Training Day

Alex stared at the image of Zero on the screen, his mind racing.

"So let me get this straight," he said, turning to Evelyn. "There's a guy out there hunting people with powers, and I just got on his hit list?"

"Pretty much."

Alex ran a hand through his hair. "Great."

Evelyn smirked. "Relax, you're not alone. That's why you're here."

She tossed him a small, black wristband. He caught it clumsily.

"What's this?"

"A limiter," she said. "Your powers are out of control. This will help."

Alex frowned. He wasn't sure how he felt about limiting his abilities. But before he could protest, Evelyn clapped her hands together.

"Alright, time boy. Training starts now."

The Warehouse – Training Begins

Evelyn led Alex to a large open space inside the warehouse. The floor was lined with obstacle courses, punching bags, and even moving targets.

"First things first," she said, tossing him a pair of gloves. "Hand-to-hand combat. Your powers won't always save you."

Alex groaned. "I've never been in a real fight until yesterday."

Evelyn grinned. "Then this is gonna be fun."

She lunged at him.

Alex barely had time to react before her fist slammed into his gut. He doubled over, coughing.

Evelyn sighed. "You're terrible at this."

"Gee, thanks."

She stepped back. "Again. Block this time."

Alex took a stance—feet apart, fists up. Evelyn moved fast, throwing a quick punch.

Alex tried to stop time—but nothing happened.

Evelyn's fist connected with his shoulder, knocking him off balance.

"What was that?!" Alex yelped.

"The limiter," Evelyn said. "It suppresses your abilities just enough so you don't rely on them. Now you actually have to learn to fight."

Alex groaned. This was going to be a long day.

Hours Later…

Alex's body ached. His arms felt like jelly, his legs were sore, and he had lost count of how many times Evelyn had knocked him down.

But something was changing.

He was learning.

By the end of the session, he was dodging. He was blocking. And when he threw a punch—he actually landed one.

Evelyn rubbed her jaw. "Not bad, Carter."

Alex smirked. "I learn fast."

"Let's see if you can handle the next test."

She grabbed a small metal sphere and tossed it onto the floor. It beeped once—then suddenly, lasers shot out in all directions.

"DODGE!" Evelyn shouted.

Alex's instincts kicked in. He twisted, ducked, rolled—but the lasers moved too fast. One grazed his arm, sending a painful shock through his body.

"AHH!" He hit the ground, clutching his arm.

Evelyn sighed. "You're still thinking too much."

"No kidding," Alex groaned.

She turned off the device and walked over. "Your powers aren't just about stopping time. They're about feeling time. When you fight, you need to sense what's coming—before it happens."

Alex frowned. "That sounds impossible."

She shrugged. "It's how I fight. And I don't even have your powers."

Alex exhaled. He knew she was right. If he wanted to stand a chance against Zero, he had to push his abilities further.

Evelyn smirked. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we test what happens when you unleash your full power."

Alex's stomach dropped.

Tomorrow is going to be hell.