Adventures Beyond The Void (Season 1)

Chapter 20: A Day off And a Mission

3RD POV

Nicholas's stomach was still churning from the training. Thankfully he wasn't throwing up as much as he used to, anymore. His body ached all over, but he kind of got used to it, 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. Selin would send a larger number of dark slashes his way, some even aimed at him directly. But he managed to acclimate.

He was in great pain sure, but he didn't want to give up. For once in his life, someone, a complete stranger who barely knew him for less than 10 days, was willing to spend time to help 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 make her proud.

He flinched when a huge plate slammed beside him. Kenju sat to his left, barely leaving any space between them. And of course, like always, was holding a cup of hot coffee. Nicholas was really concerned about how much Kenju consumed. He didn't know mage biology, but was fairly certain that such vast amounts of caffeine weren't good for his 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: - You.... about our training tomorrow....You didn't.... Actually mean it literally, right? You know, about  involving "death pits and emotional trauma!", or something.

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, ruffling 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 others. The boy looked at them hoping they'd say otherwise. They avoided his gaze, instead.

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

Eh? 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.

       Lyra: - Anyways, let's not think about the past or future and enjoy the present! I've prepared lots of sugary sweets just for you!

She exclaimed, her berry-colored eyes sparkling with excitement as she bounced toward the kitchen. Nicholas didn't want to eat anything more, especially sweets. It was a miracle he'd managed to get this far without throwing up. The thought of more food made his stomach churn, but oddly enough, his appetite still hadn't been satisfied, even after devouring an entire plate of meat and vegetables for breakfast.

As if reading his thoughts, Kenju placed another plate in front of him, gently urging him to eat more. Hunter, despite the constant ache, was eating larger portions as well. The results of their efforts wouldn't be visible just yet, too early for any noticeable physical changes. However, beneath the surface, subtle shifts were taking place. The healing forcefield had accelerated the regeneration of their torn muscle fibers, allowing them to recover at an unusually fast rate. Each injury they sustained was mended almost fully. Beyond that, their bodies were slowly growing more resilient, adapting to the rigors of their training.