Rodoj: Line up, everyone.
After they line up...
Rodoj: The power you just witnessed… you must have felt it deep inside the pit. It awakened within you when you were overcome by fear. But now, you will learn how to use it properly! Now, put on these suits and wear this scarf over them.
After they finish changing...
Rodoj: Follow me.
Everyone follows him until they reach a massive door. They step inside and find themselves in a vast room filled with iron statues shaped like Silamodor scorpions.
Rodoj: Each of you, stand in front of one. Now, you must strike it with your bare hands until its head falls off.
Trainee: But how?! That's impossible!
Rogan: They're made of iron. What are we supposed to do?
Rodoj: shouting Just hit it!!
They all strike the statues, but their hands hurt without making a dent...
Rodoj laughs at them...
Rodoj: Weaklings!!! Feel the power inside you! Remember what you felt in the pit! Even if it hurts, don't stop! Imagine that the statue in front of you is attacking your family, ready to kill them. Now, BEGIN!!
They start striking again and again, pushing through the pain.
Rodoj: mocking Weak... Pathetic... PATHETIC! If this were real, your families would be dead by now! Stopping is NOT an option!
Rogan closes his eyes, drowning out Rodoj's voice. He imagines the statue attacking his family… A surge of power rushes through him. His eyes burn a deep red. He inhales sharply and slams his fist into the statue's face—its head shatters into pieces. One after another, others start succeeding as well...
Rogan looks to his right and sees Himari, trembling and drenched in sweat, her eyes shut tight.
Rogan: Hey, are you okay? Are you still with us?
Suddenly, Himari strikes the statue's stomach—its torso splits clean in half!
Rogan: Amazing!! You broke it in two!!
Himari: panting Thank you… You're Rogan, right?
Rogan: Yeah, how did you know?
Himari: Your friend was yelling your name so loudly back in the dormitory that day.
Rogan: Oh, right! That makes sense. And you are...?
Himari: I'm Himari.
Rogan: Nice to meet you.
Himari: Same here... swaying... ugh...
She suddenly collapses.
Rogan: Himari?! What's wrong?!
But then, he too loses consciousness...
---
Some time later...
Rogan wakes up, still in the same spot. Some of his friends are awake as well.
Rogan: How long were we out?
Rodoj: About two hours.
Himari groggily sits up.
Himari: What...? What happened...?
Rodoj: The power you released drained all of your energy. That's why you passed out. But don't worry— the more you train, the greater your stamina will become. Now, head to the resting quarters.
---
On the way...
Himari: I still feel dizzy...
Rogan: Me too...
Himari: Do you have any family members in Pyarod's army?
Rogan: No… Not that I know of. What about you?
Himari: My father… He was in Pyarod's army.
Rogan: Was? Did something happen to him?
Himari: I… I don't know where he is. He left on a mission… and never returned. The army never confirmed his death. But his comrade, Noitegro, who is a Rodan, assured us that he's still alive.
Rogan: I'm sorry to hear that… But is there any new information about him? What will you do?
Himari: Nothing… It's been three years since he vanished, yet I still have the drive to find him. But I'm afraid that drive might fade away...
Rogan: Don't worry. We'll train hard and find him together.
Himari: …Thank you, Rogan.
They finally arrive at the resting quarters. Without thinking, they all collapse onto their beds, drifting into sleep immediately...