A Night with You (5)

Mors Jericho.

"What the hell?" she muttered, her pulse quickening.

The Major General himself would also be participating. Athena's doubts about this show being "coincidental" deepened.

Something was definitely going on, and she was eager to find out what.

Determined to face the grueling challenges of the survival show, Athena dedicated herself to a rigorous month-long training regimen.

Though her current body was weaker than her previous assassin physique, her muscle memory and determination gave her a starting advantage.

Week 1: Assessing Weaknesses and Building Endurance

Athena began by testing her limits. She ran laps around the estate's massive grounds, timing herself with each lap to measure her improvement.

Her stamina was embarrassingly low at first, and she often had to stop to catch her breath.

"Unacceptable," she muttered, wiping sweat from her brow.

She pushed harder each day, extending her running time by two minutes daily.

Her meals were adjusted by the estate's nutritionist to fuel her training, focusing on lean proteins and complex carbohydrates to build muscle and sustain energy.

By the end of the week, Athena could run for 30 minutes without stopping, a marked improvement from her initial 10 minutes.

Week 2: Strength and Speed Training

With her endurance improving, Athena shifted her focus to strength and speed. She turned the estate's private gym into her sanctuary.

The facility was equipped with advanced equipment, including gravity-adjustable treadmills and resistance machines designed to simulate the harsh conditions of various planets.

Her routine included:

Sprint Intervals: She alternated between 30-second sprints and 1-minute recovery jogs to boost her explosive speed.

Weight Training: Squats, deadlifts, and bench presses helped her develop core strength and improve overall muscle tone.

Agility Drills: Using a holographic obstacle course, she practiced dodging, weaving, and quick directional changes to prepare for potential physical challenges in the wild.

By the end of the second week, Athena's body felt more responsive. Her reflexes sharpened, and she noted the beginnings of a leaner, stronger frame in the mirror.

Week 3: Simulating Survival Scenarios

Athena knew that stamina and strength weren't enough, she needed to be adaptable. Using the estate's holographic training room, she simulated survival scenarios.

Climbing: She practiced scaling virtual cliffs and trees, her muscles burning as she hoisted herself upward.

Swimming: Though not a strong swimmer, Athena trained to navigate through turbulent water simulations, building both strength and confidence.

Combat Training: She requested a sparring program to hone her close-quarters combat skills.

While she had no intention of revealing her assassin background, she couldn't afford to be defenseless if the wild turned hostile.

The head steward, Elder Arison, monitored her sessions with a mix of admiration and concern. "Young Madam, you're pushing yourself too hard," he said one evening.

"I'll rest when I've ensured I won't embarrass myself," she replied, her tone firm.

Week 4: Fine-Tuning and Recovery

The final week was about balance. Athena continued her training but introduced lighter exercises to prevent burnout.

Yoga and stretching routines helped her maintain flexibility, while meditation sessions improved her mental clarity.

She also tested survival skills like starting a fire, identifying edible plants, and navigating without technological assistance.

Her mornings began with a refreshing run through the estate gardens, followed by a hearty breakfast tailored for recovery.

Afternoons were spent in the gym or training room, and evenings included review sessions of Planet Halcyon's ecosystem, studying potential dangers she might face.

By the end of the month, Athena stood before a full-length mirror in her room. Her reflection revealed a stronger, more confident version of herself.

Her stamina, speed, and strength had improved significantly, but more importantly, her mind was focused and ready.

As she tightened the straps of her boots, she thought, If this survival show is meant to test me, then let it. I'll not only survive, I'll dominate.

Her optical brain chimed with a reminder, the transport to Planet Halcyon would leave in two days. Athena exhaled deeply, a small smirk forming on her lips.

The game was about to begin.

-

Later that night she found her husband waiting for her in their room. She hadn't paid any attention to him since her training started.

"You're here," Mors said.

"If I remember correctly, this is also my home," Athena answered.

Mors chuckled and said, "Let me give you a present."

He motioned for Athena to sit beside him. Athena sat beside him silently. "Give me your hand."

Athena stretched out her hand. Mors wore a wristwatch on her wrist. She then noticed that it matched the wristwatch on his wrist.

"Do we wear a couple's matching things during the program?" Athena asked, feeling confused.

Athena studied the lustrous, polished surface of the wristwatch now clasped around her wrist.

"This isn't just a piece of jewelry, is it?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and suspicion.

Mors leaned back slightly, his lips curling into a faint smile.

"This watch is not ordinary, it can be a communicator, a locator, a waterproof recorder, a distress signal carrier, or a weapon."

Its design was unassuming, silver with subtle engravings that mirrored the stars, but her trained eyes noticed the hidden mechanisms embedded within the seemingly ordinary accessory.

"You catch on quickly, wife. This watch is part of the latest military-grade technology, and a prototype is still being tested. But I pulled some strings to ensure you'd have one."

Athena raised an eyebrow, her fingers brushing against the cold metal. "And why would I need something like this?"

"For protection." Mors's tone grew serious.

"The survival show you're about to join is more dangerous than you think. Planet Halcyon is unpredictable, and not everyone on the show will play fair. I won't take chances with your safety."

She tilted her head, meeting his gaze. "Do you think I'm not capable of handling myself?"

His eyes softened.

"I know you're capable. But capability doesn't guarantee safety in a galaxy where unpredictability reigns. This watch will ensure I can find you if something goes wrong. It's equipped with a distress beacon that directly links to my communication line."

Athena felt a flicker of something unfamiliar, was it concern? The way Mors spoke carried a weight of sincerity that caught her off guard.

Why would he care about me this way?

She turned the watch on her wrist, examining the tiny grooves and buttons, imagining the hidden functions.

"You mentioned it can act as a weapon," she said. "What kind of weapon are we talking about?"