Chapter 17 - 14: Forging New Bonds and Shared Burdens
The transport's engines whirred softly as Ellen and Mira stepped onto the platform outside Section 6's training facility. The building loomed tall and sleek, its modern design a sharp contrast to the familiar, lived-in atmosphere of Victoria Housekeeping Co. Ellen squared her shoulders, her eyes scanning the impressive structure as Mira hesitated by her side. The girl's grip on Ellen's hand tightened.
"Don't worry," Ellen said, forcing a small smile as she gave Mira's hand a reassuring squeeze. "We've got this."
"Welcome to your new training grounds." Miyabi's voice cut through the air as she approached them, her movements fluid and precise. She gestured for them to follow. "This facility is where we hone our skills and prepare for the challenges posed by the Hollows. You'll both be given the tools you need to adapt and excel."
Ellen met Miyabi's calm gaze with her usual bluntness. "You've got all this high-tech gear, huh? Hope it's ready for someone like me."
Miyabi's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I wouldn't have taken you in if it weren't."
Ellen stood in the middle of the combat training arena, the space illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow from the crystalline Ether generators embedded in the walls. Miyabi stepped onto the mat opposite her, every movement deliberate and controlled.
"Your abilities showed great potential in Hollow Zero," Miyabi said, her tone measured. "But potential alone isn't enough. You need discipline and precision."
"Got it. Hit stuff better," Ellen quipped, rolling her shoulders.
Miyabi's eyebrow twitched, but she didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she activated a series of training drones that hovered into place around them. "Your frost abilities are powerful, but unfocused. Control your Ether flow—don't let it control you."
As the session progressed, Miyabi pushed Ellen harder than she expected. The drones moved in unpredictable patterns, forcing Ellen to adjust her strikes and Etheric output on the fly.
"Again," Miyabi instructed, her voice calm but firm as Ellen's frost-coated scissors sliced through the air. "Don't overextend. Focus."