The Gamer's War

Training With The Northern Squad 2 Leader 023, Part V

Just like yesterday, we continued the enduring training. I believe I progressed a little because I can hold out a bit longer than I did yesterday. "...ugh!" I fell off of my place but immediately got back on my feet.

"Impressive, I think we can increase difficulty sooner when this progress faster." 023 commented.

"That's good to hear." I said, smiling. Then I got back to hold the circuit and commanded the simulation to restart the enduring test. "Fifteen percent capacity! Fire!"

As soon as the extraction begin again, I strengthen myself to fight the artificial sense that's making me feeble. Minutes has passed and I was doing so well, but as it prolongs, my body began to shake and I'm losing my footing.

"Ack!" I fell down once again.

"Hmm, that was almost twenty minutes. If you could make it through a whole hour, then you'll definitely make it through with the next phase and then pass the first tier." He was making me optimistic about this, but when he said that I had to endure for such long time weakened my will.

Indeed, I'm pathetic.

"Aah! This is so hard 023!" I cried. It was frustrating more than anything. It was like that annoying level of a game that I'm stuck on.

"Cheer up, kid. There's still a long road."

After a quick break, I continued with my training until the day was over. Then the training continued the next day, then without noticing it, it has already been a week. Like 023 said, there's progress but it's slow. I was always on the verge of giving up but thoughts in my mind urges me to keep it up.

This is my new life after all, it's different from what I used to be before.

"...!" I kneeled down as I was weakened again. But this was better than falling off of my place.

"It's been 43 minutes, kid. Just a few more and I'll let you pass this phase." 023 said, smiling like a proud mentor he is.

"...great!" I laid down on the cold floor because I was a bit tired. Though the artificial effect immediate wears off once I lose touch with the circuit, it leaves some sort of exhaustion for me. But a few minutes rest was enough to get me back on my place again.

Standing up and placing my hand on the circuit, I recited the words needed to restart the simulation. "Fifteen percent capacity, fire!!" Then the artificial extraction began.

I tensed my muscles for a little bit since I find it useful in enduring the extraction. I closed my eyes focusing on keeping my body from collapsing like before. A few minutes has passed then the shaking of my body began. Then I hardened my whole body to stop it from shaking... just a little bit more, a little more!

I want to pass it so I can go to the next phase now!

"Aw!... tch." But I fell off again. My face turned to 023 whose face seemed worried. "Hm... strange..."

"What? What's the matter?" I asked out of worry.

"The time count has... decreased." He answered. I bit my lip out of disappointment. I knew something like this happened. Why is my body declining?! I was doing so well!

"I... I need to train more!" I stated and got back on my feet again.

Then this time, 023 stopped me from doing so. "No, I think you should rest for a bit. You seemed tired."

"No, I can do this 023. Please let me."

"Max, you shouldn't push yourself like this."

"No, no! I have to continue, or else, all effort that I made will be useless!" If I stop for a while, I might lose it. I might fail this!

"Rest is also important Max, so stop already. You need to rest." He insisted.

"Then one last more! Just one last chance, then I'll stop and rest." I begged.

He looked like he didn't want me to do it, but he seemed like he can't say 'no' either. He sighed and answered. "Fine. This will be the last for today. Then after that, you must rest."

"Yes, sir." Then I placed my hand again on the circuit and recited the commands. "Fifteen percent, fire!"

Doing my routine, I tried my best to prolong the time enduring. And I failed to meet my own expectations, again. It frustrated me. "Tell me, how long did I do it?" I asked him.

He had a worried face that he couldn't hide. Maybe he pitied on how desperate I looked but that isn't what matters here, what matters most is the results!

"Max, let's just go back now."

"No, please tell me! I need to know." I said.

He gulped and answered anyway. "You lasted about..." his eyes were fidgeting, like he doesn't want to answer my question at all. Then he just sighed again. "35 minutes." He simply answered.

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. "N, No way!" I can't believe, after a whole week of training! Has it been useless!? I was almost reaching the results I wanted!

"...let's just go back so you can rest. Don't worry about it. Maybe if you rest better then you might get back doing better."

"But it's still too early to call it a day! Let me practice more... I need to do this, 023!" I insisted that I should go back and restart, but he shook his head.

"No. We're done for today."

"But--!"

"We're done. You should rest. That's an order, Max." Then he threatened me.

Though my disappointment, I couldn't hide my frowning expression from 023. "Very well." Then I walked pass him and went out first to get back to the main quarters.

And when I got back, they were all back as well. 437 who was talking to 320 noticed my presence then greeted me. "Hey Max! You're back early?"

"Yeah, 023 said I should rest."

"Oh no, are you feeling okay?"

I tried to smile to ease her worries. "Yeah, he just kept insisting that I should rest. But I could still do a little more training."

320 meddled with our conversation. "You look pale though. You should rest like 023 told you to." My eyebrows furrowed. It felt strange to have her worried as well. I kind of felt that she doesn't like me, but why does she have to be concerned about me? I just sighed and shrugged it off.

"Then I'll go back to my room." I excused myself.

"Okay, rest well Max!" 437 said.

And as I got inside my room, I laid myself down on the bed and closed my eyes. I hope things go well tomorrow. But when I woke up the next morning, I felt worse. The second alarm already rang but I couldn't get myself to get out of bed.

After like half an hour, 023 and 113 came over my room to see me. "Max, why aren't you-- oh no." 023's face was full of worry.

Then 113 sighed at his sight. "...g, guys." I muttered, my throat feels dry.

"The human is sick." 113 stated.

Then 023 shook his head, there was a hint of disappointment on his face. "...you should rest for the day."

Chapter end.