Exercise

"So, have you gathered any information about MX-183 yet?" A man dressed in a tuxedo tapped on a tablet. 

Next to him, a woman similarly dressed in a suit flipped through a stack of files before responding. "Not yet. So far, there have only been a few sightings after the attack on City O's bay." 

"That's a shame. If we fail to fulfill Mistress Lucinia's request, our standing within the Numar family will drop even further." 

"Yes, that is a concern, but I wouldn't necessarily say serving Mistress Lucinia is the worst outcome." 

"Well, yes, but her older brother shows more promise—" 

"—That's only because he's had the opportunity to expand his influence across multiple cities, while Mistress Lucinia was instructed to attend the academy." 

"…You do have a point there." 

Their conversation continued as they walked down a long hallway, their footsteps echoing off the polished floors. Eventually, they reached a door, which hissed open to reveal a grand chamber. Rows of empty spectator stands overlooked a vast dome, its floors scarred with deep gashes and cracks, some even marking the walls. 

At the center of the dome stood a woman. 

Lucinia stretched, clad in black tactical pants and boots, her upper body covered only by a fitted tank top that accentuated the years of training evident in her toned physique. But what stood out more than her form was the dark blue crescent moon etched onto her neck. Diamond-patterned vines extended from the marking, wrapping around her arm and trailing up the back of her neck before vanishing beneath her clothing. 

As she stretched, her eyes gleamed faintly, reflecting the moonlight that seeped in from the top of the towering dome. Her hair was tied back into a tight bun, with a few loose strands escaping to frame her sharp features. 

A subtle twitch in her fingers caught her attention. Her gaze flickered toward the two well-dressed assistants who had just entered. 

"What business do you have here?" Lucinia's voice was sharp and commanding, yet devoid of arrogance. 

"Miss Lucinia," the woman spoke first, "I have the report you requested. It seems the Pronz family heir is beginning to make his move." 

"Of course, he is," Lucinia remarked, plucking the files from the assistant's hands. 

"Ah, yes, Miss Lucinia, if I may?" the man interjected. 

"Speak." 

"It appears that the boy you attempted to scout—Malphas Darkwood—has officially entered the academy." 

Lucinia barely reacted as she flipped through the files. "That was to be expected." 

"Yes, but… will you still attempt to recruit him?" 

"That depends," she mused. "From what I've gathered, he seems like the stubborn type. Further research suggests it's not viable. His past and genetic makeup are unknown. Recruiting him would be akin to acquiring a wild, unpredictable beast—with no way to control it." 

"I see… My apologies for the misjudgment." 

"Not to worry," Lucinia reassured. "Now then, leave the file in my office and be on your way. I have training to do in preparation for the academy's exams." 

"Of course, Miss Lucinia," the two assistants said in unison before making their exit. 

Lucinia shifted her focus, lifting her wrist to reveal a sleek watch. It had text on it; though small, it can still be read. "Current exercise completion amount for today: 43." "Overall: 287."

Tapping its interface, she issued a command.

"Begin exercise."

A robotic voice responded promptly: 

"Beginning Stage 5 exercise." 

A hologram flickered to life at the base of the dome, materializing into a towering monster. Its form solidified into a monstrous, lizard-like creature covered in pitch-black scales. Standing at least twenty feet tall, it possessed massive arms and legs, its elongated snout lined with rows of jagged fangs. 

[Warning] 

Her system flared to life. 

[A Grade 3 monster has been detected.] 

[Flaw: "Moon Charge" is now completely nullified.] 

Despite the alert, Lucinia's expression remained unwavering. A faint, light-blue mist swirled around her hands before solidifying into two crescent-shaped blades. Chains coiled around the hollowed backs of the blades, linking them together. 

The monster's predatory gaze locked onto her before it lunged, its massive arm crashing down with a force that shook the entire dome. 

But Lucinia was gone. 

A blur of motion shot through the dust cloud as she sprinted up the creature's arm, leaping past its face with razor-sharp precision. A clean slash tore across the right side of its jaw. The beast shrieked, reeling back as something on its spine twitched violently, as if preparing to burst free. 

Lucinia landed lightly on the edge of the spectator stands, her eyes narrowing as scaly tendrils erupted from the creature's back. 

Essence gathered beneath her feet, propelling her sideways just as the tentacles lashed out. More shot toward her, but she was already prepared. A swift, fluid motion severed them before they could reach her, her blades carving through the air in perfect arcs. 

The monster's glowing eyes snapped to her position, its tendrils thrashing wildly as it attempted to ensnare her. Lucinia anticipated the attack, weaving through the assault before flipping overhead. In a near-invisible movement, she snapped her wrists—her chains following her command as her blades hooked deep into the beast's chest. 

With a sharp tug, she yanked it forward, sending the monster tumbling face-first into the ground. 

It barely had time to react before Lucinia gathered resonance into her fist. The energy condensed, vibrating with raw power. 

As the beast lifted its head, her strike came crashing down—its skull splitting open upon impact. 

The simulation flickered out. 

[You have successfully defeated a Grade 3 beast.] 

[Notice: This was not a real Grade 3 beast. No rewards will be granted.] 

Lucinia exhaled, steam rising from her body as sweat trickled down her neck. One thought lingered in her mind. 

He was faster. 

Malphas had outrun her cast, forcing her to exert a considerable amount of strength just to restrain him. 

"Still not enough," she muttered. "I have to stop relying on my boon." 

She tapped her wrist once more. 

"Begin exercise." 

"Beginning." The robotic voice echoed once again as another monster took shape.