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Chapter 16 - Chapter16: Deep Bond

Council Member 0 spoke firmly, "Yes, they were all defeated before they could even reach a state where they could fight properly. I need capable individuals to assist me, so I want you both to come with me."

Cisco and Aremaki exchanged a glance before responding in unison, "Oh, okay, sir!"

Council Member 0 gave a nod of approval. "Good. However, you both require proper training for the battles ahead. Additionally, we have an important meeting with the BCB leaders on Friday, and we must be well-prepared."

Cisco furrowed his brows. "Why is the meeting scheduled so soon? Can't the date be changed?"

Council Member 0 shook his head. "The timing of the meeting is not under my control; it is decided by them."

(The scene switches to BCB Headquarters)

The Boss sat at the head of a dimly lit room, his voice cold and calculating. "Agent 56, assemble our stealth force immediately. We only have two days to prepare for the meeting with the secret organization. They must be eliminated before they even realize what's happening."

Agent 56 hesitated for a moment before responding, his tone measured. "Sir, we shouldn't underestimate them. They are intelligent and resourceful. If they anticipate an attack, they might counterstrike. We need a solid strategy, not just brute force."

The Boss smirked, leaning back in his chair. "You still don't know the full extent of my plan, yet you're already questioning it? Trust me, Agent 56. Everything is in place. First, focus on preparing the stealth force. I will reveal the details of the plan tomorrow."

Understanding that further argument would be futile, Agent 56 nodded. "Understood, sir. I'll have the team ready."

Without wasting time, he pulled out his communicator and contacted the leader of the stealth force. "We have an operation in two days. Gather the team and ensure they are at peak readiness. There is no room for error."

(The scene switches to Zenix's secret base)

Deep underground, beneath layers of rock and reinforced steel, Zenix's secret base was a sprawling fortress hidden from the outside world. The training grounds stretched far and wide, the air filled with the rhythmic sound of fists colliding against wooden logs and the occasional grunt of exertion.

Hellesa, Izaki, and Kazen stood before Zenix, their bodies aching from hours of relentless training. Despite the pain, their eyes burned with determination.

"My doubt remains," Hellesa said suddenly, breaking the silence. "When he blocked my punch, why did she smile and say, 'A familiar touch after several years'?"

Zenix opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, Izaki interrupted impatiently. "You told us we would start training. When are we actually going to start?"

Zenix let out a quiet sigh, thinking to himself, "Fate doesn't seem to want that secret revealed just yet."

Outwardly, he nodded. "If you're ready, we'll begin right now."

Hellesa, Izaki, and Kazen exchanged determined glances before responding in unison, "Yeah, we're ready."

Zenix led them into the expansive training field, a massive underground space lined with reinforced walls and training dummies. Kazen whistled in awe. "This place is huge. How did you even build something like this?"

Hellesa, equally impressed, nodded. "Yeah… this is incredible."

Zenix smirked slightly. "It took us five years to construct this base. Every inch of it was designed with one purpose—preparing for the inevitable battles ahead."

Without further delay, Zenix launched into instruction. "The first step in your training is to increase the strength of your punches and kicks. Power is nothing without precision, and endurance is just as important as raw force."

They began by striking wooden logs—an exercise that, at first, sent jolts of pain through their limbs. But as the hours wore on, their bodies began to adapt. The pain dulled, replaced by resilience.

Izaki was the first to shatter his log, his face breaking into a triumphant grin. Moments later, Hellesa and Kazen followed suit, their logs splintering under their hardened strikes.

Zenix nodded approvingly. "Don't stop now. Continue."

Kazen, panting heavily, wiped the sweat from his brow. "Can we stop now? We're starving."

Izaki groaned, collapsing onto the ground. "I can't feel my arms or legs anymore. If I keep going, I might actually die from exhaustion."

Hellesa, barely able to stand, muttered under her breath, "I don't know how much longer I can do this… I feel like I'm about to faint."

Just then, a mysterious voice echoed in her mind, sending a chill down her spine. "Come on, Hellesa, you can do this. Do you think strength comes without sacrifice? Your mother trained like this for days on end without rest. If you truly want to surpass her, you must push yourself beyond your limits."

Hellesa's eyes widened. "What? You knew my mother?"

"Of course," the spirit answered. "She was one of my dearest companions."

Hellesa's heart pounded. "You were a part of her?"

"I am part of these claws you wear. Anyone from your lineage who wields them inherits my presence. But be warned—if anyone outside your bloodline dares to use them, they will perish."

Hellesa clenched her fists. "What makes us special? Why can only my lineage use them?"

The spirit's voice carried a note of pride. "Because your ancestors created me. With every passing generation, they have made me stronger."

The spirit's voice grew firmer. "Enough talk. Stop wasting time and continue your training."

Hellesa took a deep breath. "Alright."

Zenix, noticing the momentary pause, called out, "Why did you stop? Keep going."

Hellesa, Izaki, and Kazen exchanged glances, steeling themselves. The pain no longer mattered. They had a goal—to become stronger than they ever imagined. And nothing would stand in their way.

Council Member 0 stood tall, his expression unreadable, as Aremaki and Cisco faced him in the vast training field. A breeze rustled through the open space, carrying with it the weight of the moment.

"Now, your training begins," Council Member 0 declared, his voice calm but firm. "But before we start, I need to test your strength. That's why I want you both to fight me."

Aremaki exchanged a glance with Cisco before nodding. "Alright, if that's what you want."

Without hesitation, Aremaki lunged forward, throwing a powerful punch aimed directly at Council Member 0's chest. His fist connected, but it felt like striking solid steel—there was no reaction, no flinch, not even the slightest shift in stance. It was as if he had punched an immovable object.

Cisco, determined not to be outdone, swiftly followed up with a high-speed kick, aiming for the side of Council Member 0's head. His foot made contact, but the result was the same—no impact, no reaction, no visible damage.

Council Member 0 merely stood there, unshaken, his gaze still locked onto them as if their attacks were nothing more than a passing breeze.

"That's enough," he finally said, his voice even, showing no sign of strain. "Your test is over. Now, we can begin the real training."

Aremaki took a step back, his mind racing. How did our attacks do absolutely nothing? He clenched his fists, replaying the moment in his head. Does he have some kind of supernatural ability? Or is he just that strong?

Cisco, still catching his breath, felt a shiver run down his spine. The other council members said he was powerful, but this… this is beyond what I imagined. I didn't even make him move a single millimeter. He swallowed hard. Is this guy even human?

Despite their shock, they knew there was no turning back. If they wanted to get stronger, they had to push forward. Without another word, they threw themselves into their training.

Hour after hour, they drilled through rigorous exercises, pushing their bodies to the limit. The sun set, then rose again, marking a full day of relentless combat practice, endurance training, and tactical exercises. Muscles burned, sweat dripped, and exhaustion threatened to overtake them, but neither of them stopped. They knew that if they wanted to stand a chance in the battles ahead, they had to keep going.

And so, their grueling training continued…

The Scene Shifts to BCB Headquarters

In the dimly lit war room of the BCB headquarters, the tension was palpable. The air was thick with anticipation as the leaders of the stealth force stood before Akin Mazama, their formidable boss. The walls were lined with monitors displaying tactical maps and surveillance footage, casting an eerie glow over the assembled warriors.

One of the stealth force leaders stepped forward, his voice steady yet laced with urgency. "Sir, we have completed the final preparations. The team is ready for the meeting fight."

Akin Mazama, seated at the head of the table, leaned forward with an approving nod. A smirk played at the corner of his lips as he clasped his hands together. "Excellent," he said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "Now, it's time to unveil my plan."

The room fell into a hushed silence as Akin stood, walking toward the large digital display that illuminated the space. With a swift motion, he activated the screen, revealing a complex tactical layout. Every movement had been calculated, every countermeasure anticipated.

"As you all know, our targets will be on high alert. They are no fools—they know we might attempt an attack. But that's exactly where our advantage lies," Akin began, his eyes scanning the room. "We will make them think they have the upper hand, that they are in control. But in reality, they will be walking straight into our trap."

He continued, detailing the intricacies of his strategy, outlining each team's role with precision. The stealth force leaders listened intently, their expressions hardening as they absorbed the gravity of their mission.

"This is a game of deception and patience," Akin concluded. "We strike at the perfect moment—before they even realize what's happening."

A silent understanding passed through the room. There was no need for further discussion. They knew what needed to be done. The plan was set.

Meteosity's Training Field – Preparing for War

Meanwhile, deep within Meteosity's training grounds, Council Member 0 stood before a group of warriors, his piercing gaze surveying them as they pushed their limits. The field was alive with movement—fighters sparring, weapons clashing, and the rhythmic sound of heavy breathing filling the air.

As sweat dripped down the determined faces of his trainees, Council Member 0 finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of their impending battle.

"We need to be more than just prepared," he declared, his eyes filled with steely determination. "I know our enemies will attempt to eliminate us the moment they get the chance. They will come at us with everything they have. That is why we must be stronger. We must be faster. We must be prepared for anything."

His words sent a ripple through the crowd. The warriors knew this was no ordinary training session—this was a matter of survival.

"The moment this training is complete, I will reveal the battle plan," he continued. "Until then, push yourselves beyond your limits. Fight as if your life depends on it—because it does."

With renewed vigor, the fighters threw themselves back into their training. Each strike, each dodge, each moment of endurance would determine their fate.

The storm was coming. And both sides were ready to face it.

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