Training Grounds

After a grueling session of deadlifts, I decided it was time to call it a day, even though there was still an extra hour left of free time for training. The smell of my own sweat was a clear indicator that I hadn't showered since yesterday, and I was eager to freshen up. The training had been intense, but I wasn't really sore. I made my way back to the dorm, my thoughts still lingering on the weight of the barbell and the rush of Mana that had coursed through my veins during the workout.

As I walked back to the dorm, I instinctively reached for my phone, scrolling through social media to catch up on the latest discussions about Mana. Despite the efforts of some governments to clamp down on such conversations, the internet was a vast and resilient network. With a reliable VPN, I could bypass those restrictions and tap into the global discourse on Mana.

The online community was abuzz with reports of more individuals forming their Mana Cores. It was a trend that seemed to be gaining momentum, with each new day bringing stories of those who had successfully Awakened. However, the number of people developing Meridians remained relatively low, a fact that could be attributed to the significantly higher fatality rate associated with their formation. Some users theorized that developing a higher pain tolerance and concentration could increase your chance of survival during the process.

As I read through these discussions, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of hope. Pain tolerance was something I could train, and I was determined to hone this skill to aid in the compression of my Mana Core. Even though the fatality rate for Mana Core compression was relatively low, I wanted to play it safe. I knew I would have to endure discomfort, but I was willing to do whatever it took to strengthen my connection to Mana and enhance my capabilities. The prospect of unlocking new powers, of becoming more than I ever thought possible, ignited a burning desire within me. But I would have to balance that ambition with caution, finding the right path to secure my place among the Awakened without recklessly endangering myself.

The conversations online also highlighted an increasing number of Awakened who were experimenting with elemental manipulation. There were tales of individuals coating their fists with fire, maintaining the flames through consecutive punches, and others who could conjure fireballs that hovered momentarily before dissipating. While these feats were undoubtedly impressive, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of skepticism. I couldn't shake the feeling that they were more about spectacle than practicality. As fascinating as these abilities were to witness, I couldn't immediately see how they would directly enhance my chances of survival when navigating the unpredictable and dangerous environments of the gates. I craved skills and powers that would give me a true edge, not just flashy displays.

More intriguing were the accounts of Awakened who had learned to manipulate water using Mana. Not only could they create water from thin air, but they could also drink it, sustaining themselves in environments where clean drinking water was scarce. The implications of this were staggering, especially for those stationed in the gates, where the terrain and conditions were unpredictable at best. I realized that mastering this skill could be a game-changer for my own survival, and I made a mental note to explore this aspect of Mana manipulation further.

My attention then shifted to discussions about Meridians. The consensus was that improving them was a more arduous task than condensing a Mana Core, but the rewards were proportionately greater. The process involved condensing each miniature Mana Core within the body and widening the pathways between them. It was a risky endeavor, but the potential benefits—enhanced physical and mental capabilities—were undeniable. While I was intrigued by the prospect of having Meridians, I couldn't shake off the inherent dangers associated with their development.

Lost in thought, I arrived at my dormitory and found Eldric, my roommate, lounging on his bed, engrossed in his phone. He looked up as I entered, a curious expression on his face.

"Whoa, you smell like you just went a few rounds with a sweaty wrestler," Eldric said with a smirk.

"Yeah, just went through some intense training," I said, trying to sound casual. "Anyways, where can I find info about the schedule and all?"

Eldric raised an eyebrow at me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Did you even attend the briefing, dude?"

I sighed, feeling a bit foolish. "I came in late," I admitted, not bothering to elaborate on the punitive tasks that had occupied my morning.

Eldric chuckled, a knowing look in his eye. "Ah, so you're one of the poor souls who got put through the wringer by the drill sergeant this morning. I've heard the stories - that guy doesn't hold back, does he? The other recruits have been talking about it."

Internally, I bristled at the thought of being the subject of gossip, but I quickly brushed it aside. It was a trivial matter, and I had more pressing concerns to focus on.

"Whatever," I said, dismissing his comment with a wave of my hand. "But seriously, how do you know about the schedule and all?"

Eldric leaned back against his pillow, a playful glint in his eye. "Did you not read the papers you signed and all? The clerk should've given you an extra paper or two about what to do."

I mentally kicked myself for overlooking such an important detail. In my haste to get settled and start training, I had skimmed through the paperwork without paying close attention. It was a rookie mistake, one that I wouldn't make again. "Thanks for the help, Eldric," I said, making a mental note to review the documents more thoroughly.

I wanted to review the paperwork thoroughly after I had a chance to shower, hoping the hot water would clear my mind and allow me to focus on the details. Gripping the stack of extra military uniforms that had been shoved into the closet, and grabbing the towel I had brought from home, I made my way to the shared bathroom. Navigating the maze of dormitory hallways, I arrived at the communal shower area, where I swiftly changed in the adjoining changing room, the sounds of other recruits around me becoming just another part of the daily routine.

With my towel secured, I stepped into the shower stall, the hot water providing a welcome relief from the day's rigorous training. The space was alive with the sounds of running water and the occasional curse as someone misjudged the temperature dial. I kept my focus inward, letting the warmth envelop me. It was a moment of solitude I had come to appreciate, a brief respite where the outside world faded into the background. The steam rose around me, carrying away the day's exertions and leaving me refreshed and ready to face whatever came next.

After my shower, I wrapped the towel around my waist and headed to the changing r0om, where I found a vacant spot among the other recruits. I quickly pulled on my clean military uniform, the rough fabric familiar against my skin. With my gear stowed away in my bag, I made my way back to the dormitory, the familiar sounds of the base echoing through the corridors.

As I entered the room, Eldric looked up from his laptop, a smirk spreading across his face. "Back from the showers already? You're quick," he remarked with a hint of amusement.

I chuckled, shaking my head as I set my bag down on my bed. "Just trying to stay on schedule," I replied, adjusting the collar of my shirt.

Eldric nodded, his attention returning to his laptop screen. I took a moment to get my thoughts in order, then turned to him.

"Hey, do you mind if we exchange numbers?" I asked, pulling out my phone. "You know, in case I need anything or get lost around here."

Eldric didn't skip a beat, rattling off his number as I entered it into my contacts. "Sure thing, Carter. Just don't abuse the privilege, or I'll have to change my number."

With that brief exchange with Eldric, I turned my attention to the stack of papers I had all but ignored upon my arrival. I flipped through the pages, skimming over the various military jargon and regulations, until I came across a slip of paper that caught my eye. It was a printout with a web address and a brief instruction to log in for further details about the training schedule and curriculum.

I was taken aback by the discovery. The military, often stereotyped as mired in paperwork and outdated systems, was using a website to disseminate information? This was unexpected, considering the reams of paperwork I had waded through upon my arrival at Haven's Bastion. Perhaps this was a sign that the military was more progressive in certain areas than its bureaucratic reputation suggested. I felt a flicker of hope—maybe the military was more adaptable and forward-thinking than I had given it credit for.

I unlocked my phone and opened my web browser, typing in the address with a sense of anticipation. The website was sleek and user-friendly, a pleasant surprise given the military's traditional reliance on paper-based communication. I navigated through the introductory pages, my fingers swiping across the screen as I took note of the various training modules and resources available to us.

It was then that I stumbled upon the details for the upcoming training session. My heart skipped a beat as I read the description: "Compression of Mana Core/Meridians." The words seemed to jump out at me, and I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. This was it—the next step in my journey as an Awakened.

I was psyched at the prospect, but a nagging question lingered at the back of my mind. Would this session involve actual Mana Core compression, or was it merely a preparatory class? I mulled it over, considering the military's incentive to keep its soldiers alive and well. It was logical to assume that they would prioritize our safety over reckless experimentation with our Mana Cores and Meridians. After all, there was no point in investing in our training if we were just going to end up as casualties of war.

Despite the excitement that bubbled within me, I couldn't shake off the feeling of apprehension. The military was a well-oiled machine, and I was just another cog in the wheel—a cog that could be easily replaced if I failed to measure up. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I locked my phone's screen, the browser window disappearing. I would find out soon enough.

The training session was due to start in thirty minutes, which meant I still had some spare time on my hands. Yet, the thought of arriving late was unthinkable. The memory of this morning's disciplinary actions was still fresh in my mind, and I had no intention of repeating that experience. I made sure my gear was stowed away properly in my bag, ready to head out to Training Facility 5 ahead of schedule.

Before heading out, however, I had one more question for Eldric. "Hey, Eldric," I began, trying to keep my voice steady, "Are you an Awakened?"

Eldric looked up from his laptop, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Yeah, why do you ask?"

I leaned against the edge of my bunk, attempting to appear relaxed. "Just wondering why I didn't see you sweating it out with the rest of us this morning."

He chuckled, closing his laptop with a soft thud. "You think they'd cram all of us into one session? With nearly a thousand recruits, we'd be tripping over each other. They've got us divided into groups, smart guy."

A wave of embarrassment washed over me, but I quickly pushed it aside. "Huh, never thought of that," I mumbled, a sheepish grin spreading across my face.

With a newfound understanding of the military's approach to training, I left the dormitory and made my way to Training Facility 5. Despite the sprawling layout of Haven's Bastion, the path was becoming more familiar with each trip I made across the base. The rigid grid of the base's design, coupled with the prominent signage at every junction, had gradually imprinted the route in my mind. As I navigated the well-trodden paths, a mix of excitement and nervous energy propelled me forward, the anticipation of the upcoming training session growing with every step.