Chapter 68: Training Continues

The second week brought even more challenges. The intensity of the training ramped up as the guild leaders continued to push them to their limits. But despite the exhaustion, something inside each of them began to shift. They were no longer the same as when they arrived.

Kael found himself improving in ways he hadn't expected. Darius's training pushed him to focus not just on his physical strength, but also on his mental resolve. In one particularly brutal exercise, Kael was forced to hold his Voidstep form for as long as possible without breaking concentration. His limbs felt like they were made of lead, but he refused to quit.

"You're getting stronger," Darius remarked after Kael completed the exercise, his voice low but approving. "But you still need to learn how to use your power without exhausting yourself."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "I'll do whatever it takes to learn."

Ryuu's progress was equally noticeable. Aeliana worked him harder than ever, pushing him through situations where he had to think on his feet and adapt instantly. She would strike him with precision, testing his reflexes and making him adjust his tactics mid-fight. Ryuu's movements became sharper, more fluid, as he learned how to combine his strength with strategy.

"There's improvement," Aeliana said one day as Ryuu managed to land a clean hit on her during one of their sparring sessions. "But you still rely too heavily on brute force. You need to learn to control it."

Ryuu wiped blood from his lip, determined to prove himself. "I'll control it. I'll surpass you."

Hana and Tetsu also showed significant growth. Hana's reflexes were lightning-fast now, and her movements had become almost impossible to predict. Kaito praised her ability to adapt to any situation, but reminded her that she needed to learn to trust herself completely.

Tetsu, on the other hand, began to develop a deeper understanding of tactics. Sylas had him running simulations, studying the psychology of combatants, and teaching him how to stay one step ahead of the enemy. Tetsu became more precise in his strategies, using misdirection and the environment to create opportunities for victory.

By the end of the second week, all four of them had transformed. They were stronger, more confident, and far more capable than they had been before. But they knew this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be long and difficult, but they were determined to walk it, together.

As they lay in their dorms at night, exhausted but with a sense of accomplishment, each of them wondered what the future held. Would they become the warriors they dreamed of? Only time would tell. But one thing was certain—whatever came next, they were ready.