Fight Class

Ethan awoke the next morning to the vibrant hum of the city coming alive. Though the sun hadn't yet risen, the neon lights of the entertainment district cast a mesmerizing glow across the sky. Sitting up in bed, his mind reeled with the revelations of the previous day. Excitement and apprehension mixed within him as he contemplated the uncertain path ahead. His gaze fell upon the halo around his neck—a comforting yet burdensome presence. Irrevocably changed, he wondered what new challenges and adventures awaited. Carefully rising, he stepped from his bed, mindful not to disturb Gabriel, who was still diligently working at Ethan's computer. Moving quietly to the small kitchenette, he prepared a simple breakfast of rehydrated eggs and toast.

As Ethan ate, thoughts of his father surfaced. He missed him dearly, wishing he could share the extraordinary events of the past few days. With a heavy heart, Ethan finished his breakfast and began preparing for the day. Gabriel stood from the chair, stretching gracefully as Ethan got ready.

"Good morning," Gabe said softly, his voice calm and reassuring. "Happy 18th birthday, Ethan."

Ethan smiled warmly, grateful for Gabriel's presence. "Thank you," he replied sincerely. "I'm really glad you're here."

"How did you know today was my 18th birthday?" Ethan squinted suspiciously.

Gabe smirked playfully. "It's on your computer calendar…."

A loud knock at the door startled them. Both stood awkwardly in boxer shorts, looking every bit like typical college roommates. "Your halo," Gabe whispered urgently.

Ethan reacted instantly, "Halo, cloak!" he commanded, feeling his halo and angelic features recede into his skin. Peering through the peephole, his heart jumped. "It's Stephanie!"

"Ethan, open up!" Stephanie shouted through the door. "I know you're in there!"

Stephanie burst in as soon as Ethan opened the door slightly, her boisterous personality immediately filling the small apartment. "Oh my," she teased, eyes twinkling mischievously. "I didn't know you had company—he's hot!"

Ethan flushed deeply, defensive. "No, no, it's not like that!"

Gabe smiled charmingly, completely unfazed. "Hi, I'm Gabriel—but please call me Gabe."

Stephanie grinned brightly. "Stephanie, but call me Steph. Ethan, where have you been? I haven't heard from you in months!"

"Well, you were at your dad's, and I went to Alaska," Ethan admitted, still slightly flustered. "I just got back yesterday."

Stephanie's eyes widened dramatically. "Whoa, what the hell happened to you?" she asked, noticing his transformed physique.

"Ha, definitely not hell," Gabe quipped lightly, swiftly dressing in his new NanoFab clothing.

Ethan scrambled for an explanation. "Uh… I've been working out—every day."

"Huh," Steph replied skeptically, casually inspecting the apartment. "Anyway, happy birthday!" she chimed, opening the refrigerator.

"Thanks," Ethan murmured, dressing quickly in his own new clothes.

Stephanie spun around, stunned. "Whoa, where'd you get money for TechStyle clothes?"

"Oh… uh… It's NanoFab," Ethan stammered.

"I bought it for him for his birthday," Gabe interjected smoothly. "Your favorite cousin only turns eighteen once!"

Stephanie eyed Gabe suspiciously. "Hm… I didn't know Ethan had a cousin. Are you rich or something?"

"No, my father knows someone there. I'm more of a distant cousin," Gabe said vaguely.

"You ready for EarthCorp next week? Already ordered my uniforms," Stephanie continued, flopping onto the couch. "Wish we didn't have to enlist. Who even are we going to war with? Ugh, gotta pee!"

As Stephanie got up, still talking endlessly, and disappeared into the bathroom, Gabe leaned toward Ethan urgently. "We have things to do; we need to ditch her."

"I'll handle it," Ethan whispered back confidently.

When Stephanie returned, Ethan took a deep breath. "Uh… Steph, Gabe and I have some important errands today. But let's celebrate tonight? Same place we went for yours—I've been saving coins."

Stephanie dramatically pouted but eventually relented. "Fine! But don't you dare bail on me!"

"We promise," Ethan assured gently, finally seeing her out.

"She's quite the character," Gabe chuckled, shaking his head.

"Always has been," Ethan smiled affectionately. "Now, let's go."

The two headed toward the warehouse district, chatting casually while scouting for an abandoned building suitable for training. Ethan glanced curiously at Gabe as they walked, occasionally catching himself staring at Gabe's profile and quickly averting his eyes when Gabe noticed.

Ethan felt a gentle chime in his mind:

System Notification: New Assignments Available:

Land a successful punch: 5 XP Dodge three consecutive strikes: 5 XP Successfully knock down your opponent: 10 XP Complete a controlled mid-air maneuver: 10 XP

Ethan carefully reviewed the notifications, mentally noting each task. A sly smile touched his lips as he deliberately decided not to mention them to Gabriel just yet.

After wandering through alleys filled with laughter and banter, they found an old, secluded warehouse with rusted walls and shattered windows. Gabe effortlessly leaped to a high window, landing gracefully on the sill.

Inspired, Ethan jumped confidently—and fell embarrassingly short, hitting the ground with a thud. "Ow… Shit…!"

Gabe doubled over, laughing heartily. "Wow, Ethan! That landing was as graceful as a drunken penguin on ice."

"Thanks," Ethan grumbled good-naturedly, picking himself up. "I guess coordination doesn't automatically come with wings."

Gabe offered his hand, pulling Ethan effortlessly through the window. Inside, Gabe jumped down smoothly, landing perfectly balanced. "Okay, Ethan, let's see if your combat skills are better than your jumping. Or are we dealing with a permanently flightless bird?"

"Very funny," Ethan replied sarcastically, jumping down. He rolled his shoulders, stretching his muscles as he surveyed the expansive warehouse. The building was old and abandoned, the air heavy with dust and the scent of rusting metal. Dim sunlight streamed weakly through grimy windows set high on cracked walls, casting eerie patches of illumination across the concrete floor littered with debris and forgotten equipment.

Shadows gathered in corners and crevices, hiding discarded machinery covered in rust and tangled wires hanging like ghostly cobwebs from exposed beams. Paint peeled from the walls in curling flakes, and the faint creak of the metal roof settling echoed softly throughout the cavernous space. Ethan took a cautious step forward, his footfall stirring up small clouds of dirt that danced in the sparse shafts of fading sunlight filtering from the grimy windows above.

The training began intensely, Gabe demonstrating various combat stances and basic defensive moves. Ethan attempted to mimic Gabe's fluid movements, often stumbling awkwardly.

"Your stance is way too stiff," Gabe corrected, gently repositioning Ethan. "Relax your shoulders. Breathe."

Ethan took Gabe's advice to heart, steadying his breathing and carefully adjusting his stance. They began sparring, Gabe initiating deliberately slow and controlled strikes. Ethan managed to dodge the first two with newfound agility, adrenaline surging through him. However, his focus slipped slightly on the third attempt, and he caught a playful jab on his shoulder.

A gentle yet disappointing chime echoed in Ethan's mind:

System Notification: Assignment Failed – Dodge Three Consecutive Strikes Points Awarded: 0 XP

Ethan groaned in frustration, shoulders slumping slightly. "I was so close!"

"You'll get it," Gabe reassured warmly, a supportive smile lighting his eyes. "Just keep your eyes focused and anticipate."

Determined to redeem himself, Ethan faced Gabe again, channeling his frustration into focused effort. He launched a swift sequence of punches, each strike swiftly dodged by Gabe, who teased lightly, "If you swing any slower, the enemy will die from boredom."

Gritting his teeth and pushing harder, Ethan spotted a brief opening. Seizing the opportunity, he landed a quick, successful punch squarely on Gabe's shoulder.

A pleasant chime resonated in Ethan's mind:

System Notification: Assignment Complete – Land a Successful Punch Reward Earned: 5 XP

Gabe nodded approvingly, a surprised smile crossing his face. "Nice one! You actually surprised me."

Buoyed by his success, Ethan eagerly continued his training, determination brightening his expression. They shifted their focus to knock-down maneuvers, and Ethan lunged forward aggressively, aiming to sweep Gabe off his feet. Gabe sidestepped effortlessly, laughing softly as he dodged Ethan's advance. "Close, but predictable."

Ethan exhaled in frustration, bending slightly with his hands on his knees. "I really thought I had you that time."

"It was a good effort," Gabe reassured warmly, placing a comforting hand on Ethan's shoulder. "You're improving. Just keep trying."

Encouraged yet still determined, Ethan nodded firmly. They then shifted their training toward aerial maneuvers within the spacious warehouse. Gabe took to the air first, effortlessly demonstrating flips and spins with flawless control. Inspired, Ethan enthusiastically launched himself upward, eager to match Gabe's graceful skill. However, his attempt quickly faltered as he lost balance mid-spin, tumbling awkwardly and crashing onto the floor.

A gentle but disappointing chime echoed in Ethan's mind:

System Notification: Assignment Failed – Complete a Controlled Mid-Air Maneuver Reward Earned: 0 XP

Gabe chuckled good-naturedly, extending a hand to help Ethan to his feet. "Graceful as always," he teased.

"Keep it up," Ethan warned playfully, dusting himself off. "I'll tell Stephanie you're single."

Gabe dramatically placed a hand over his heart, feigning horror. "Please don't! She scares me more than Azazel."

Ethan laughed warmly, tension easing from his shoulders. Gabe grinned and finally signaled the end of their intensive training session. "You've done well today, Ethan—even managed to land a decent punch."

Ethan felt another gentle notification appear clearly in his mind:

System Notification: User: Ethan Blade Current Status: Human-Angel Hybrid System Status: Training Mode Current Mission: Shed Your Humanity Total XP Earned: 55 of 100 Assignments Completed: 4

Land a successful punch (5 XP)

Walking side by side out of the warehouse, Ethan smiled sheepishly. "So, I got an update from the Halo System."

Gabe raised an eyebrow curiously. "Oh yeah? How'd you do?"

Ethan sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. "Apparently, I earned a grand total of five points for landing one decent punch. I failed at knocking you down, failed to dodge your attacks, and evidently my 'graceful' aerial landings didn't qualify for points."

Gabe laughed gently, shaking his head in amusement. "Five points? Well, the halo system at least recognizes your effort—even if it's minimal."

Ethan elbowed Gabe lightly, chuckling despite his embarrassment. "Hey, it's tougher than it looks. You're a hard act to follow."

Gabe squeezed Ethan's shoulder reassuringly. "You'll get there. Tomorrow we'll work on those dodges—and maybe, just maybe, you'll land on your feet for once."

Ethan laughed, grateful for Gabe's supportive presence, feeling energized despite the challenges ahead.

Gabe chuckled warmly, shaking his head in amusement. "Five points? Well, at least the halo system recognizes effort—even if it's minimal."

Ethan playfully elbowed Gabe, unable to conceal his embarrassment. "Hey, it's more challenging than it appears! You're a formidable opponent, and the precision required for close-quarters flying is truly remarkable."

Gabe grinned reassuringly, placing a comforting hand on Ethan's shoulder. "You'll get better. Tomorrow's another day. We'll work on those dodges, and maybe—just maybe—you'll actually land on your feet."

Ethan laughed softly, grateful for Gabe's encouragement. "Thanks, Gabe. I appreciate the vote of confidence."

Gabe winked playfully as they continued walking. "Don't mention it. Just try not to lose any points for falling on your face again tomorrow."