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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Training Begins

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the secluded training ground where Kaito and his friends gathered every day after school. The area, nestled behind the gymnasium and shielded by tall trees, had become their sanctuary—a place where they could focus on honing their newfound abilities while also enjoying each other's company.

As the group prepared for their training session, Kaito felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The discovery of their powers had opened up a world of possibilities, but it also came with challenges and responsibilities. Today, he was determined to explore the depths of their abilities and understand the true potential they held.

Aya was the first to step forward, her eyes focused and determined. With a graceful motion, she extended her hand, and the water from a nearby stream rose into the air, swirling around her like a living entity. She had become adept at manipulating water, using it to create barriers and offensive strikes. But as she delved deeper into her power, she began to sense something more—a connection to the ancient forces beneath the ocean, granting her the potential to wield the power of Abyssal Sovereign. As a martial artist, Aya also discovered she could conjure "Tideblade", channeling the fluid force of water in every strike, combining discipline and elemental control to overwhelm opponents with grace and strength.

Next was Ryo, who had embraced his dual talents with enthusiasm. His love for technology had only grown, and he now combined it with his super strength to create innovative gadgets and weapons. As he demonstrated a new device—a compact energy shield that could withstand powerful impacts—Kaito couldn't help but admire Ryo's ingenuity and resourcefulness. Ryo's potential lay in the power of Titan Circuit, a fusion of raw, earth-shattering physical power and unmatched technical brilliance. Moreover, Ryo sensed the possibility of "Titan's Ascendancy", an evolution of his strength to god-like levels, hinting at a higher purpose or conflict that awaited him.

Mika, ever the speedster, was a blur of motion as she darted across the training field. Her agility and reflexes were unmatched, allowing her to outmaneuver any obstacle in her path. She had also begun to experiment with using her speed to generate kinetic energy, adding a new dimension to her abilities. To everyone's shock, Mika discovered she possessed the power of "Vital Surge"—a speedster whose movement generated regenerative energy. The faster she moved, the more she could heal herself and others. With lightning-fast reflexes and a heart wired for protection, she could dash into danger, mend wounds mid-battle, and vanish before harm touched her.

Riko, with her fiery spirit, had become a force to be reckoned with. Her control over fire was both beautiful and terrifying, as she conjured flames that danced at her fingertips. She had learned to channel her emotions into her power, using it to create both destructive blasts and protective barriers. Her potential lay in Infernum Genesis, the ultimate manifestation of fire. Moreover, Riko's intellectual prowess allowed her to use "Inferno Mind"—a brilliant tactician with the power to control and generate fire, using logic and intellect to wield flames with precision. Every blaze was calculated, every move planned. She didn't just burn—she outthought, then incinerated.

As Kaito observed his friends, he felt a sense of pride in their progress. They were growing stronger every day, their determination unwavering. But as he turned his attention to his own abilities, a sense of trepidation crept in.

Kaito stepped forward, taking a deep breath as he prepared to delve deeper into the power of Abyssal Eclipsed Sovereignty. He had only scratched the surface of this transcendent force, and today he was determined to understand it better.

Closing his eyes, Kaito focused on the energy within him, feeling the duality of the Abyss and the Light. As he channeled the void energy, a dark aura enveloped him, pulsing with raw power. He could feel the potential to erase matter, to bend reality to his will. It was exhilarating, but also terrifying.

Opening his eyes, Kaito extended his hand, directing the energy towards a boulder at the edge of the field. The void energy surged forward, consuming the boulder in an instant, leaving nothing but a void in its place. The sheer destructiveness of the power left Kaito breathless, a mix of awe and fear coursing through him.

In a moment of clarity, Kaito realized that he could channel this immense power through his weapons—a sword or a spear. By focusing the energy into these tools, he could control and direct the power with greater precision, reducing the risk of losing control. This realization was a breakthrough, offering him a way to harness his abilities more effectively.

During one particularly intense training session, an unexpected incident occurred. As Kaito and Riko practiced their abilities side by side, a moment of distraction led to an accidental touch. Kaito's hand brushed against Riko's butt, and before he could apologize, he was met with a swift slap to the face. The group erupted into laughter, the tension of training momentarily forgotten. Despite the embarrassment, Kaito couldn't help but smile, the camaraderie among them a source of strength.

Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, Kaito gathered his friends for a serious discussion. "I've been thinking about our powers," he began. "The more we train, the stronger they'll become. But there's something important we need to address."

The group listened intently as Kaito continued. "Our powers are linked to the virus within us. If we can learn to control it, our abilities will grow even stronger. But there's a danger too. If we lose control, we risk becoming like the Fallen—people who gained powers but couldn't control the virus. They became consumed by it."

His friends exchanged worried glances, the gravity of Kaito's words sinking in. "So how do we control it?" Ryo asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Kaito nodded, having anticipated the question. "There's a breathing technique I've been using. It helps me focus and maintain control over the virus. I'll teach it to you. It's the only way to properly harness our powers without losing ourselves."

As they practiced the breathing technique, Kaito shared something he had kept to himself. "In my past life, I learned about the potential of our powers. I saw glimpses of what we could become. That's why I'm gathering information now, to understand more about the virus and how we can use it to our advantage."

His friends listened with renewed interest, realizing the depth of Kaito's knowledge and the weight of his experiences. They were not just honing their abilities; they were building bonds that would see them through the challenges ahead.

As the episode drew to a close, the group stood together, their resolve stronger than ever. They had come a long way, but they knew there was still much to learn. With each passing day, they grew more confident in their abilities, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And with Kaito leading them, they knew they had a fighting chance.

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