Training[3]
I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ears. My entire body felt like a lead weight, but I forced myself up. Another day. Another step toward getting stronger.
I stretched, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from yesterday's training. It had been five months since I started this routine—five months of pushing my body beyond its limits.
I grabbed my training clothes and walked to the small bathroom in my dorm. The cold water splashed against my face, waking me up completely. Looking in the mirror, I noticed the changes—my face looked sharper, my body leaner.
After dressing, I stepped outside, inhaling the crisp morning air. The academy grounds were quiet at this hour, with only a few early risers scattered around.
I started my warm-up with a slow jog around the campus, feeling my heart rate increase as my body adjusted. After that, I went straight into my workout—push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and endurance drills. It was painful, but pain was my companion now. I didn't complain. I embraced it.
By the time I finished, sweat dripped down my forehead, and my shirt clung to my skin. I wiped my face with a towel and made my way to the cafeteria.
---
Breakfast at the Academy Cafeteria
The cafeteria was already bustling with students. Some were chatting loudly, others focused on their food, and a few were still half-asleep.
I grabbed my tray and moved toward the counter. "Omelet, orange juice, and some almonds and cashews ," I said, my voice still groggy from sleep.
The staff handed me my food, and I scanned the room for an empty seat. I found one near the window, pulled out the chair, and sat down. The moment I took my first bite, my body felt a wave of relief.
Eating had become a necessity, not just for survival but for growth. Silia had made sure I followed a strict diet, constantly nagging me about nutrition. "You need to fuel your body properly," she had said.
I finished my meal quickly and left, heading toward my first class of the day.
---
The academy structured our training after the normal classes into three daily parts .The first was Combat Training, where we learned techniques and sparred with other students. The second was Mana Control, where we practiced refining our abilities. The last was a tactical class in which we learned how to make strategies and move cautiously etc
Combat Training was my favorite, but also the most brutal. Professor John made sure we suffered.
"Again!" he shouted as I stood in my stance, panting heavily.
I gritted my teeth and charged forward, my red dagger in hand. My opponent, another student, blocked my attack, but I quickly adjusted, stepping to the side and striking again.
Professor John smacked me on the back. "Your footwork is sloppy. Fix it."
I sighed but nodded. No room for complaints.
After Combat Training, I moved to Mana Control. This was the most frustrating part of my training. Unlike other students, who had flashy abilities, my mana was still weak. Controlling it felt like trying to grab smoke with my hands.
"Focus, Artic," the instructor said. "Even a small improvement is still progress."
I exhaled slowly, channeling my mana into my palm. A faint glow appeared before flickering out.
Not good enough.
The rest of the day followed the same routine. After classes, I went straight to the training grounds, practicing with my dagger until my hands were sore. Then I ate, showered, and collapsed onto my bed, exhausted.
This cycle repeated every day, without fail.
For the first month, progress was slow. But then, something changed.
---
The pills silia gave me before I left. "Take one every day for 30 days" she had said. "It will help."
At first, I was skeptical, but after a month, I noticed the difference. My stamina increased. My reaction time improved. My body adapted faster.
By the end of the fifth month, I finally broke through.
Artic = E Rank
Strength: F → E
Agility: F → E
Intelligence: F → E
Senses: F → E
Mana Control: F → F
I clenched my fist, feeling the subtle difference in my body. I was finally getting somewhere.
But there was no time to celebrate.
---
The Grand Competition: "Trials of Ascension"
The academy announced the details of the upcoming competition. "Trials of Ascension."
It was the first major event for first-year students, meant to test our growth. Only the best would advance.
The competition had three phases:
1. One-on-One Battles: 500 students would be paired against each other, leaving 250 winners.
2. The Robot Gauntlet: Each contestant would face 50 training robots of their rank. The top 100 students who finished in the shortest time would advance.
3. The Dungeon Challenge: The final 100 would be sent into 100 different dungeons, each matching their rank. The first 10 to defeat the boss would win.
The rules were clear:
No personal weapons in the first two rounds. The academy would provide standard weapons.
In the final dungeon challenge, we could use our own equipment.
The competition wasn't just about fighting—it tested endurance, strategy, and adaptability.
For the next three days, I locked myself in my room, planning.
---
Preparing for Victory
I analyzed every phase of the competition.
For Phase One, I needed to fight smart. Since it was one-on-one, I had to observe my opponent carefully. Speed would be my advantage. I would aim for quick, precise strikes rather than prolonged battles.
For Phase Two, the robots worried me. They were designed to be the perfect fighter no emotions, no mistakes. But they will have no weapons, I needed to make this my advantage .
For Phase Three, I had the biggest advantage—I could use my own sword. My C-Rank Blade and Storage Bracelet gave me an edge. I had to be prepared for anything the dungeon threw at me.
These three days were crucial. I refined my strategy, practiced nonstop, and made sure I was ready.
This was my moment.
This was my chance to prove myself.
The Trials of Ascension were about to begin.