NOVEL WEB Chapter 24: Chapter ²⁴ Training Day or How to Die Trying
Chapter 24: Training Day or How to Die Trying
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Narration Mode Activated
"So, after nearly getting sliced in half by a guy with anger issues and glowing armor, Kira decided it was time for me to 'take things seriously.' Translation: she's about to turn my life into a boot camp from hell. Lucky me."
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It's 6:00 AM, and I'm standing in an empty park, shivering in the morning cold.
Kira is pacing in front of me, looking like she hasn't slept a minute since last night.
"Do you know why you almost died yesterday?" she asks, her voice sharp.
"Because some psychopath broke into my house?" I offer.
"Wrong," she snaps. "You almost died because you're unprepared."
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Blobby pops out of my bag, munching on a cookie.
"She's got a point, Boss," it says through a mouthful of crumbs.
"Whose side are you on?" I mutter.
"The winning one," Blobby chirps.
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Kira stops pacing and turns to me, her eyes blazing with determination.
"Starting today, I'm going to teach you how to fight," she declares.
"Great," I say, "but can we start after breakfast?"
"No."
"Of course not," I sigh.
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Narration Mode Activated
"If you've ever wondered what it's like to be trained by a perfectionist with zero patience, let me tell you: it's the worst."
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Kira tosses me a wooden practice sword.
"Lesson one," she says, "don't drop your weapon."
I catch the sword awkwardly, nearly fumbling it.
"Off to a great start," she mutters, rolling her eyes.
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The next hour is a blur of swinging, dodging, and a lot of falling on my face.
"Your stance is terrible," Kira snaps.
"I'm trying!" I protest, sweat dripping down my face.
"Try harder," she replies, sweeping my legs out from under me.
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Blobby is perched on a nearby bench, offering unhelpful commentary.
"Boss, maybe try not looking so pathetic!" it shouts.
"Thanks, Blobby," I say through gritted teeth. "Really motivating."
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By the time we take a break, I'm covered in bruises and barely able to stand.
Kira hands me a bottle of water, her expression softening slightly.
"You're improving," she says.
"Really?" I ask, perking up.
"No," she replies, smirking.
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Narration Mode Activated
"Note to self: never expect compliments from Kira. They don't exist in her vocabulary."
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As the sun rises higher in the sky, Kira moves on to teaching me basic magic control.
"Your wind magic is decent," she admits, "but it's unfocused. You need to learn precision."
"Define 'decent,'" I say, rubbing my sore arm.
She sighs. "You didn't blow yourself up. That's something."
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She places a row of candles on the ground in front of me.
"Your task is to extinguish these flames one at a time," she says.
"Sounds easy enough," I reply.
It's not.
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After several failed attempts, I manage to put out a single candle.
"Yes!" I shout, throwing my hands in the air.
Kira raises an eyebrow. "Don't celebrate mediocrity."
"Let me have this," I grumble.
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Narration Mode Activated
"Who knew blowing out candles could be so humiliating? I'm starting to miss the good old days when my biggest problem was forgetting my homework."
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By the end of the session, I'm completely exhausted, but Kira looks as energetic as ever.
"Same time tomorrow," she says, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"Tomorrow?" I echo, horrified.
She smirks. "Welcome to your new life, Akira."
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As she walks away, Blobby flutters over to me, looking surprisingly sympathetic.
"You did okay, Boss," it says.
"Thanks, Blobby," I reply.
"Okay-ish," it adds.
"Never mind," I mutter.
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Later that night, as I'm lying in bed, I can't help but reflect on the day.
Kira's right—I need to be stronger.
If people like Kael are going to keep coming after me, I can't afford to stay weak.
"Tomorrow," I whisper to myself. "I'll do better."
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Meanwhile, in a dimly lit chamber, the shadow council is meeting once again.
"Kael failed," one member says, their voice dripping with disdain.
"Failure was expected," the leader replies calmly. "It's all part of the plan."
"And what about the girl?" another member asks.
The leader's eyes gleam. "She's an obstacle. But one that can be dealt with in time."
The camera pans to a glowing map, where Akira's name is now surrounded by flickering runes.
"Soon," the leader says. "Very soon."
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End of Chapter 24