Chapter 4: Training!

The group has been walking for a very long time as Romy leads the way

Ji-hu: So Romy, are you absolutely sure you know where the training facility is? Cause I feel like it's been a while.

Romy: … Shush. I know where I'm going.

Atlas: We're lost aren't we. Ugh. Great job Romy.

Romy: Hey! I'll hav…

Meihua: Now is not the time for that you two. We have Ms. Eui waiting for us. Romy if you're lost we can ask someone for directions. Just tell us.

Romy: … Yeah I don't know where we are. In my defense I haven't been here in a while. I usually train at Ms. Yuxuan's facility.

Ji-hu: Sigh. It's fine, let's go ask that Hunter over there.

Ji-hu: Um excuse me sir? Can you give us directions to the Training Facility?

?: Huh. Oh yeah sure. You guys must be the confidential kids right?

Ji-hu: Um yes sir how did you know that? Are you a top ranker?

Chen Nao: Nah Paxis told me. My name is Chen Nao. I'm Ranked #339. You could say I'm a buddy. A trustworthy friend if you will. If you go back down that hall and take a left that should get you to the training hall.

Ji-hu: Oh uh thank you sir, have a good day.

Romy: See!? I told you. We were close.

Atlas: Whatever man let's just get going. The sooner we get there the sooner the training gets finished.

Meihua: I actually agree for once. We still need to move our essentials to our new rooms.

Ji-hu: Oh did you guys get rooms already?

Romy: Yup! (pulls out key)

Meihua and Atlas pull out their keys

Meihua: I believe we're in the same hallway as you. A little farther down I think.

Atlas: Yeah My room is 568

Romy: Mine is room 569

Meihua: And mine is room 570

Ji-hu: Oh cool. We could totally have late night parties.

Atlas: Hell Yeah!

Meihua: Sigh

Romy: Shakes head

The group finally makes it to the vast training facilities

Ji-hu: Holy crap. Mei, your description didn't do this place justice.

Meihua: That's because you're right. The facility has changed a lot since I came here.

Romy: Yeah Mei is right. There is a lot of stuff I haven't seen before. It must've been changed recently.

Atlas: Whistle. This stuff is actually kinda impressive. Maybe I can actually enjoy some training this time.

Romy: Really?

Atlas: Nah. Still rather be playing video games.

Romy: Ugh.

Atlas: Why do you care whether or not I train anyways? Not like it affects you.

Romy: Brother. I want to train with YOU. You've always been so much more skilled than me even though I work my butt off to improve even a little. I want to learn from you just as much as I want to learn from Ms. Yuxuan. Does that make sense?

Atlas: Oh. Uh I'm sorry Rom. I'll try and train more with you if you want. I didn't realize you felt that way.

Romy: Sigh. It's fine, not like I made it entirely clear with all the nagging huh?

Atlas: You got that right. Haha

Ji-hu: Look at you two being proper siblings. Finally learning a thing or two from Mei and I huh?

Meihua: …

Eui: HEY! You guys finally made it. Got your minds boggled? I sure hope you're all ready for some training. Now, I know Ji-hu is the only chosen one right now, but I feel that you guys deserve to use the facilities since you're his friends. How nice of me right?

Romy: Um, actually Ms. Eui. After we spoke with Ms. Geni, she told us that all 4 of us were prophesied to be great warriors who would defeat the Abyss. So in a way we're kind of in need of some training too?

Eui: Wait what? Why didn't she tell me this? Does anyone else other than you four know? Aw man I'm gonna need to file a report for this now. Commander Cho is gonna have my ass for not knowing this information.

Ji-hu: It's actually not your fault.

Meihua: Yes. Geni said it herself that she didn't know until she met the 3 of us. She only knew the descriptions of the other warriors. So it really isn't something you should be worried about. Although notifying Commander Cho would be the wise thing to do.

Eui: Ok that works things out I guess. But I'll have to tell Commander Cho right away. How about you guys start training? You know? Like exercise and maybe some hand to hand combat? Don't go overboard though. This area is strictly for you, but that doesn't mean you can go all willy nilly.

Atlas: Not like we could damage any of this stuff. I can already tell most of us don't have enough destructive power to break the walls. Well maybe Meihua could, but I dunno.

Everyone stares at Atlas

Atlas: What. I can be observational.

Ji-hu: Dude you never care about this kind of stuff. You trying to impress Romy with your intelligence? You big softy!

Atlas: Shut the hell up before I leave and tell everyone about the prophecy.

Ji-hu: Ok ok chill. Cupcake.

Atlas: That's it. Get in the cage now. We're sparring.

Ji-hu: Uh. Wait. Hold on. You're still gonna go easy on me right.

Atlas grabs Ji-hu and drags him into one of the combat rooms

Atlas: Nope I'm beating the word softy out of you.

Eui: Haha. Meihua watch over the group ok? Commander Cho said you're reliable so you're in charge. Don't let Atlas kill Ji-hu please, Geni will have my head.

Meihua: Sigh. Yes ma'am.

Eui: Alright you guys enjoy, I'll be back as quickly as possible. Then we'll do some real training.

Romy: Bye Ms. Eui!

Eui: It's just Eui I'm not old!

Eui exits the battle facilities and heads over to Commander Cho

Eui: So now we have 4 little warriors on our hands. Man, things are really getting interesting. I wonder how things will play out in Geni's prophecy.

Eui: Knock Knock. Hello Commander Cho? I need to speak with you this is urgent!

Commander Cho: Come in.

Eui walks in to find Paxis and Commander Cho having a talk

Eui: Why hello Paxis. How're you doing today? Finding Geni was certainly a surprise.

Paxis: I'm doing fine, thank you for asking.

Commander Cho: What was the reason for needing to talk to me?

Eui: The kids revealed something really interesting.

Commander Cho: Oh? Explain.

Eui: After Ji-hu's little friends were debriefed on everything, Geni revealed that all 4 of them were prophesied as some of the great warriors. It seems that she didn't know until she met the rest of them. We got a lot of potential on our hands commander. They all have extremely good qualities. And it seems you know one of them too.

Commander Cho: That is certainly worth coming to see me. Thank you for informing me immediately. And do tell, which one of them I know?

Eui: The Meihua girl. You said she had potential right? Well she's here and she's one of the warriors.

Commander Cho: So that's why the name looked so familiar. I can definitely see the reasoning behind her being one of the Chosen. Very strong resolve. Keeps friends and allies close. What of the other two that Ji-hu brought. You said they were also Chosen?

Eui: They both seem very capable. Both are draconians and one of them is a duel kinesis user. Geo and Ecokinesis. She isn't very good at using them, but the potential is there. The other draconian is a pyrokinetic user. Apparently he's a natural at everything, but… he is extremely lazy. Although it seems he's sparked a fire in himself because of his sister. Family stuff I presume.

Commander Cho: Pyrokinetic. That is … good. Thank you for coming, you may go back to your duties.

Eui: Of course Commander Cho. See you later Paxis!

Paxis: Wait. Is Ji-hu learning anything about his Dimensional capabilities yet?

Eui: Interested are we? Planning on taking another apprentice? To answer your question, no he isn't. He's getting some of my training to help prepare him for Geni's training. I'll whip him up into shape don't you worry.

Paxis: Very well. Keep me informed please. I'd like to know about Ji-hu's progress.

Eui: Gotcha Pax. See you two later.

Commander Cho: Have a pleasant training session. And please don't kill the children.

Paxis: Goodbye Ms. Eui.

Eui gives Paxis the stink eye

Back to the training facilities

Ji-hu yells out as Atlas delivers a hard punch into his abdomen

Ji-hu: Cough. Ugh you really had to go there? I feel like I'm gonna throw up.

Atlas: Come on Ji-hu you've taken way worse. Besides, I'm still holding back.

Ji-hu: Has anyone ever told you you're extremely annoying? Cause you are.

Atlas: Baby

Meihua: Anyway we should probably rest a little since Eui is most definitely going to be training us as soon as she gets back. While I do not know how difficult it will be, if it's someone Commander Cho relies on it certainly won't be easy.

Atlas: I'll be fine. Little princess over here might not be though.

Ji-hu: Ugh I'm fine.

Romy: Do you need help Ji-hu?

Ji-hu: Ha. Thanks Romy, but like Atlas said I've taken worse. A little gut blow ain't gonna put me down.

Atlas: I can hit you harder if you want.

Ji-hu: Please don't.

Eui: Alright everyone. I'm Baa-aack.

Meihua: Hello Ms. Eui. I made sure no one got too hurt.

Eui: It's EUI. Just EUI. Please I don't wanna feel old. I'm literally only 27.

Meihua: It's more for respect. It would feel wrong to call the #19 ranker by name.

Ji-hu: Eh? I thought you were younger. I just say Eui because it's simpler.

Eui: Sigh. Good enough I guess. Well anyway you guys and gals ready for some training?

Collective Yes from the group

Eui: Alright then first lets go over all of your abilities. I did read your files, but seeing them in person will give me a better idea of what I'm working with. You first Ji-hu.

Ji-hu: Alright. Here we go.

Ji-hu makes a tearing motion as a rift in space opens up revealing a void

Ji-hu: This is my Dimensional Storage. I have a bunch of stuff in here. I have my weapons, extra set of clothes, soda, food, and some medical supplies. As you know already I don't have much destructive strength and can only really teleport using this beacon.

Ji-hu: The way the beacon works is if I store some of the dimensional energy I can grab into this little device and place it somewhere else, I can snap my fingers and teleport over to the beacon. I also can create flash bangs by tearing a little dimensional energy off of space. Like this.

Ji-hu tears a piece of his portal off then holds it in his hand. It looks extremely volatile and extremely bright.

Ji-hu: Alright, that's most of what I can do for now.

Eui: Okay. That was a lot less than I expected. No problem though. I'm sure Geni will help you do more with your abilities.

Ji-hu: Sigh. Yeah, not just you, Eui. I also hope I have more abilities in waiting.

Eui: Alright next up Meihua!

Meihua: Alright, as you know my sacred art is Divine Intervention. The byproducts I have are enhanced strength and durability. I can take quite a lot of damage. And I can pretty much bust straight through most walls. I'm also quite flexible, but that isn't one of the byproducts.

Meihua lights up her arm

Meihua: My mechanical arm has a few functions. The repulsor inside my hand can generate bursts of energy. So I can essentially create a double impact when punching. I do have a ranged attack, but it is fairly weak. And I have a built-in flashlight, laser, and battery. That's about all I can do.

Eui: Alright so some strength training would probably be good for you. You may have enhanced strength, but I've heard that you can still increase it even if it's a byproduct.

Meihua: I … never thought of it like that.

Eui: We can also look into upgrading that arm of yours. Add some new stuff to it. Alright, next!

Atlas: Che. Alright since we're doing this. You guys already know the gist about draconians.

Atlas lights his arms on fire and grows scales

Atlas: I use pyrokinesis or brute strength for most of my attacks. I'm also flame resistant, but not invulnerable. My draconian attributes are my tail, forearms, and horns. I can hide the forearms, but my tail and horns are always on me. I'm pretty strong. Not as strong as Mei, but I can take hits and dish em out. I was able to achieve partial draconian transformation. I had my legs and entire arms covered in scales and stuff. I also don't have wings.

Eui: Alright. You're pretty well rounded, I guess some general training will do. Lets try and discover more of that dragon transformation.

Atlas: Ok teach.

Eui: Alright, Romy your turn!

Romy: Um, just like big bro I'm a draconian. I'm not nearly as strong as either Mei or bro, but I'm pretty durable. Unlike my brother who's a brute draconian I'm more like a draconian mage. As you know, I'm a dual kinesis user, but my mastery in both aspects are pretty low.

Waves tail and flaps wings

Romy: My draconian attributes are my tail and wings. I can't hide either of them and I haven't achieved any draconian transformations.

Eui: Alright, a little rough around the edges, but let's focus on your dual kinesis. That must be pretty hard having to control two different things. The energies in you must constantly be fighting for control. So what you can do is just completely ignore one of your kinesis'. Just pretend like you aren't a dual kinesis user and go from there. I suggest working with your Geo attribute since it'll be easier.

Romy: Alright thank you Ms. Eui!

Eui: Chop chop everyone, get training!

?: Ah so this is where you were. I've been looking for you, Eui.

Eui: Huh? Oh Manon what the heck are you doing here? I thought you were in America with Everest.

Ji-hu: Uh Eui. Who is this?

Eui: Oh let me introduce you guys. This right here is Ms. Manon Cambert. Top ranker # 15. She's a hydrokinetic user. A really good one at that.

Manon: My you flatter me so, but as for why I'm here, I was stopping by to aid Korea with its dungeon situation. I was informed about the prophecy and decided to find you since Commander Cho told me you were escorting the being from outer space.

Romy: Woah I didn't expect to see you here Ms. Manon.

Manon: Oh hello there Romy, it has been a while hasn't it. Is Yuxuan doing alright?

Romy: Yes, she's been teaching me quite a bit. Even though I'm not doing too well.

Manon: Oh dear, do you still feel this way even after all that work you've put in?

Romy: I haven't been improving at all Ms. Manon. But hopefully now that we're here I can finally start growing again!

Manon: That's unfortunate, but the equipment here will most likely help break your limits. Ah and you must be Ji-hu, one of the chosen, correct?

Ji-hu: Oh yeah, that's me haha. It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Manon.

Manon: My my, so polite. The youth can be so unpredictable.

Manon: Anyway I was hoping I could help train the 4 warriors destined to save us from the Abyss.

Atlas: Man when you put it like that it's a little embarrassing. I mean just 3 hours ago I wasn't even thinking about training. Now it seems I got reasons to.

Romy: Uh guys.

Meihua: I didn't take you for one to think very much.

Atlas: Oi. I have a brain, you know. Not like I'm stupid.

Romy: Guys?

Ji-hu: You? A brain? Don't make me laugh haha.

Atlas: We can go back in the ring if you want. I'm sure Eui and Ms. Manon wouldn't mind.

Snickering from Eui and soft laughter from Manon

Ji-hu: hehe, maybe not? Would you look at that I think the equipment is calling my name!

Atlas: oh not so fa-

Romy: GUYS!

Collective what? From the group

Romy: LOOK!

The group turns to where Romy is pointing and finds that a dungeon portal has opened on the surface

Meihua: What

Atlas: The

Ji-hu: F**K!?