Bleezbub's mind raced—he had to go back, someone must be worried about him. The binding on his leg was too tight, and concern was clear in Meena's eyes. He couldn't stay here any longer. Meena glanced anxiously at his injured thigh.
"I can't stay here forever," Bleezbub protested.
Meena replied softly, "Okay, if you really think so. Let me help you. It will probably hurt, but you need to endure it. Can you do that?"
"What exactly are you trying to do? How can you help me? You're not a doctor," Bleezbub challenged, fear making his voice tremble.
Meena looked at him with unwavering confidence. "Do you trust me?" she whispered, her gaze intense. Before Bleezbub could reply, he felt a jolt of pain—Meena struck his thigh with a stone, sending shockwaves through his body. He screamed, the sound echoing for miles. His brown eyes darkened with pain and disbelief.
"Are you out of your mind? Have you lost your senses?" Bleezbub gasped, clutching his leg.
But Meena's face showed no remorse—she was smiling brightly, her eyes alive with secret satisfaction.
"Why are you smiling like that? Did you do something different?" Bleezbub stammered.
"No... look at your leg," Meena said calmly.
Bleezbub realized he was standing unaided for the first time—an incredible shock. "How did you do that? Are you really full of surprises?" he asked, astonished.
Meena placed a finger to her lips. "Top secret. This stays between us—some things are meant to stay in the dark."
"Let's meet at the training camp," she said.
"Okay, sure, Bidu."
Bleezbub asked, confused, "What is Bidu?"
Meena grinned. "Bidu is like 'dude'—we're buddies now. Cheer up, Bidu!"
Bleezbub repeated the word, embarrassed but smiling. "Your pronunciation is really good. See you later."
When Bleezbub emerged from the dorm and saw crowds gathered, he was grateful for Meena's help and strength. The students dispersed once they saw him walking unaided.
Time Skip: The Training Camp Arrival
Students walked together toward the training camp, the green landscape filling them with hope. Birds chirped energetically, while exhaustion from the long journey weighed them down. At the camp, Meena joined a crowd already gathered—members of the Heavenly Clan in white robes.
Rumors were true: the Heavenly and Demon Clans would train together, a situation that seemed impossible given their bitter history. They were rivals—Heavenly Clan was devoted to traditions and worship, representing angels, while Demon Clan stood for the opposing force. Three great battles had ended in the angels' favor; hostility was ingrained.
This year, however, both clans were to train side by side, a historical first. Students from each clan eyed one another warily—Heavenly Clan with dignified pride, Demon Clan with reluctant defiance. The air was tense.
The elders appeared, Helam of the Heavenly Clan and the stoic, respected elder from the Demon Clan. Helam's fiery eyes commanded attention as he spoke of respect and discipline. The Demon Clan elder, typically quiet, delivered a few powerful, unignorable words.
"You may not agree, but you can't act on your own will. Put your hatred aside and work together," Helam said. "Form a row now—we'll test your physical and mental stamina. Three laps around the camp: those who fail will be sent home."
Twenty-five students would run in the first round, the rest in the second. All responded in unison, "Yes!"
Meena scanned the crowd, searching for Bleezbub. Their eyes met—he smiled, offering reassurance and support. Meena felt tension ease; Bleezbub was the only person he could depend on.
Preparing for the Tasks
Fifty students had arrived, split evenly between the clans. Before testing began, the food tent beckoned, bold letters proclaiming "FOOD." Students hurried inside. Meena hesitated, hoping there was no meat—she disliked the smell. Someone tapped her shoulder.
Necoluse teased, "Do you want to give me a heart attack? You don't seem okay."
"Just thinking about the task, nothing else," Meena replied.
Necoluse joked, "Oh, the task—I thought you were thinking about me."
They laughed; then Necoluse said earnestly, "You can do this. You have great potential and stamina. Don't get distracted—stay focused."
Meena smiled. "Thanks, Necoluse. I appreciate your kindness. How is your back?"
"It's good now, thanks to you. Really, I'm fine," Necoluse replied.
"Let's compete—friendly competition?" Meena asked.
"Of course! A friendly fight will be good," Necoluse agreed.
Nearby, someone grew jealous watching their interaction, but with his brother beside him, he hesitated to intervene. Around them, students relaxed in groups—harmonious before the challenge. The weather grew cloudy, threatening rain, and the elders ordered everyone back to the dorms.
Uncertainty and Hope
Students trudged to their dorms, impatient for training to begin.
"Did you find anything about him?" asked someone. In dark room.
"No evidence, nothing. No decision until there's news," another replied.
"What about everyone else?"
"No updates, but I hope things will change soon. We can't just wait forever—we need to act," a man urged.
They agreed, united in determination.