Training Ground: Awakening

'Why—why can't I do anything?' The unyielding chorus of self-doubt pierced through Libert's mind, echoing in the depths of his consciousness. For far too long, he had been plagued by a sense of helplessness, unable to tap into his true potential.

As the barrage of vicious punches continued, Libert's thoughts became a tumultuous whirlwind, his mind unable to find solace or answers. Each strike intensified the storm within him, further eroding his confidence and reinforcing the belief that he was destined to be powerless.

But amidst the chaos, a fleeting moment of respite emerged. The onslaught ceased abruptly, and the room fell into an uneasy silence. Elena, the relentless assailant, released a heavy sigh, her energy depleted.

"C-can you f-stop?" Libert's voice trembled, desperation seeping through his words as he pleaded for a temporary reprieve from the merciless assault.

"No, it's fun!" Elena's expression twisted into a sadistic grin, her eyes alight with a mixture of amusement and mischief. In that chilling moment, Libert finally understood the true nature of his opponent. She reveled in the thrill of the fight, finding joy in the torment she inflicted upon him. Taking a brief moment to catch her breath, Elena prepared herself to unleash another onslaught.

Amidst the swirling emotions and the relentless pain, something within Libert snapped. A flame ignited within his core, fueled by a potent blend of anger, frustration, and a newfound resolve.

It was a force that transcended the confines of his known world, an untapped well of potential waiting to be unleashed.

The air crackled with anticipation as Libert stood on the precipice of surrender or defiance.

Sweat trickled down his face, mingling with the grime and blood that marked his battered visage. His body ached, muscles protesting against the strain, yet a glimmer of determination flickered within his eyes.

In an instant, a portal materialized before him, crackling with ethereal energy. Elena, propelled by an otherworldly speed, vanished into its depths, leaving Libert to face the pulsating gateway alone.

Driven by an inexplicable urge, Libert shifted his body towards the incomplete portal. It called to him, beckoning him to step into the unknown, to embrace the uncharted territories of his potential. As he moved closer, a searing pain jolted through his being, his head colliding with an invisible barrier.

"Ow!" The exclamation of pain mingled with Elena's voice, momentarily breaking the silence.

"S-sorry," Libert stammered, his voice laced with a mixture of fear and apology. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, evidence of the intense encounter.

"How'd you do that?" Elena's curiosity shone through her words, interwoven with a genuine concern for Libert's well-being.

"I…don't know," Libert responded, his voice tinged with wonder and confusion. It was a realization that he had tapped into a power he couldn't fully comprehend.

"Sorry, I think I might have gone too far," Elena's admission carried a weight of responsibility, a recognition of the boundary she had crossed in their relentless confrontation.

"I-it's okay," Libert replied, his voice quivering slightly. Though shaken by the ordeal, he couldn't deny the flicker of newfound strength and resilience that had emerged within him.

The encounter had pushed him to his limits and awakened something dormant, something that refused to be shackled by his previous beliefs of powerlessness.

"Wanna go to the park?" Elena's sudden question cut through the lingering tension, her sapphire eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and anticipation.

"Sure…" The surprise etched on Libert's face was unmistakable, caught off guard by Elena's unexpected request.

———

As Libert and Elena stepped into the park, a serene atmosphere embraced them, providing a stark contrast to their recent intense confrontation. The park's lush greenery, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the soothing melodies of chirping birds offered a much-needed respite for their bodies and minds. Despite the tranquility, Libert couldn't shake off the memory of Elena's twisted expression during their spar.

They strolled along a winding path, their footsteps falling into a harmonious rhythm. The tension that had dominated their earlier encounter gradually dissipated, giving way to a tentative camaraderie. Elena's enigmatic aura and unwavering spirit intrigued Libert more than he had anticipated.

Life seemed to bloom around them in the park, with vibrant colors painting the scene and laughter filling the air. Children played on swings, their joyful squeals echoing through the surroundings, while couples walked hand in hand, lost in their world of love and companionship. Amidst it all, children created countless portals, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in challenging times, beauty and happiness could be found.

Elena's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she absorbed the sights and sounds of the park. She effortlessly blended into the vibrant tapestry of life, commanding attention and drawing others toward her. Libert couldn't help but observe her, his gaze filled with a mix of admiration and intrigue, tempered by a sense of restraint and fear.

Eventually, they reached a peaceful clearing adorned with a picturesque pond, its surface shimmering under the warm sunlight. A wooden bench sat at the water's edge, beckoning them to rest and reflect. Elena gracefully took a seat, inviting Libert to join her.

As they sat side by side, an uncomfortable silence settled between them. The weight of their previous confrontation lingered in the air, though softened by a budding understanding.

"... I d-don't get it," Libert finally spoke, his voice a mix of curiosity and vulnerability. "Wh-who are you, Elena? And w-why did you want to s-spar?"

Elena turned to face him, her gaze piercing through his defenses. She paused for a moment, considering how much to reveal.

"Can't tell you, but what I can tell you is; that you have portal detection," she replied, her voice carrying a touch of mystery. "I wanted to challenge you, to help you push beyond your limits."

A glimmer of comprehension flickered in Libert's eyes as he grappled with these revelations.

'Push beyond my *ss, you mean,' Libert thought, his suspicion still lingering.

Despite his reservations about her methods, Libert sensed that Elena had somehow tapped into his deepest desires and fears, offering him an opportunity to break free from the shackles of his self-imposed limitations.

"And w-who are y-you?" Libert asked, his voice a mixture of awe and disbelief.

Elena's smile radiated warmth as she responded, "I can't tell you that, but what I can tell you is that you have the ability of portal detection."

"Portal detection..." Libert whispered the words under his breath, a sense of familiarity washing over him.

"Basically, you have the ability to track portals and predict where they will appear," Elena further explained in an informative tone.

"H-how do you kn-know?" Libert's mind became a whirlwind of confusion. Throughout his life, he had been told he was worthless and powerless. Now, there was a glimmer of hope, a chance to attain a better life.

"I noticed that you always knew where my portals would—"

"Ma'am, we need to leave," a gruff and aged voice interrupted their conversation. Libert's eyes darted to locate the source, revealing an enormous, burly man clad in a black suit.

"Who sent you?" There was animosity in Elena's voice, yet Libert could also sense a familiar connection between Elena and the mysterious man.

"Your parents..." Libert observed the man once more, taking in every detail. He noticed a gruesome scar on the right side of his face, partially hidden by a pair of sunglasses.

"Well... I've got to go," Elena's tone carried a sense of urgency.

"Okay..." Libert responded softly, his voice barely a whisper.

As Elena and the mysterious man swiftly and quietly departed, Libert expected some sort of farewell, a final exchange of words.

But none came.

He was left there alone, seated on the wooden bench, contemplating the events that had unfolded. The park's tranquility enveloped him once more, its soothing ambiance contrasting with the unanswered questions swirling in his mind.