Scene 1 – One Week Later
It had been a week since the training began. The group had made noticeable progress.
Their punches were now sharp and disciplined. Meditation sessions had extended from 3 hours to 3 and a half. They had even adjusted their walking posture—moving solely on their toes to build balance and stealth.
Under the scorching sun, the four of them sat cross-legged, focused, trying to master their breath control.
Breathing SFX:Huuuu... Haaaa... Huuuu... Haaaa...
Sitting calmly beneath a large tree was Era, observing them silently.
Era (thinking):"Very good... keep going. In just one week, you've all come a long way. Good work."
Scene 2 – 30 Minutes Later
Standing up, Era clapped once to get their attention.
Era:"That's enough for now. You have three minutes to rest. Head inside the mansion and relax. We'll begin the next training session after that."
Everyone:"Yes, Nightmare!"
They headed inside the mansion, exhausted but obedient. Era remained seated beneath the tree, deep in thought.
Era (thinking):"Meditation is helping them keep their minds cool—they're not getting irritated or angry easily. Breath control will strengthen their lungs and improve oxygen intake. Their bodies will naturally boost over time. So far, so good...
But now, I need to teach them actual fighting and strategies. And how to walk silently—like a cat. That's why I'm making them walk on their toes.
It'll take time... I'll think more on that later. For now, I should head inside and start the next session."
Scene 3 – Inside the Mansion
Era entered the mansion. All four trainees were lying on the floor—drained from the heat and fatigue.
Era:"Okay, okay! Time's up. Next training session begins now!"
A3 (groaning):"Already? Can't we get a little more rest...?"
Era:"Nope! If you rest too much, you'll get used to it—and then that's all you'll do!"
A4:"Okay, let's go!"
The group reluctantly got up.
Era:"Now, I want each of you to do 50 pushups!"
A2:"Isn't that a bit much, Nightmare?"
Era:"That's nothing—I do 300 every day."
A1:"!!"
Era:"I'm not here to build bodybuilders. I'm only making you do what's necessary. Now start!"
Everyone dropped down and began doing pushups.
Era:"Good! That's 5... 8... 9... 10! Yes, keep going!"
Scene 4 – 20 Minutes Later
The group collapsed again, this time from the pushups.
Era:"Alright, now for the next training."
A2:"Hahh...! Can't we get a small break?"
Era:"No need. This time, it's not physical—it's mental."
A3:"Meaning?"
Era:"Chess. All of you will play chess now."
A1 (confidently):"That's easy!"
Era:"Then let's add a challenge. There's a 10-minute time limit. If no one wins in that time, both players must do 30 pushups. The loser always does pushups."
A4:"Wait! What if the time runs out and it's a draw?"
Era:"Then both lose. Pushups for both!"
A1:"Haan..!"
Era:"Here are two boards. Make two teams. You'll each face off."
A2:"I'll team up with A4."
A3:"Then I'm with A1."
A1:"Fine by me. I'm going to win anyway!"
A3:"We'll see."
A4:"Let's start!"
A2:"Definitely!"
Era:"Begin. Time starts... now!"
Scene 5 – The Chess Matches Begin
Match 1: A1 vs A3
A1 opens with a knight, capturing A3's rook.
A3 counters by capturing A1's rook.
A1 eliminates four of A3's pawns.
A3 strikes back, taking A1's rook, knight, and three pawns.
A1 finally checkmates A3.
A1 (cheering):"I won!!"
A3:"Ugh... shit!"
Match 2: A2 vs A4
A2 has already taken 5 pawns and 2 knights from A4.
A4 has taken 4 pawns, 1 rook, 1 knight, and 1 bishop from A2.
It's a tight match.
A2's queen eliminates A4's last bishop.
But A4 retaliates by taking A2's queen.
Before anyone can checkmate—
Era:"Time's up!"
Era (announcing):"A1 vs A3 ended at 9:42 minutes. A2 vs A4 didn't finish. So A2, A3, and A4—30 pushups for each of you!"
A1 (gloating):"I'm safe!! Hahaha!"
A2, A3, A4:"Ugh... -_-"
They all begin their penalties.
Scene 6 – Final Stretch
Era:"A1, while they finish their pushups, go for a run."
A1:"But... it's super hot outside!"
Era:"Oh right... then run to the top floor and come back. Move it—go, go, go!"
(Note: The mansion has 4 floors – ground, 1st, 2nd, and terrace)
A1 dashes upstairs. By the time he returns, the others are finishing their pushups.
All:"Done, Nightmare!"
Era:"Good. That's enough for today. No training tomorrow or for the next three days."
A2:"Why?"
Era:"There's a school event coming up. I'll be busy preparing. No training for 4 days."
A1:"We can train ourselves!"
Era:"No need. Take these 4 days off and rest. You never know when your next break will come.But do keep practicing—play chess, and walk on your toes as much as you can."
A4:"Yes, Nightmare."
Era:"Alright. I'm heading home."
Scene 7 – That Night at Home
Era was having dinner at the table with Yumi and Taniya.
Taniya:"Mom, did Era tell you about the school event?"
Yumi:"Event? No... Era?!"
Era (startled):"Ah—yes! I was going to tell you... but sis told you first."
Yumi:"When were you planning to tell me? After it's over?"
Era:"I-I mean... I was about to tell you now."
Yumi:"What's the event?"
Era:"It's an exhibition. I have to make something and bring it from home. It'll be displayed in the class. Students and their parents can visit... maybe even buy it."
Yumi:"I see... and what are you going to make?"
Era:"...Haven't decided yet."
Yumi (scolding):"The event is on Saturday. That's only 4 days away, and you haven't even started!? After dinner, go to your room and don't come out until you've decided what to make! If needed, ask me, your sister, or your dad for help. But don't leave until you have a plan!"
Era:"Y-yes, Mom..."
[Chapter 3 – End]