The morning air was crisp as the group approached the training center, their footsteps echoing across the polished stone pathway. Darius lagged behind, his shoulders slumped in protest.
"Why did you guys have to bring me along?" he groaned, rubbing his eyes. "I thought it was Kael and Thea who were having a training session. I'm too tired for this."
Lira shot him a sharp look, her hands planted firmly on her hips. "Stop whining. You've been lazing around all week while the rest of us actually care about improving. Besides," she added with a smirk, "if you keep complaining, I'll ask Thea to beat you up."
Darius paled slightly at the threat but sighed in resignation. "Fine, fine. But I'm not going all out. Save that for the real battles."
The training center loomed before them—a massive, domed structure of reinforced steel and enchanted stone. Its doors were flanked by a senior student, his posture rigid as he scanned a clipboard. His uniform bore the insignia of the disciplinary committee, and a small, glowing device rested in his palm.
As they approached, the senior student—a second-year named Vance—held up a hand. "Merit check," he announced, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. "You know the drill."
Thea stepped forward first, extending her wrist. Vance pressed the device against her academy bracelet, and a holographic display flickered to life:
**"Thea Veymar – Merit Points: 320/500."**
Vance nodded approvingly. "Eligible."
Lira went next, her display reading:
**"Lira Solis – Merit Points: 275/500."**
Kael followed, his stomach tightening. He hadn't been as diligent with conduct points as the others. The device beeped:
**"Kael Renthar – Merit Points: 180/500."**
Still well above the 50-point threshold, but noticeably lower. Vance gave him a scrutinizing look but said nothing.
Darius, however, barely passed:
**"Darius Kaelin – Merit Points: 55/500."**
Vance's lips twitched. "Cutting it close, aren't you?"
Darius shrugged. "Blame the principal's 'disciplinary adjustments.'"
The system was strict—**merit points** dictated access to facilities, awarded for good behavior and mission success. Unlike **credit points** (the academy's currency), merits couldn't be spent, only accumulated or lost. The principal's punishments were infamous for slashing them, yet she'd left Darius just enough to train. *A small mercy,* Kael thought.
Inside, the facility was a marvel—shifting terrain modules, holographic combat dummies, and a central arena with a stat-tracking orb. Thea activated the system, and the room hummed to life.
"Group assessment first," she declared. "Let's see how we measure up."
The orb projected a holographic wolf pack, their eyes glowing red. Thea didn't hesitate. She lunged, her blade a silver blur as she carved through the constructs with terrifying precision. Every movement was efficient, her strikes landing with lethal grace. The stats screen flashed:
**Thea – Combat Prowess: A+**
- **Speed:** 9/10
- **Strength:** 8/10
- **Technique:** 10/10
Lira fought differently—her style was fluid, almost dance-like. She used the terrain, flipping off walls to deliver crushing kicks. Her daggers flashed, disassembling foes with surgical precision.
**Lira – Combat Prowess: A-**
- **Speed:** 10/10
- **Strength:** 6/10
- **Technique:** 9/10
Kael gritted his teeth as he engaged. He was strong, but his movements lacked refinement. He overpowered two wolves with sheer force, but a third scored a glancing blow on his shoulder.
**Kael – Combat Prowess: B+**
- **Speed:** 7/10
- **Strength:** 9/10
- **Technique:** 7/10
Darius, true to his word, fought half-heartedly. He deflected attacks with his shield but rarely countered.
**Darius – Combat Prowess: B-**
- **Speed:** 5/10
- **Strength:** 7/10
- **Technique:** 6/10
As the session ended, Kael wiped sweat from his brow, his pride stung. Thea was *leagues* ahead, and even Lira's finesse outshone his brute strength.
Darius clapped him on the back. "Cheer up. At least you're not dead last."
Lira smirked. "For now."
Thea studied the stats, then turned to Kael. "You rely too much on power. Train with me tomorrow—I'll help you refine your form."
Kael's pulse spiked. *Alone with Thea?* "I—yeah. Thanks."
As they left, the weight of the gap between them settled in. But for the first time, Kael felt something new: *determination.*
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