My Starseed Meets Me In A Different World

CHAPTER CLVII

Desiree

Squeak like a mouse, honk like a goose.

The third day of the retreat centered around the Earth and Water Elements, kicking off with an early, high-energy workout featuring a rhythmic movement practice known as Jei Usha. Originally developed in the Koron Empire within the Flocari continent, Jei Usha was renowned for its power-based, explosive movements that built grounded lower-body strength. This practice combined fast-twitch muscle activation with an energy system that linked practitioners to the earth's natural rhythm, making it a perfect way to root ourselves in strength and balance.

Leading our session was Nanaia, a native of Koron, whose fierce discipline and deep dedication to her craft were immediately apparent. Supportive yet uncompromising, Nanaia didn't let us take any shortcuts. The workout quickly intensified as she introduced pulsing boards, gravity rings, and weighted steps, tools that added both a physical challenge and a deep sense of connection to the earth.

Her guidance was powerful and unwavering as her stare, pushed each of us beyond what we thought possible.

As I adjusted the Gravity Rings around my wrists and ankles, I could already feel their weight, like little anchors tugging me down, reminding me just how intense this was about to get. Around me, the ladies on their Pulsing Boards exchanged glances, some nervous, some excited, but all quietly wondering if they were ready for what was coming. This setup wasn't just a workout; it was something ancient, something primal.

Nanaia, our instructor, was a force in her own right. "Ready to feel the earth beneath you?" She called out, her voice sharp and certain, cutting through the nervous murmurs. Her gaze moved over each of us like she was testing our spirits. "Today is not for the faint-hearted. Jei Usha requires your spirit as much as your body. Begin with the Earth Pulse Jumps. Low squat, feel the rhythm—then explode up, meet the energy of the earth!"

I sank into a squat on my board, feeling the tension build up in my thighs, the board springing under my weight, ready to push me upward. Nanaia's voice echoed again, "Up!"

I pushed off, feeling the board resist just enough to make it a challenge, then giving way. The rings pulled on my limbs, tugging me back down faster than I'd expected. Landing was hard; I fought to land softly, already feeling my muscles scream at the sudden intensity. From all sides, I heard gasps and a few muttered curses as others struggled to keep up with the rhythm, some even stumbling back to a crouch.

"Oh, my legs are on fire already!" Someone panted beside me, her forehead already glistening with sweat. I managed a sympathetic smile, knowing I wasn't far from joining her in her complaint.

"Again!" Nanaia's command cut through any thoughts of quitting, pacing between our boards with a fierce expression. "Keep it grounded! Don't flail—connect!"

I steadied myself, dipping back into the squat before launching up again. This time, I focused on each movement, sinking low and then exploding upward with all the strength I could muster. By the third jump, my breaths came short and quick, the room filled with the sounds of everyone's exertion, the creak of the boards, and the strain of those weighted rings pulling us down.

Down the line, I noticed Lady Irah grinning as she caught the rhythm, practically gliding through each pulse and landing with a grace that seemed impossible. "Come on, ladies!" She shouted, clearly thriving in the high intensity. "Feel that power!"

"Easy for you to say," Someone muttered through clenched teeth. I couldn't help but laugh, a little breathless but somehow energized.

Nanaia patroled through the room, her thick and toned arms crossed, gaze fixed. She was certainly fitter than the average individual, her entire body showed that, I could imagine if someone practiced this diligently and long enough, they too would begin to show sings of peak athleticism.