Chapter 108: Upgrading the Training Room

"But don't be discouraged. I'm not just here to watch—I'll help you modify this place, and from now on, I'll train with you." Emma crossed her arms, a confident smile playing on her lips. "I don't know how or why you started all this, but I'll do my best to support you."

Alia gazed at her, a flicker of complex emotions passing through her eyes. Emma's trust and support warmed her heart, yet she knew she couldn't reveal too much. After a brief hesitation, she nodded. "Alright, let's start now. I'm ready."

She understood that the mysteries surrounding her wouldn't be solved overnight, but strengthening herself was always the right choice.

Emma nodded in satisfaction. Scanning the layout of the training room, she suddenly became intrigued. "Run through your routine once. Let me see what level you're at."

Alia smirked slightly. Without a word, she took a deep breath, tapped her toes lightly against the ground, and launched into motion.

Her movements were swift and fluid, with barely any unnecessary pauses. She stepped gracefully onto the wooden stakes embedded in the floor, leaped onto a beam, grabbed a rope, and slid down effortlessly. Flipping mid-air, she landed smoothly, weaving through a row of simulated obstacles like a sleek predator. Within mere seconds, she had completed the course with ease, her breathing steady and unbroken.

Emma stood there, stunned, eyes wide with disbelief. "You're way beyond what I expected." She frowned, replaying Alia's movements in her mind. "You're not just agile—your techniques are incredibly precise and smooth. But at the same time… you seem a little… unrefined?"

Alia's breath hitched slightly. She hadn't pushed herself to her limits, yet Emma still managed to notice the flaw.

Indeed, this body possessed remarkable natural talent—its flexibility and coordination were exceptional, almost eerily familiar to her past life. She still retained all her former skills, but the muscle memory of this new body hadn't fully adapted to them yet. As a result, while her movements were technically perfect, they lacked the seamless, instinctive flow born from years of experience.

Lowering her gaze, she exhaled softly, marveling at this body's potential—it was even better than she had anticipated.

Noticing her silence, Emma assumed she was frustrated by the critique and waved a hand dismissively. "Don't overthink it. I've seen a lot of naturally gifted people, but someone like you—who, despite a lack of polish, can execute such precise movements—is rare." She paused, her sharp gaze glinting. "You remember your path just now, right? I'll point out a few details. Adjust them, and you'll be even faster."

Alia refocused her thoughts and nodded. "Go ahead."

Emma walked to the center of the training area, her expression serious. "First, when you jumped onto the beam, your knee angle was slightly too wide. That makes your landing unstable. You corrected it quickly, but in a real fight, that momentary imbalance could create an opening for your opponent."

Alia recalled the moment and realized Emma was right. Her previous body had stronger muscle resilience, but this one, while nimble, required more refined control over her force distribution.

"And then, your obstacle navigation." Emma continued analyzing. "Your technique is solid, but I noticed your left leg isn't as flexible as your right. Every time you change direction, you lag by a fraction of a second."

Alia's eyes flickered. This body, despite its extraordinary potential, wasn't truly hers yet. Her left and right limbs still lacked perfect coordination.

Emma, seeing her thoughtful expression, clapped her hands and lightened her tone. "Alright, enough analysis. Let's talk upgrades. Since you're training this way, the room's setup should be improved."

They moved to the center of the training area and began discussing modifications in detail.

"First, the wooden stakes here are too rigid. Real battles won't have stationary obstacles. We need to add dynamic balancing elements." Emma gestured to the floor. "Like suspended ropes instead—so you'll have to adjust your weight distribution while jumping."

Alia nodded in agreement.

"Next, you lack climbing challenges." Emma pointed at the sidewall. "The zipline is good, but we should add a simulated wall with different footholds at varying heights to force adaptability."

Alia pondered briefly, then her eyes gleamed. "We could also add a rope course to strengthen upper body and core endurance."

Emma grinned. "Now that's a great idea!"

Their conversation grew increasingly animated as they refined their upgrade plans. Finally, Emma clapped her hands and smiled. "Alright, it's settled. We start construction tomorrow. And don't expect me to go easy on you."

Alia smirked, a glint of anticipation in her eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

With the plan set, they tidied up and left the training room. The cool breeze brushed against Alia's face as she walked through the corridors, her mind still turning over everything—Emma's past, the training upgrades, and, most of all, the mysteries surrounding Eryx.

This time, she wouldn't just get stronger. She would uncover the truths hidden in the shadows before it was too late.