.

Dust filled the training field, settling after a few moments. Christian slowly rose to his feet, glancing up to see Madeline before him. She taunted him, saying, "Now, Christian, this is how you throw a punch." With a tiny spark emanating from her fist, Madeline struck him in the gut, rendering him unconscious.

Breathing slightly heavy, Madeline remarked, "You both gave me quite a challenge. Phase 1 of your training is now complete."

Several days passed after the intense sparring match with Madeline. Both Christian and Jimmy continued honing their abilities, growing stronger with each session. During one of their training sessions, an unexpected guest arrived at the village.

A random villager hurriedly approached Madeline, exclaiming, "Miss Madeline, Miss Madeline!"

Curious, Madeline responded, "Yes, what is it?"

The villager relayed the news, "There are strangers in front of the village, wearing military uniforms!"

Everyone present was taken aback by the sudden revelation.

Madeline smiled confidently. "Well, let's go meet our guests, then."

Leading the way, Madeline and the villagers approached the village gates. As they opened, Madeline noticed that the strangers donned Coast Guard uniforms, a branch of the World Military.

"Well, well, what is the Coast Guard doing here?" she questioned, her gaze fixated on the approaching figures.

A man introduced himself as Major General Brock, accompanied by his subordinates, Major Taylor and 1st Lieutenant Snape. Major General Brock, a black man with curly afro hair and a lollipop in his mouth, greeted Madeline, his intentions yet to be discerned.

Observing Major General Brock, Madeline pondered his motives. "Hello, Major General. It's a pleasure to meet you," she replied with a hint of curiosity.

Major General Brock briefly surveyed Madeline, aware of her reputation as the Lightning Goddess. Major Taylor, a professional-looking Asian woman holding a clipboard, and Lieutenant Snape, avoiding eye contact with pale skin and snake-like eyes, stood alongside him.

While Major Taylor urged the lieutenant to greet Madeline properly, the lieutenant responded with a dismissive, "Hello..."

Madeline chuckled slightly, tilting her head as she replied, "Hello to both of you as well. Now, what can I do for you, Major General?"

Major General Brock stood tall and met Madeline's gaze, maintaining his composure. "I have come to inform you that I will now be in charge of this territory starting today."

Madeline's posture straightened, her eyes locked onto Major General Brock. "Is that so..." she replied, conveying a mix of curiosity and caution.

Explaining further, Major General Brock informed her, "The previous general has been relocated, and she is no longer close enough to keep an eye on the village."

Madeline absorbed the information, silently processing the implications. "I see..."

Assuring his intentions, Major General Brock continued, "However, I was instructed about the situation, and I am here to maintain peace with you, Miss Madeline. As long as the previous stipulations are met, we can ensure a peaceful coexistence."

Madeline stood still, her gaze fixed on Major General Brock, her stare laden with a hint of menace. "Same stipulations, huh?" she questioned, challenging his proposition.

With composed resolve, Major General Brock responded, "Yes, Miss Madeline. If you were ever to leave the village grounds, I would be compelled to intervene. Similarly, if any of the villagers leave the premises, they will forfeit their protection."

Madeline maintained her intimidating gaze, considering the implications. After a moment of silence, she finally smiled and said, "I'll keep that in mind."

Grateful for her reception, Major General Brock expressed his gratitude. "Thank you. We will be taking our leave now."

As the military officials departed, Major General Brock removed the lollipop from his mouth, sighing. "Jeez, she's a lot more intimidating than I imagined."

Major Taylor, impressed by Madeline, commented, "So that was Madeline, the Lightning Goddess."

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Snape nonchalantly stated, "She didn't seem that impressive."

Major General Brock, aware of the true extent of Madeline's power, sighed, saying, "Don't underestimate her. Even I don't know if I could defeat her head-on."

Briefly reflecting on the encounter, Major General Brock added, "Well, let's hope it never comes to that."

Major Taylor remarked, "You're being too modest, Major General."

Lieutenant Snape muttered, "tsk"

Transitioning back to Madeline, she conversed with Harrison about the unexpected visitors. Harrison expressed his intrigue, and Madeline, while maintaining her composure, muttered to herself, "Where have you gone, Becca?"