Somewhere in the SIGIL Headquarters was an expansive training ground where Jaegers sparred against one another. Over its rough, reinforced concrete surface, two individuals fought in finesse, one pouncing with distinct sharpness while the other dodged with grace.
A week has passed after the conclusion of the collaborative mission between the two strongest Blocks of SIGIL. Since then, Francine had heeded the desire of her junior, training him in the arts of close-quarters combat.
Throwing a feint, Damien launched a swift sidekick, piercing through the air. But with graceful footwork, Francine dodged and tapped the forehead of her junior. The edges of her plump crimson lips curved as she remarked.
"That's the eleventh time today, Damien. You have grown much faster than I had previously expected." The two of them backed away from each other, standing on opposite sides of the training grounds.
After the conclusion of the collaborative mission, his training was divided into two distinct parts. It was physical training and practical training.
For the first few days of the training, Damien was forced to handle the most horrendous activities he had ever encountered in his life. Whether it'd be the daily 100km marathon or the 1000s series of training.
It was no less than torture.
When he wanted to know why his training was so extreme. His supposedly gentle senior answered with the same soothing voice as before. He was built... Different.
Damien didn't have to worry about ligament strains, muscle fatigue, or long-term side effects of extreme physical training. He was an Aberrant, built in the same exotic matter as logic-defying abilities.
His body didn't follow proper biology. Perhaps, he might not even need to sleep, drink, or eat. With this in mind, his senior decided that it was wise to push him further than anyone else.
Beyond what even the enhanced bodies of metahumans could handle.
In any case, he wasn't against the extreme method of training. Since his physique was unusual, it would be absurd to not utilize the advantages it brought him. Pain didn't matter to him. For it was merely temporary.
Established on top of the physical training was the practical exercise. The attributes of Damien's physique could only shine when employed properly through fighting techniques. With this in mind, the two sparred every day.
Francine would introduce different fighting techniques, applying different parts of the body. Some were honorable and straightforward, while others were downright horrendous. Who would want their balls smashed?
Thankfully, his gorgeous senior was much more merciful during their practical exercise. Francine wouldn't beat him to death, though some moments felt like she planned to kill him.
Regardless, there has been growth on his side. His body was becoming firmer, but it wasn't comparable to that of a bodybuilder. It was akin to gaining some muscle rather than becoming a hulk.
He also learned a few fighting techniques. If his current self had fought against a dhampir, he wouldn't be as helpless as before. Though he didn't think his physique was better than the dhampir's.
"But regardless of your growth, you lack the conviction to strike." Francine continued, stretching her body with agility and poise. Droplets of sweat dripped from her pale skin as her black sportswear embraced her ample figure.
"I see you as a logical type of person, Damien. You need a reason to act. But sometimes, the world is illogical. Even when everything doesn't make sense, you mustn't hesitate." Her sapphire-like eyes narrowed.
"Otherwise, you could die. It wouldn't do well if my junior dies before me." She smiled at him and promptly ended their practical exercise. "You must be hungry. Training so much early in the morning does take energy."
Damien nodded, agreeing to her invitation. He appreciated the lessons taught by his senior and understood his shortcomings regarding conviction. 'I must concentrate.'
'Distractions, questions, and doubts must not enter my head during a fight. I don't want to die as a young man.' He hardened his resolve, determined to do what it took.
'Though my relationship level has grown significantly this past week.' His relationship with Silhouette had reached the level of a comrade, while Eclipse became his companion.
The added limit to the Command Seals was astounding. There was also an increase in Terror Points, which was granted by revealing his abilities every moment he could.
It was considered training, but it rewarded him with much-needed wealth. After all, it was about time to start mass summoning. He needed more cards to place on the table, and the terrestrial monsters were an opportunity.
As they donned their black suits after a hot shower, the two entered one of the canteens scattered throughout the SIGIL Headquarters. Their arrival drew some attention, but they didn't care.
Block 7 has always been the black sheep of the SIGIL. Because of the peculiar state of affairs between the headquarters and their paragon, none other than their boss could command them.
While it ensured that none of them would fall into the grimy hands of those pesky politicians, the opportunities for a mission became a rarity. But Damien didn't find it a problem since his boss was a troublesome person.
As long as he followed her, problems were bound to come his way. He merely needed to be patient and focused on his growth. He didn't want to die from these incoming troubles.
"Francine, when will we be sparring against one another with special abilities? I want to gain some experience regarding Brands. I heard that powers aren't inherently unique to humanity."
"I'd rather not be taken by surprise." Eating his breakfast meal, his sable-tinted eyes glanced towards the beautiful secretary. He understood that special abilities weren't that rare in the New World.
If he wanted to solidify his survival, he must acquaint himself with the nonsense of the new era. It was a requirement that couldn't be ignored.
Perceiving his determined gaze, Francine tilted her head with a playful lilt. Her sapphire-like irises pierced through the lens of her golden-tinted eyeglasses.
"Hmm... You want to spar against me with my Brand, huh? Are you interested, Damien?" Her tone was soft, but there was a tinge of mischievousness within it.
Damien maintained his blank expression, preserving his calm with proficiency. Since becoming acquainted with his senior for an entire week, his resistance against beauty had developed.
Although it wasn't complete nullification, it was more preferable than looking the other way because of embarrassment.
"I won't deny. But I really am interested, Francine. Other than Miss Alastair, I haven't seen strong Brands. I feel ignorant about something I must understand. That is the top of this world."
He explained his reasoning, desiring to observe how strong those who stood at the apex were. What he needed was a good comparison. Not a glimpse of what could be. He needed something more actual.
For a moment, Francine's sapphire-like eyes narrowed into a squint. But it was promptly replaced with the same graceful and soothing expression as before. "I understand your desires, Damien."
"As your senior, perhaps I could show you my Brand as part of the practical curriculum. However... It isn't without its price. Can you pay, my junior?" Her calm words resounded, but Damien met them with unfiltered purpose.
He responded.
"One favor..."