Adventures beyond the void

Chapter 20: A Day off And a Mission

3RD POV

Nicholas swallowed hard. His stomach was still churning from the intensity of the training. Thankfully he didn't throw up as much as he used to anymore, eating small bites at a time, without causing even more distress to his body. His body ached all over, but he didn't really mind as much as he used to at the beginning, most likely because of how traumatic the experience was. Although it was far too early to say, his stamina and reflexes had improved a bit.

At least that's what the young protagonist deduced after the recent training sessions with Selin. She would send a larger number of dark slashes his way, some that were aimed to hit him directly. But he managed to dodge and weave through the attacks, while at the same time keeping up the pace and finishing the laps around the hills.

Nicholas was in great pain sure, but he didn't want to give up. For once in his life, someone, a complete stranger that barely knew him for less than 10 days, was willing to spend time training and helping him improve. Selin's methods were brutal, but the female mage never left or abandoned him when he fell. She was there. And that made Nicholas truly want to try and make her proud. The fact that both him and Hunter had somehow been transported into this strange fantasy world was still a bit overwhelming at times, but slowly the blue-eyed human was beginning to adjust to this new environment.

Nicholas flinched a bit as a huge plate slammed beside him. Kenju sat to his left, barely leaving any space between them. And of course as always, he was holding a cup of hot coffee in one hand. Nicholas was seriously beginning to get concerned about how much Kenju consumed. Of course he didn't know mage anatomy and biology, but he was fairly certain that such vast amount of caffeine couldn't be good to the older male's health.

       Nicholas: - Hey um.... Kenju?

       Kenju: - Yes bestie?

       Nicholas: - Can I ask you something?

       Kenju: - Anything.

The manaless mage said without blinking. Nicholas hesitated for a moment, before he finally spoke.

       Nicholas: - Do you remember when you spoke about what would happen with our training tomorrow?

The older male nodded eagerly.

        Nicholas: - You didn't.... Actually mean it literally, right? You know, about Mrs. Selin saying it would involve "death pits and emotional trauma!".

Nicholas let out a forced, dry chuckle, praying to God that it wasn't as bad as it sounded.

        Kenju: - Oh it is as bad as it sounds.
Kenju casually answered as if reading Nicholas's mind. He ruffled his unkept dirty brown hair, down to the cyan tips in thought.

        Nicholas: - W...what?!

        Kenju: - All of them had nightmares for months.

He said pointing to the other members of the squad. The Human boy looked at them hoping they would dispel any of their comrade's statements, but they avoided his gaze. Airos sent an annoyed glare at Kenju, feeling enraged and humiliated.

       Airos: - Well yeah! At least we are the normal ones here!

The two humans looked confused. Did Kenju.... enjoy the death pits?!

       Hunter: - I don't even want to know.

       Zana: - A wise choice indeed.

The girl nodded grimly, chewing on a piece of bread.