We were finally back on the program, with everyone waiting and wondering what stage five would bring. However, I wasn't going to rely solely on the program's exercises. There was no room for failure anymore.
Despite my hand injury, I began an intense training routine. I trained in a way that wouldn't affect my hand. I woke up at sunrise. I started the day with squats and abs, and then spent the rest of the time before academic sessions at the back of the camp in the gym. I designed my own training system.
After the academic sessions, I ran and practiced sword fighting in the training sessions. During practical training, I pushed myself beyond my limits. When the program ended and the others were resting, I would isolate myself to meditate and breathe slowly, despite my fatigue. I prepared myself for the next day.
Days passed. I started to get used to training with one hand, and Sophia was always there, checking on me and changing my bandage almost every day because of my intense training. Despite the fact that she never showed any sign of discomfort, I didn't want to bother her. Sometimes I considered Stephanie and some of the other instructors, just to give Sophia a break.
Despite my injured hand, I trained and sparred with Henry and Lora after they healed. They were actually very strong. I didn't know that, especially about Lora. She was fast and adapted quickly to her environment. She's also skilled with a sword. I wondered how they got that injured in stage four.
Then, weeks passed. My body was completely exhausted. But I didn't stop. I just kept going, and finally, my hand is completely healed. I changed my training plan to accommodate both hands and to rebuild the lost muscle in my healed hand. Andrew joined me, and he goes to the gym with me in the morning. He created his own program to increase his reaction speed and agility.
Sophia spent her time reading and studying, slowly recovering during this period. Once she was fully healed, she immersed herself in the optional training sessions to make up for lost time. Andrew helped her a lot and sparred with her almost every day. I trained with her too, pushing her beyond her limits. As time passed, we watched her regain her health and strength.
Crimzo trained hard as well and always practiced long-distance shots after the optional sessions. He even gave Ria some tips and lessons, and she was quite impressed. It was clear that she liked him, but Crimzo was too dumb to understand her feelings.
During that time, Yuri helped us a lot, especially Andrew and me. He was particularly interested in training us during sessions and giving us tips to improve our fighting style. We grew close to him, and I felt like he was more of a friend than a teacher. In fact, I could chat with him naturally.
Four months had already passed.
I was in my room doing push-ups without a shirt on. Andrew was sitting nearby, stretching his legs.
I stood up and stretched my arms. Then he looked at me and said, "You're already at 800? My God! You've improved so much! I can see every muscle in your body now."
I started with core exercises. First, I did some jumping. "I feel like my body is faster and stronger."
Andrew stood up and stretched. "Honestly, you might actually be the strongest person in this camp right now." He smiled slyly. "Come on. I want to test your strength. Let's wrestle."
I narrowed my eyes. "I already used to beat you before this training."
He laughed. "Do you think I've been sitting here watching you train? I've been training, too. I'm faster and stronger than before. Don't let your guard down."
I paused, then nodded slowly. He had trained hard. His movements and agility had improved greatly.
"Okay," I said. "Let's have a hand-to-hand combat match."
Andrew raised his eyebrow. "Hand-to-hand combat? The last time we did that was before the Polon War." Then he smiled. "Let's do it today after I finish training with Sophia."
I don't know why. But then I had a thought. I had seen him very close to Sophia in recent days. Even so, last week, I was searching for him, and I happened to see Sophia leaning on Andrew's shoulder. I wanted to ask him about it, but I hadn't had the chance yet.
I finished my back exercises. "I want to ask you something that has nothing to do with what we're talking about."
Andrew tilted his head. "Sure, ask me anything."
I spoke quickly. "How are things with Sophia? You two spend most of your time together. She treats you differently than the others." I raised my eyebrows and smiled slightly. "Have you two confessed?"
Andrew hesitated and fell silent for a moment. "That's a little surprising." Then he looked at me. "Well, I can't deny it."
"Deny what?" I teased.
"This thing..." he murmured.
"What thing?" Just say it!
"Shut up! You know what I mean!" he shouted.
Then he continued. "Anyway, we haven't confessed anything. I think I will just wait. We can finish that Program. Then we can let the time do his things."
"The confession will be useless, in my opinion. You guys are already like a couple." I said it, while doing crunches -abs exercises-.
He narrowed his eyes. "I'll crush your bones today. Remember that."
I replied with enthusiasm. "Oh, perfect, that the spirit."
After the optional training session, during which we practiced with Kylie, Henry, and Crimzo - who had grown impressively stronger - we told them that we were heading to the fighting space to spar and that Andrew and I planned to spar there.
Stephanie joined us as well. "A fight between you and Andrew? I can't miss that," she said, smiling.
I had misjudged her in the past, thinking she was cold and heartless. But she was the complete opposite. She was calm and kind. Over time, we grew close. She was always eager to spar and learn new things. She even joined us sometimes when the team gathered together at night.
Andrew came closer to me while looking at me after the session ended. "Ready?"
I nodded. We headed to the fighting arena. It was a wide, flat space surrounded by a stone circle with low seats around the perimeter.
Everyone followed us curiously. Crimzo sat down with the others and raised an eyebrow. "So, it's finally time. These two are about to fight. I've always wondered who is stronger. It'll be fun to watch."
Sophia crossed her arms, a smile forming on her lips. "You're right. It's really going to happen."
Stephanie leaned forward replying to Crimzo. "It's clear that Roy is going to be the winner. He's a lot stronger now."
Kylie and Henry sat quietly, waiting expectantly.
We stepped onto the stone circle. Andrew moved first, quickly kicking out with his right leg and aiming directly at me.
I stepped forward and redirected his power to my side. I slid to his open right side and punched him. He blocked it quickly.
I followed with a series of quick strikes. Fast punches and low kicks.
He blocked everything and dodged most of them.
I had underestimated him. His reactions became sharper and faster. His stance was steady, and his movements were calculated.
I lightly kicked his back knee—just enough to throw him off balance—and threw a straight punch at his face. He dodged it, hit me in the stomach, and followed up with a strong kick that forced me to step back.
I couldn't believe it for a second. I put my hand on my stomach in surprise. I didn't feel any pain.
Not like before. My endurance had increased significantly.
Andrew blinked. "Your core is pretty strong, brother. I felt like I just kicked a wall."
I smiled sarcastically. "Enough flattery."
Henry muttered from the bench, still shocked. "There's no way he didn't feel that."
Kylie shook her head. "The sound of that kick sent shivers down my spine."
Crimzo said his fingers crossed, surprised. "These guys are not the same anymore. Their speed and strength are completely different from before."
We were ready to continue.
Suddenly, Ria ran toward us from a distance and shouted, "Guys!"
Everyone turned around, looking at her, wondering what was going on. Her shout meant that something big was happening. "You have to see this! Stage Five is here!" She said, raising her hand in the air.
After months of waiting and training, Stage Five had finally arrived.
Andrew stepped back, smiling. "I think we'll finish this later, brother."
I nodded. "Let's see what's waiting for us."
Everyone stopped and followed Ria.
After we arrived, we all looked at the board. A big piece of paper was there, bigger than the others. My first impression was... 'Stage five will be difficult.'
Stage V Announcement:
To All Cadets:
Stage V will begin in five days.
This stage will last 10 days and take place in and around the main camp.
Overview:
-Over the next four days, all cadets must form teams of at least 15 members.
-Any cadet who fails to do so or is unable to join a team will be placed on another team automatically.
-Each team must appoint a leader. Once leaders have been chosen, they cannot change teams or betray their team (Please note that betrayal between team members is allowed).
-Each leader will be given a detailed map showing the locations of all 12 zones and their team's designated base.
Objective:
-Capture and hold as many areas as possible during these ten days.
-Each team has a base located near the zones. If your base is captured, your team is eliminated, regardless of control over the zone. However, you can change the location of your base after capturing two zones.
-Zones will grant your team tokens that can be exchanged at the main camp for useful items, such as food, horses, weapons, and survival equipment...
Rules:
-The main camp is a neutral zone; no fighting is allowed inside. Otherwise, fighting is allowed everywhere.
-The battle will be fought with real weapons, but killing is prohibited.
-There are yellow tokens hidden throughout the area that are worth more than regular tokens.
After 10 days:
-The team that captures the most zones and keeps its base secure wins.
-Top performers may receive special positions and evaluations from Central Command, whose instructors will be watching you closely.
After teams are formed, an instructor will provide more details about Stage V.