Towering machines lined the walls, each blinking and humming like they were auditioning for the role of "Generic Sci-Fi Background Noise #3." It was the kind of over-engineered chaos that made me nervous, but also vaguely curious—like one of those claw machines where you're not sure if you're going to win a stuffed bear or just embarrassment.
Still, I stayed calm. Or at least, I pretended to. My tail, coiled tightly around my waist like some demonic belt, was starting to cramp. My wings? Folded and hidden under my jacket, which was a feat of engineering on par with whatever monstrosities surrounded me. Horns? Completely retracted. For now, I was just a regular person—or as close to one as I could fake.
"Erilith," Ivan's voice boomed, dragging me out of my internal monologue. He was standing at the center of the training arena, looking as effortlessly commanding as ever. "Come meet the team."
I took a deep breath and walked forward, my boots clicking against the tiles with a rhythm that somehow felt too loud. The team was gathered in a loose semi-circle around Ivan, all of them radiating various levels of "who the heck is this?" energy. Great start.
"Everyone, this is Erilith," Ivan continued, gesturing at me like I was some prize at a county fair. "She's your new teammate. Treat her well."
Silence.
You know that moment at a party where someone drops a glass, and everyone turns to stare like it's the most scandalous thing ever? Yeah, multiply that by ten, and you'd have the vibe in the room right now. I resisted the urge to shrink under their gazes, instead opting for my go-to defense mechanism: sarcasm.
"Hi," I said, forcing a smile. "Nice to meet you all. Please don't bite."
The joke landed about as well as a brick in a lake. A tiny girl with pink hair—Ayumi, if I remembered correctly from Ivan's earlier briefing—peeked out from behind a towering guy who looked like he'd been built in a factory for generic anime bodyguards. Ayumi's wide eyes screamed "deer in headlights," while the big guy, Taro, just gave me a grunt that could've meant anything from "welcome" to "leave before I crush you."
Then there was Thomas. Blond, tall, and charming in that way that made me instantly suspicious, he gave me a polite smile. The kind of smile that said, "I'm too nice to be rude, but I'm also judging you a little."
And finally, Lucine. The lone swordswoman with white hair and an eye patch. Her gaze was cold and assessing, the kind that belonged to someone who'd seen enough nonsense to last several lifetimes. She didn't say a word, just crossed her arms and kept staring at me like I was some particularly suspicious NPC.
"Nice to meet you," Thomas said in this smooth, practiced voice that probably worked wonders in PR campaigns. Ayumi mumbled something into Taro's shoulder, and Taro just... grunted. Fantastic. Lucine on the other hand continued her silent glare-off with me. Fun times.
Lucine, who clearly majored in Team Spirit at Hero Academy, crossed her arms. "We'll see if you can keep up. Teamwork isn't our strength." Wow, way to set the mood, Captain Obvious.
"Introductions are over," Ivan announced, clearly deciding that this was the best he was going to get. "Now, let's move on to ability showcases. Erilith, you'll join in."
The collective groan from the team was almost comforting. At least they weren't singling me out anymore.
Ivan led us to a new machine that looked like the unholy offspring of a gym and an arcade cabinet. Its metallic surface gleamed under the fluorescent lights, and the central orb pulsed faintly, as if daring us to break it.
"This is our force-measuring device," Ivan explained, his tone as smug as if he'd personally invented it. "It calculates impact strength in real-time. You can punch, crush, or slice it. Whatever your ability focuses on."
To demonstrate, Ivan stepped forward and slammed his glowing fist into the orb. The machine lit up with a satisfying 5987, and everyone murmured in what I assumed was admiration. Personally, I was more focused on how his punch had made the floor vibrate.
Claire arrived shortly after, her presence causing an immediate stir. She strolled in with the kind of casual authority that made everyone stand a little straighter. Lucine, who had been stoic until now, almost visibly perked up. Her gaze followed Claire with something akin to awe. If she were an anime character, this would be the moment where sparkles and rose petals filled the frame.
Claire's heels clicked softly as she approached and took a seat next to me, her perfectly manicured hand cradling a steaming cup of coffee. She glanced at me, her expression unreadable, before turning her attention to Ivan.
"Impressive as always," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "Although I think you're holding back."
Ivan shrugged, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "No point in breaking the machine, Director."
Claire smirked before taking a sip of her coffee, her diamond-like eyes gleaming with amusement. She turned to me and, in a rare display of explanation, said, "Ivan has a unique ability called force amplification. The more energy he uses, the stronger he becomes. He can fight endlessly, channeling his power into increasingly devastating strikes. Alternatively, he can focus his energy while stationary, emitting a massive burst of force."
As if on cue, Ivan demonstrated. He stood still, his body glowing faintly as he gathered energy. Then, with a single explosive punch, he sent another shockwave through the room. The machine buzzed before displaying 5987 once again.
"That's about half of what the machine can take," Claire noted casually. "It caps at 10000."
Lucine, who had been watching intently, looked like she was ready to ask for an autograph. The rest of the team exchanged glances, some impressed, others clearly wondering how they measured up.
"Everyone takes a turn," Ivan said, stepping back. "Ayumi, you first."
As if hearing the commotion, the lazy, sleepy Dr. Kline arrived, dragging her feet and plopping into the seat next to me. She yawned widely, her lab coat slightly askew, and gave me a lopsided grin. "You look nervous," she muttered, barely awake.
Before I could reply, Ayumi and Taro stepped forward to take their places near the machine. Dr. Kline straightened up slightly, her voice taking on a more professional tone despite her perpetually drowsy demeanor.
"Ayumi is a special case," Dr. Kline began, addressing me but loud enough for the others to hear. "She's young, but her psychic abilities are unparalleled. Unfortunately, due to an accident involving her powers, she was brought here for isolation, training, and research. She's been through a lot but has made great progress."
Ayumi hesitated, glancing back at Taro, who gave her a reassuring nod. She closed her eyes, and a faint pink glow surrounded her. The orb lit up, numbers climbing rapidly before settling at 4321. The glow intensified briefly, but before it could go further, the necklace-like device around her neck activated. It unfolded into a delicate crown-like apparatus, emitting a soft hum that seemed to stabilize her energy.
"It's a control mechanism," Dr. Kline explained. "If she loses control, it can calm her down or incapacitate her if necessary. She's still learning, but her potential is extraordinary."
Ayumi stepped back, visibly relieved, and Taro moved forward. Dr. Kline continued, "Taro, on the other hand, is pure strength. He's Ayumi's bodyguard and her closest companion. An accident cost him his voice, but his determination to protect her is unshakable. His necklace serves a similar purpose, limiting his strength and ensuring safety."
Taro placed his massive hand on the orb, squeezing it with deliberate force. The machine whirred and displayed 6789, the metal creaking under his grip. He released it gently, giving Ayumi a reassuring pat on the head as he stepped back.
I couldn't help but stare. This team was full of surprises, and I was starting to wonder just how I fit into all of it.
Dr. Kline leaned closer to me, her head lolling slightly to one side as if her neck couldn't be bothered to hold it up properly. "You're going to have fun with this group," she murmured, her tone carrying a mix of amusement and sleep deprivation. "It's like herding cats, but the cats have superpowers and existential crises."
"Great. I've always wanted to join a dysfunctional superhero sitcom," I replied dryly. "Do I get a cape?"
"Capes are overrated," she yawned. "Too many accidents. You'd think people would learn after the whole Incredibles fiasco."
Meanwhile, Ayumi was retreating to the sidelines, clearly relieved her turn was over. She practically hid behind Taro, who gave her a gentle pat on the head like an oversized, silent babysitter. The sight was oddly endearing.
As the rest of the team took their turns, I felt the weight of a dozen unspoken questions settling over me. It wasn't just about fitting in anymore. The sheer range of abilities in this group was something else.
There was Ayumi, whose powers practically screamed prodigy with a tragic backstory. Then Taro, the silent powerhouse, whose every move was a paradox of strength and gentleness. And let's not forget Lucine, who still hadn't stopped staring daggers at me.
"Thomas," Ivan called, motioning for him to step forward.
Thomas pushed off the wall, his movements unhurried, almost lazy. "Right," he muttered, his voice calm but carrying a slight edge of reluctance. "Let's get this over with."
As he approached the machine, I noticed something strange: a faint hum in the air, like the buzz of a neon sign on the fritz. His presence seemed to crackle, subtle but undeniable.
He unsheathed the twin swords strapped to his back, sleek and modern, their design clearly meant for more than just decoration. He held them lightly, the faintest spark of electricity dancing along their edges.
For some reason I wanted to be social "So," I piped up, unable to help myself, "what's your power?"
Thomas turned his head slightly, one eyebrow raised, and for a moment, I thought I'd overstepped. But then he smiled—a small, amused smile that seemed almost reluctant.
"You'll see," he said, and with that, he raised his swords, crossing them in front of the orb.
The hum in the air intensified, and the faint sparks grew into crackling arcs of electricity, weaving between the blades like living things. Then, in one swift motion, Thomas slashed downward. The arcs converged into a single strike, slamming into the orb with a flash of light and a deafening crack.
When the brightness faded, the machine displayed 8475. The number hung in the air like an exclamation point, and for the first time since I'd arrived, the team actually looked impressed.
"That's the highest so far," Dr. Kline murmured, her sleepy tone giving way to genuine intrigue. "You've been practicing, haven't you?"
Thomas shrugged, sheathing his swords with practiced ease. "A little," he said, as though he hadn't just nearly fried the machine.
I couldn't resist another comment. "Do you always bring this much drama to a training session, or am I just lucky?"
This time, Thomas actually laughed—a soft, low chuckle that seemed to surprise even him. "Depends," he said, glancing at me with a faint smirk. "Are you always this mouthy, or am I just lucky?"
Touché.
As a fellow introvert I feel like we'll get along just fine
As he stepped back, I couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting. Everyone here was either insanely talented or insanely terrifying—or both. Meanwhile, I was just trying not to trip over my own feet.
"Lucine," Ivan said, turning his attention to the swordswoman.
Lucine's turn was met with a level of expectation that hung thick in the air, like a storm cloud about to break.
Lucine stepped forward to the center of the training hall, her movements calm and deliberate. The others had retreated to the sidelines, their conversations quieting as they watched her prepare.
The soft hum of fluorescent lights filled the silence, punctuated only by the sound of Lucine unsheathing her katana. She handled the blade with an ease born of years of mastery, its polished surface reflecting the sharp focus in her single visible eye.
Dr. Kline adjusted her glasses, her ever-present sleepy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Ah, our dear Lucine. Such an enigma isn't she?" she mused, her tone carrying a faint hint of amusement. "Cold and stern on the outside, but oh, if only people understood the fire she hides beneath that icy facade."
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
More like a refrigerator guarding expired milk, I thought, glancing at Lucine as she began some controlled breathing exercises. She looked as stoic as ever, not even flinching at Kline's weird analogy.
Claire, seated to my right with her trademark coffee cup, smirked faintly "If by 'fire,' you mean her sheer determination to outthink and outfight anyone who crosses her, then yes, I'd agree." She sipped her coffee, her diamond-like eyes briefly flicking toward Lucine, who was performing a series of controlled breaths.
Kline chuckled softly. "There's more to her than just tactics and brute strength. Lucine's ability—her mastery of ki—is what truly sets her apart. Care to enlighten our newer recruits, Claire?"
Claire set her cup down on the small table beside her, crossing her legs with a composed grace. "Lucine is a practitioner of ki—also known as latent energy or fighting power. It's a concept that's been studied and utilized in various forms across Asia and other parts of the world for centuries. Ki isn't just some mystical force; it's a tangible energy present in all living beings. Most people never tap into it, but those who can... well, they become extraordinary."
"Like Lucine," Kline interjected, her tone almost reverent. "Her ki is concentrated and refined to a degree most martial artists can only dream of. It's what allows her to perform feats that seem... impossible. Strength that surpasses professional fighters, the ability to sense her surroundings intuitively, and even stopping bullets with her bare hands."
I sat smack in the middle of all this, sandwiched between Kline and Claire, both of whom were engaged in a steady stream of commentary about Lucine. The air reeked of hero worship, and I was the unwilling audience.
Resting my chin in my hand, I flicked my crimson eyes between the two as they spoke. Ah, the Lucine fan club strikes again. What's next? She can stop time with sheer willpower? A tiny smirk tugged at my lips, but I quickly stifled it, opting instead to look like I was paying rapt attention.
Thomas, leaning against a nearby wall, raised an eyebrow. "Bullets? Do you have recorded data on this?"
Claire nodded. "Why yes, she's demonstrated it in controlled environments. Lucine's ki enhances her reflexes and physical resilience to such a degree that she can catch or deflect projectiles before they cause harm. Her level of mastery rival's practitioners from some of the most renowned schools and sects—the Blood Moon Sect and Sun Dragon Sect in China, for instance."
Of course, it's always the Blood Moon Sect, they sound like they belong in an anime villain lineup. Why not throw in a Shadow Phoenix Clan while we're at it?
Ayumi peeked out from behind Taro, her wide eyes filled with wonder. "Ki can be used for other things too, right? Like... healing?"
Kline nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! There are entire schools devoted to using ki for medical purposes. By channeling life force energy, practitioners can accelerate healing or even stabilize critical injuries. But Lucine's focus has always been on combat."
As the discussion unfolded, Lucine continued her preparation, seemingly oblivious to the attention. She shifted her stance, her breathing now a steady rhythm that seemed to synchronize with the room itself. A faint, almost imperceptible aura began to shimmer around her, like heat waves rising off a sunbaked road.
"She calls it her battle rhythm," Claire said, her voice quieter now. "Drawing out her ki centers her—it's like a state of pure focus, where her body and mind align perfectly. In this state, she's nearly unstoppable."
Lucine's voice cut through the quiet. "You're giving them too much credit," she said, her tone flat but not unkind. "Ki isn't magic. It's discipline. Years of training and control. Without that, it's just wasted potential."
Thomas let out a low whistle. "And here I thought my lightning tricks were impressive."
Lucine shot him a brief, sidelong glance. "You're flashy. I'm effective. There's a difference."
I hid a snicker behind my hand, my inner monologue running wild. Burn! And that, folks, is why she's the leader. Lightning boy over
Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword, and for a moment, it looked as though she was considering something deeper. Then, with a flick of her wrist, the blade shimmered into the air, its edge glowing with a faint, ethereal light. The machine before her seemed to hum with anticipation, as if it, too, recognized the power about to be unleashed.
With a single, clean motion, Lucine swung the blade downward, a precise strike that cut through the air with the force of a thunderclap. The orb erupted in a burst of light, and the machine's display flashed up to an impressive 9456.
A ripple of quiet admiration passed through the room. Even Ivan, who had been the one to introduce the device, had his arms crossed and his face slightly more serious than usual. Lucine, however, was already turning to walk back to the group, her eye still cold, unreadable.
"Impressive," Ivan said, his voice carrying a hint of respect. "But can you do it twice in a row?"
Lucine didn't respond immediately. She simply cocked her head to one side, as though considering the challenge before her. Finally, she spoke, her tone low but firm.
"I don't need to," she said, and the weight of her words hung in the air, leaving a chill in its wake. She turned her attention back to me for the first time all session, her single eye sharp and calculating. "Your turn," she said, her voice almost like a challenge.
I guess she isn't the leader for nothing.
"So, what you're saying is, I should skip the gym and start catching bullets?" I leaned back with a mock-serious expression, earning a few chuckles from the group. Deep down, though, my curiosity simmered. Ki, huh? Might be worth looking into... if I don't accidentally blow myself up first.
I stood in the middle of the sterile training room, trying my best to act all "normal" like I wasn't a demon playing pretend. I'd come here as just Erilith, human, which was fine by me Lucine wants me to show off so show off I will.
The orb in front of me hummed and flickered as it calibrated. I took a deep breath. This was where it got interesting.
Without warning, I let the energy rise, subtle at first, but then—bam! The air went thick with tension, almost like you could cut it with a knife. The room felt colder, the shadows stretching just a bit too long. My wings flicked out first, sharp, black, and gleaming in the bright lights. My tail curled out behind me, and finally, my horns pushed through my hair.
That's when I noticed Claire—she was watching with a faint hint of surprise in her expression. I didn't care, but that little flicker in her eyes made me feel... weird. I hadn't wanted to impress her. Honest.
Dr. Kline, however, stood to the side, her arms crossed, watching me with a smirk I was starting to get familiar with. She didn't say anything at first, but I could feel her amusement. Great. This was exactly what I needed: a bunch of strangers watching me break their expensive toys.
"Alright," I muttered under my breath. "Let's see how far we can take this."
I focused, pulling all that eerie energy into a solid form, shaping it into my black scythe. No magic, no flashy stuff—just pure energy. I didn't trust HeCaTe enough to risk it. Claire was still watching, and I could feel her curiosity growing, like she expected me to do something extraordinary. And who was I to disappoint?
I swung the scythe through the air with a flourish. It felt... natural, like I'd been doing it for ages. The machine hummed louder as it registered the strike. Numbers shot up on the screen, faster than I could blink, and then—
CRACK.
The orb shattered into pieces, the machinery sputtering and dying in the aftermath. Silence filled the room for a beat, and I couldn't help but smirk. "Whoops. Guess I went a little too hard."
The lights in the room flickered, the buzzing hum of the machinery suddenly screeching in a protest as the numbers on the screen shot up, higher than anyone could have anticipated. The device cracked under the pressure of the attack, the screen flashing a blinding readout: 9999 with an error.
That might've been a bit excessive, but I was feeling extra flashy. So, when I summoned the black scythe, I could practically feel the room's temperature drop a few degrees. Everyone had seen my strange energy before, but this... this was different. No one, not even Dr. Kline, had known about this little trick. And judging by the looks on their faces, it was a pleasant surprise. Or, you know, a terrifying one.
I held the scythe with a casual grip, the dark aura swirling around it like I was some kind of villain in an anime. (Which, honestly, wasn't too far off the mark, right?)
As for how I managed to materialize this it's because of the serum again, because my mana sensitivity and sensing is now enhanced instead of letting my pseudo aura just blaring in all directions i managed to control it and amass it into 1 point until I made a weapon.
as for why a scythe cuz why not? it's cool while thinking about this I see Kline looking at me with wide eyes.
"You've got to be kidding me," Kline muttered under her breath, her smirk turning into an impressed smile. I could almost hear her inner scientist doing cartwheels. She'd been testing me for a whole week, digging into every little power I had, and I still hadn't given her the full picture. That was the fun part.
Lucine, standing to the side with arms crossed, didn't flinch. Her cool gaze was as unreadable as ever, but there was something in her eyes—maybe a hint of recognition? She'd seen the way I operated before, but she hadn't expected me to go this far with just my energy. Her silence was more of a compliment than anything.
Ayumi, on the other hand, blinked at me with a soft smile, her expression full of curiosity and, dare I say, warmth. "I didn't know you could do that." Her voice was light and kind, like she was genuinely interested in seeing where I'd go with this.
I hesitated, shifting my weight on my feet. "It's... nothing," I muttered, trying to downplay it. My gaze flicked to the scythe in my hand, and I quickly dissipated the energy, letting it vanish into the air. "Just something I can do when I'm focusing."
Thomas, still standing off to the side, was calm as ever, but I could see the slight shift in his posture—like he was quietly acknowledging something he hadn't expected. His voice was steady when he spoke. "Doesn't seem like 'nothing' to me."
I bit my lip, resisting the urge to fidget. "Yeah, well... it's not important." I took a step back, not wanting to draw any more attention to myself than necessary.
I waved the scythe through the air lazily, letting the energy swirl around it like some oversized fan, I'm full of surprises, what can I say.
I lowered the scythe, letting the dark energy disperse, but I kept my hand wrapped around the hilt. The air was still thick with the tension from what I'd just done. My heart was racing, but I kept my expression neutral—after all, I wasn't really in the mood for explaining myself. Especially not in front of Claire, who was probably looking for any excuse to get under my skin.
Claire's gaze was sharper than the rest, as usual. She didn't look surprised—no, she expected this. She knew there was more to me. But there was also something else in her eyes. Almost like... she was testing me?
"You're hiding something," she said, her tone matter of fact, as though she'd caught me red-handed. "You could've shown us more, but you didn't."
I stayed silent for a beat, unsure of how to respond. I didn't want to get too close to them—especially not to Claire, who was so... probing. She made me uncomfortable, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why. It was as though she was always looking for something from me. And that something made me want to hide even more.
"Maybe I just don't trust you enough yet," I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady. The last thing I wanted was to get into a power struggle with her. "Not everything is for show."
Claire's smile was knowing, but she didn't push. She just nodded, as if she were marking something down in her mind. "Fair enough. But I'm sure you'll show us more when the time's right. I'm counting on that."
I couldn't bring myself to answer. Instead, I just shifted uncomfortably on my feet. There was something about this whole situation that made me feel small—like I was just a piece in their larger puzzle. But I couldn't let myself think about it too much. Not now. Not when everything was still so uncertain.
"Good work," Kline added, her tone professional again, as though nothing had happened. "I'll make sure this... little update gets logged in your profile. It'll be interesting to see how you perform next time."
I nodded curtly. "Sure."
The training began. I took a deep breath and tried to ignore the faint fluttering in my stomach. I wasn't exactly thrilled about these drills, but this was part of the job now, wasn't it? The others might think of this as just another day, but for me, it felt like a bit of an obstacle course.
As I watched Lucine meditate in the corner of the training hall, I couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity. She was so focused, her single eye closed as she centered herself, seemingly oblivious to the chaos around her.
Meanwhile, Ayumi and Taro were training together, their movements fluid and synchronized as they practiced their forms. Taro's strikes were precise, while Ayumi's graceful dodges complemented his power perfectly. It was impressive to see them work as a team, their energy flowing seamlessly.
Thomas was off to the side, tinkering with a machine that strained his electricity. I could see the sparks flying as he adjusted the settings, his brow furrowed in concentration. It was fascinating to watch him manipulate the energy, but I was more focused on my own training.
Kline's voice broke through my thoughts, sharp and direct as always. "Erilith, we'll start with speed."
I nodded and moved to the starting position, my muscles tense but controlled. I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me, but I focused on the task ahead. I wasn't here to impress anyone. I just wanted to get through it without making a fool of myself.
Ayumi, ever the encouraging one, gave me a bright smile from the sidelines. "You've got this!"
I gave her a small nod in return, though I wasn't sure what exactly I had "got." Still, it was nice of her to try. Thomas stood with his usual calm demeanor, his arms crossed but his eyes studying me carefully. Lucine, as always, appeared as if she was mentally somewhere else, observing but not really invested.
I crouched slightly, waiting for the first laser to shoot through the air. The machine hummed ominously, a small warning before the first laser fired. It was slow—slow enough for me to dodge easily. One step to the side, and it was past me.
I could feel the familiar rush of heightened senses, the world slowing just a bit. It wasn't magic, but it was close enough. I dodged another laser, and then another. My movements were quick and precise, but controlled. No flashy moves. No unnecessary flourishes. Just what was needed.
The lasers began speeding up. It was harder to keep up now, but I wasn't about to fail. Not here, not now. Another laser came at me, too fast to dodge normally, but I managed to sidestep it by a hair's breadth. That was close, I thought to myself, though I didn't let it show on my face.
Then came the final shot. It was fast—really fast. Almost too fast. I could feel the weight of it, the pressure in the air. This time, I didn't just dodge. I had to shift my entire body to avoid it, twisting mid-step. My heart skipped a beat when I felt the heat of the laser graze my arm, but I kept moving, finishing the drill without a major stumble.
Ayumi clapped lightly. "That was great!"
I didn't know how great it was, but I gave her a small, quiet smile anyway. "Thanks."
Thomas offered a small nod, looking almost bored, though I could tell he was paying attention. Lucine's expression didn't change, but there was a slight shift in her gaze. She might not show much, but I could tell she was evaluating me. I wasn't sure what that meant, but I wasn't about to ask.
Kline, the ever-stern one, finally glanced up from her notes. "Not bad. But let's move on. Next drill: endurance."
I sighed inwardly. Endurance was always the worst. I was good at quick bursts of speed and power, but long-term stamina? That was another story entirely my body aches after all.
But I wasn't about to complain. That would be too obvious. Instead, I just gave a short nod and shifted into the next position. Focus, I reminded myself. One step at a time.
Kline's gaze remained sharp throughout, watching me like a hawk. I couldn't tell what she thought of my performance, but at least she wasn't giving me that "disappointing" look yet.
After what felt like an eternity of pushing myself through these drills, Kline finally called it. "That's enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow."
I straightened up, wiping some sweat from my brow. I wasn't sure if I should be relieved or frustrated. In the end, it was just another day of training—no grand finale, no "wow, you're amazing" moments. Just the quiet hum of machines and the feeling of being a little closer to... something. I wasn't sure what, exactly, but that wasn't really my concern.
I offered a short, quiet acknowledgment to the team as I walked off the training floor. "See you tomorrow."
Lucine didn't respond. Thomas gave me a small, almost imperceptible nod. Ayumi's smile was gentle, and even Kline gave a brief, approving look, though she quickly returned her attention to her clipboard.
I couldn't help but think about how weird this all was. A training session. In a secret underground facility. With a bunch of people, I barely know. And I'm hiding my powers from them...
But it wasn't like I had much of a choice.
Tomorrow's another day, I thought, letting out a small breath as I prepared to leave. It wasn't a bad day, but it wasn't the kind of day that left me feeling like a hero, either. Just another step on the path.
And that was fine by me.