Chapter 22: When Training Meets Reality
The air felt heavy.
Too heavy to breathe.
The moment had come.
No more practice.
No more second chances.
This was real.
Meera stood still.
Her eyes locked on the figure in front of her.
Her heart was beating fast—
But her feet didn't move.
Not this time.
"…Don't rush," Arjun said quietly beside her.
"Watch him."
Meera nodded slightly.
Trying to stay calm.
Trying to remember everything she had learned.
The figure smiled faintly.
"…Still listening to instructions?"
Its voice echoed softly.
"…Let's see how long that lasts."
Before anyone could react—
It moved.
Fast.
Too fast.
Meera barely saw it coming.
"LEFT!" Arjun shouted.
She reacted instantly.
Turning—
Blocking with her energy.
BOOM!
The impact shook her entire body.
But she didn't fall.
Not this time.
She held it.
"…Good," the figure whispered.
A sudden force pushed her back.
She slid across the ground—
But stayed standing.
Her breathing quick.
Her hands glowing faintly.
"…Again!" the figure said.
It attacked once more.
Stronger.
Faster.
Meera moved.
Dodging.
Blocking.
Just like training.
But harder.
More dangerous.
Arjun stepped in—
Blocking another strike.
"You're not ready to face this alone!" he said firmly.
Meera clenched her fists.
"I don't have a choice!"
Energy flared around her again.
But this time—
She didn't panic.
She focused.
The power stayed stable.
Controlled.
"…That's it," Arjun said.
"Use it."
Meera stepped forward.
Facing the figure directly.
Her fear—
Still there.
But no longer controlling her.
"…I won't run anymore," she said.
The figure tilted its head.
"…Show me."
Meera moved.
Fast.
Faster than before.
Her energy gathered in her hand—
Not wild.
Sharp.
Focused.
She attacked.
The figure blocked—
But this time—
It stepped back.
A small shock passed through its expression.
"…Interesting."
Meera didn't stop.
She attacked again.
And again.
Each strike stronger.
More controlled.
More precise.
The ground cracked under their movements.
The air vibrated with power.
Arjun watched carefully.
Ready to step in—
But not interfering yet.
Because this—
This was her fight.
The figure suddenly disappeared.
Meera froze.
"…Where—"
"BEHIND YOU!" Arjun shouted.
She turned instantly.
Blocking just in time.
BOOM!
The force sent her backward.
This time—
She dropped to one knee.
Her breathing uneven.
But she didn't lose control.
Not again.
"…You've improved," the figure said calmly.
"…But not enough."
Its eyes glowed brighter.
The pressure increased.
Crushing.
Meera struggled to stand.
Her body shaking.
Her power reacting violently.
"…Stay… focused…" she whispered to herself.
Arjun stepped forward slightly.
"Meera—"
"No!" she shouted.
She forced herself up.
Her legs barely holding.
"…This is my fight."
Silence.
Arjun stopped.
Watching her.
Trusting her.
Meera closed her eyes for a second.
Just one.
Then—
She opened them again.
Different.
Calm.
Focused.
Her energy gathered again.
Stronger than before.
But controlled.
Perfectly balanced.
"…Now," she whispered.
She moved.
Faster than ever.
The figure's eyes widened slightly.
For the first time—
It reacted late.
Meera's attack landed.
A direct hit.
The ground exploded beneath them.
Dust filled the air.
Silence followed.
For a moment—
Nothing moved.
Then—
A shadow stepped forward from the dust.
Still standing.
Still smiling.
"…Very good," it said softly.
Meera froze.
Her heart dropped.
"…But this…"
The air darkened suddenly.
Its power rising sharply.
"…is where it ends."
Arjun's expression changed instantly.
"…Meera, move!"
But it was too late.
The figure raised its hand—
And everything went dark.