New Training

Silence hung heavily over the training grounds on the outskirts of Olympus City. A thin mist clung to the desolate landscape, shrouding the complex in an ethereal veil, adding to the air of mystery that seemed to permeate every inch of this place.

Outdoor training started even earlier than indoor sessions, forcing Allie out of bed at the ungodly hour of 4 am. By the time she arrived at the training grounds, the sky was just beginning to lighten, most of her teammates were already there.

"Ready for this?" a deep voice rumbled behind her. Turning, she found herself facing Coach Black, his gaze sharp and piercing as ever.

Allie, along with the other Star recruits, straightened, responding in unison, "Yes, Coach. We're ready."

His eyes swept over them, lingering on their gear, his expression turning critical as he scrutinized each piece. The more affluent recruits, their equipment flashy and excessive, were subjected to a barrage of scathing remarks and withering glares.

He stopped in front of Allie, his gaze sweeping over her minimalist gear. A flicker of approval crossed his face, and for a moment, she thought he might actually compliment her practicality. But then his eyes fell on her shoes.

"Those are Mercury Customs, aren't they?" His voice was sharp, his eyes narrowed.

"Uh, yes, Coach," she replied, a nervous flutter in her stomach.

He shook his head, his expression turning stern. "Suicidal. Downright foolish."

"Allie, outdoor skating requires more than just physical strength. Use your head!"

"Yes, Coach. I'll get new ones today," she mumbled, her cheeks burning as a few muffled snickers reached her ears.

"Who's laughing?!" His roar cut through the tense silence, silencing the chuckles instantly. "There are no privileged exceptions here. Anyone who wants to flaunt their family's wealth can get out right now!"

The training ground was an expansive open-air arena, the ground covered in specially treated red soil, simulating the Martian terrain. Obstacles and training equipment were scattered across the field, turning the whole area into a giant, challenging adventure park.

Coach Black stopped, turning to face the new recruits. "Today's training consists of three parts: physical conditioning, technique, and mental fortitude. First, let's see what you're made of."

He pointed towards an obstacle course in the distance. "Twenty laps around this course, completing every obstacle on each lap. No special equipment, just you and your raw skill. Understood?"

Allie took a deep breath, anticipation tingling in her limbs, her gaze fixed on the daunting course ahead.

"Go!"

With sharp bark, Coach Black set them off. Allie shot forward, her skates a blur as she glided over the red earth.

The first obstacle was a series of uneven wooden posts. She weaved through them with practiced ease, maintaining her balance as she navigated the unpredictable terrain. A winding, serpentine path followed, testing her agility and control. She shifted her weight, leaning into the curves, her movements fluid and precise.

As the laps added up, however, fatigue began to set in. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her legs, already protesting from yesterday's exertion, screamed in protest. Sweat stung her eyes, blurring her vision.

And then she felt it. The familiar thrum of the Kunlun energy, a potent force coiled within her, whispering temptations, urging her to unleash it.

"No," she told herself firmly. "Coach Black said no special abilities. I have to do this on my own."

Gritting her teeth, she pushed the tempting energy down, focusing on the obstacle ahead. Every movement was an effort of will, but she refused to give up. She had survived worse, had endured harsher conditions in the Martian slums. This was nothing.

Finally, she crossed the finish line, legs wobbling, and collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. Every muscle in her body ached, but a sense of accomplishment warred with the pain.

Coach Black strode towards her, offering her a water bottle. "Not bad, Wren. Your conditioning is better than I expected. But there's room for improvement."

She accepted the bottle gratefully, gulping down the cool water. "Thank you, Coach. I'll work harder."

He nodded curtly, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Good. Ten minutes rest, then we move on to technique."

Allie sat on the ground, catching her breath, watching as her teammates completed the course with varying degrees of difficulty. Most of them made it look easy, their movements effortless and graceful. She realized with a pang of self-doubt that without the Kunlun energy, she was just average, her body no more extraordinary than any other athlete's. The realization stung, but it also fueled her determination.

"I'll get stronger," she vowed silently. "I'll master the Kunlun energy, but I'll also push my physical limits. I'll become the best I can be."

Ten minutes later, Coach Black's voice cut through her thoughts. "Get ready. Time to work on your technique."

...

Back in her dorm room, Allie collapsed onto her bed, her muscles screaming in protest.

The door burst open, and Fiona rushed in, her face alighted with excitement.

"Allie! You're back!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her heels as she perched on the edge of the bed. "Tell me everything! Is Coach Black's training as brutal as they say?"

Allie chuckled, pushing herself up to lean against the headboard. "Honestly? It's intense. But every exercise has a purpose. It's challenging, but I can already feel myself improving."

Fiona leaned closer, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Really? Tell me more!"

Allie launched into a detailed account of the day's training, from the grueling physical conditioning to the intricate techniques Coach Black had drilled into them. Fiona listened with rapt attention, gasping and giggling at all the right moments.

"Oh my god, that spinning obstacle sounds insane!" Fiona exclaimed. "How did you even manage that?"

Allie smiled. "It's all about observation and strategy. Coach Black says that in extreme sports, your mind is your most valuable asset."

Fiona nodded thoughtfully. "He sounds amazing. But…" she paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Who's stricter, him or Ryan?"

"..." Allie was speechless, caught off guard by the unexpected question.

Fiona burst out laughing. "Just kidding!"

Just then, Allie's terminal chimed, signaling a new message. It was a school notification.

"Dear Allie Wren,

We are pleased to inform you that the Academy's Foundation Committee will be hosting a research expedition to Mount Kunlun next week. This expedition is open to exceptional students, and in light of your recent achievements and potential, we would like to extend an invitation to you. The expedition will involve…"

Allie's eyes widened as she finished reading the message.

"What is it?" Fiona asked, her curiosity piqued.

Allie quickly relayed the contents of the message, her excitement growing with each word. Before she could finish, Fiona's terminal chimed as well.

"This is amazing! I got an invitation too!" Fiona squealed, her eyes sparkling. "Mount Kunlun is supposed to be shrouded in mystery! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Allie nodded, her mind buzzing with possibilities. "I know! I've always wanted to see it for myself. And who knows, maybe I'll find some answers about this power within me."

Fiona's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Do you think it has anything to do with that mysterious girl from your dreams?"

Allie fell silent for a moment, pondering the question. "I don't know," she admitted finally. "But it's worth exploring, right?"

Fiona squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Whatever happens, I'm here for you. We'll face it together, okay?"

Allie nodded, touched by her friend's unwavering support. "Okay, Fiona."

The two girls exchanged smiles, their conversation quickly turning to excited speculation about all the wonders that might await them on Mount Kunlun.

"Did you know there's a flower on Mount Kunlun that blooms all year round? It's supposed to be incredibly beautiful, and some say it even sings during certain seasons."

"And there's a deep lake, shrouded in legends. People say it's teeming with mysterious creatures, and some even claim to have seen mermaids there!"

They talked late into the night, their voices filled with anticipation, their imaginations running wild with possibilities, until, finally, Fiona, stifling a yawn, retreated to her own bed.

Just then, a message popped up in their chat group.

Amir: Allie, Fiona, I got invited to the Mount Kunlun expedition! Are you guys going?

Amir: Heard it's only for those who qualified for the Twin Star Tournament?

Fiona: ヽ(*.>Д<)o゜ Why are you everywhere we go?!

Allie: (￣△￣;)