Chapter 71: Rising Stars

Riku stood tall, his eyes scanning the three students before him. Renji, Takumi, and Reina were all exhausted but determined. The day had been long, and their progress was starting to show, even if it was just the beginning. Riku could see the potential in them all—their raw power, their drive—but he also knew that the road to A-rank wasn't going to be an easy one. The real work had only just begun.

"Alright," Riku said, breaking the silence. "You've all made some solid progress today, but it's time to take things to the next level. We'll focus on enhancing your efficiency and pushing the limits of your abilities."

Renji, his muscles aching from earlier, nodded. "I'm ready, Riku."

Takumi cracked his neck and stretched. "Let's do this. I want to be as strong as you."

Reina gave a shy smile, though her usual nervousness had faded. "I'm ready too," she said, her voice quieter but filled with quiet confidence.

Riku nodded approvingly, his sharp gaze analyzing each of them. "First, we'll start with stamina. You all have raw power, but endurance and control are just as important. I want to see how long you can maintain your Essence in a controlled, continuous flow. Renji, Takumi, Reina, you're each going to create an Essence shield around yourself. Keep it up for as long as you can, but don't push yourself too hard."

They each stepped into position, their feet planted firmly as they focused on their Essence. Riku watched silently, observing how they handled the mental strain of sustaining a continuous shield.

Renji's shield was the first to form—a glowing, solid structure of energy that surrounded him. He gritted his teeth, his hands shaking slightly as he struggled to maintain the shield's integrity. Takumi's flames flickered brightly around him, forming a protective ring of fire, his body twitching with the effort. Reina was more reserved in her approach, the wind gently swirling around her as she concentrated.

"You've got this," Riku called out to them. "Remember, it's not just about power; it's about maintaining the flow. Breathe. Stay focused."

Renji's shield wavered, but he quickly stabilized it, determination etched on his face. Takumi was sweating, his fiery shield beginning to dim as the heat took its toll. Reina, however, seemed to be handling the exercise the best. Her wind shield remained steady, flickering only slightly.

Riku walked up to each of them in turn, his eyes never leaving their forms. "Keep your posture. Don't tense up. Breathe through the strain. You're all doing great, but you need to manage your energy better."

Takumi let out a strained breath, his fire shield flickering out entirely as his energy ran out. He collapsed to one knee, panting.

"Alright, Takumi. That was impressive, but you need to learn how to control your fire before it burns you out," Riku said. "Take a break."

Takumi grinned, wiping his brow. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. I'll work on that next time."

Renji's shield held steady for a while longer before it began to flicker. With a groan, he lowered it, sweat dripping down his face. "I'm almost there, just a little more..."

Riku walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're pushing yourself, Renji, but don't overdo it. You've got the power, but you need to control it. Trust your Essence, don't force it."

Renji nodded, breathing heavily. "I'll get it next time."

Reina, surprisingly, was the last to falter. Her shield was still intact, though her movements had slowed. Her breathing was steady, and she gave Riku a small, proud smile as the wind shield continued to swirl around her.

"You're doing well, Reina," Riku praised. "You're learning control faster than I expected."

Reina blushed slightly but didn't falter in her concentration. "Thank you, Riku."

After a few more minutes, Riku gave them a break. They all collapsed onto the ground, panting and tired but with a sense of accomplishment. They had pushed their limits today, and while they weren't quite there yet, they had made progress.

"Alright," Riku said, sitting down on a nearby bench and stretching. "We're done for the day. I want each of you to get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we'll start refining your combat strategies."

Renji, Takumi, and Reina exchanged glances, exhaustion still visible on their faces but a fire in their eyes. They all stood and nodded in unison, each of them grateful for Riku's guidance.

"Thank you, Riku," Takumi said, wiping his sweat away with a grin. "I can already feel myself getting stronger."

Reina, still a bit shy, nodded. "Thanks for believing in us."

Riku smiled, his usual calm demeanor never faltering. "You're the ones doing the work. Keep pushing yourselves. I'll be here to guide you."

As the students made their way to gather their things, Riku took a moment to observe them. There was something about these three—something that reminded him of his own journey. They had the potential to become something greater, and he was determined to help them unlock that potential, just as others had helped him when he was still finding his path.

As the evening sky darkened, Riku couldn't shake the feeling that the road ahead was going to be filled with challenges, not just for him, but for his students as well. They had their work cut out for them, but Riku was confident they would rise to the occasion.

And maybe, just maybe, they'd even surpass him one day.