The Plan Ahead

The next morning came too quickly for Amon's liking. His entire body ached as if he had been trampled by a herd of beasts, and even the simple act of getting out of bed felt like a monumental task. Across the room, Ying Yue was already awake, stretching with an ease that made Amon glare at her in mock irritation.

"Do you have to look so… capable?" Amon grumbled, wincing as he swung his legs over the side of the bed.

Ying Yue smirked. "It's called discipline. You should try it sometime."

Amon rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure. Right after I figure out how to stand without my legs screaming at me."

When they arrived at the training hall, Rurik was already waiting for them, his massive frame silhouetted against the bright lights of the room. He held two weapons in his hands a dull training sword and a staff tossing one to each of them as they approached.

"Today, we're focusing on combat," Rurik announced, his voice as sharp as the edge of a blade. "No amount of running or lifting will save you if you can't fight. And judging by what I saw yesterday, you've got a long way to go."

Amon inspected the training sword in his hands, frowning. "You could've at least given me a cooler weapon. This thing looks like a blunt stick."

Rurik raised an eyebrow. "You want a cooler weapon? Earn it."

Ying Yue, meanwhile, was already adjusting her grip on the staff, her expression focused. "What's the first exercise?"

Rurik grinned, and Amon didn't like the look in his eyes. "Simple. You're going to spar. No holding back."

The sparring session began with Rurik standing on the sidelines, barking instructions as Amon and Ying Yue squared off. Amon barely had time to ready himself before Ying Yue lunged, her movements swift and precise.

"Wait" Amon started, but the rest of his words were cut off as the staff came dangerously close to smacking him in the ribs. He stumbled back, raising his sword to block her next attack.

"You're hesitating!" Rurik called out. "Stop thinking and start moving!"

"I am moving!" Amon shot back, ducking as Ying Yue's staff whooshed past his head. "Barely."

Ying Yue pressed the advantage, her strikes relentless. Amon struggled to keep up, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated. After a particularly forceful hit to his side, he collapsed onto the ground, groaning.

"Pathetic," Rurik said, shaking his head. "You're not even trying."

Amon glared up at him. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Perfect. Maybe you'd like to try getting beaten up by a martial arts prodigy?"

Ying Yue extended a hand to help him up, her expression neutral. "You need to focus, Amon."

He sighed, taking her hand and pulling himself to his feet. "Yeah, yeah. Let's go again."

The next round started, and this time, Amon tried to anticipate Ying Yue's movements. He watched the way she shifted her weight, the subtle flicker in her eyes that betrayed her next strike. Slowly but surely, he began to hold his ground, blocking her attacks with increasing confidence.

"That's it!" Rurik called out. "Now you're starting to get it."

Amon grinned, a spark of pride igniting in his chest. "I'm not as useless as I look, huh?"

But his moment of triumph was short-lived. Ying Yue feinted to the left before delivering a swift jab to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. He crumpled to the ground once again, gasping for air.

"Still got a long way to go," Ying Yue said, offering him a small smile.

"Noted," Amon wheezed.

After hours of sparring, Rurik called them over. He handed each of them a water bottle, his expression serious. "You've got potential, but raw skill isn't enough. If you want to survive in this world, you need to think strategically."

Ying Yue nodded, her attention unwavering. Amon, however, raised an eyebrow. "Strategically? Like what? Hitting them with a witty one-liner before they hit me?"

Rurik stared at him, unimpressed. "No. Like using your surroundings, exploiting your opponent's weaknesses, and thinking three steps ahead. The strongest warriors aren't always the ones with the most power they're the ones who know how to use it."

Amon leaned back, considering his words. "Alright, fine. How do we learn that?"

Rurik smirked. "By losing. A lot. Pain is the best teacher."

"Great," Amon muttered. "Looking forward to it."

That evening, as they walked back to their quarters, Amon glanced at Ying Yue. "So, be honest how bad am I?"

She looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "You're improving."

"Wow, such high praise. I'm touched."

Ying Yue's lips curved into a faint smile. "You have potential, Amon. You just need to stop doubting yourself."

He fell silent, her words sinking in. For all his bluster and sarcasm, a part of him wanted to believe she was right. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't as hopeless as he thought.

As they settled in for the night, Amon couldn't help but think about what lay ahead. The Ancient Library, the Carnival, the forces of God and Monarch it all felt overwhelming. But for the first time, he felt a flicker of determination.