Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Final Test

The week passed in a blur of pain, sweat, and exhaustion. Mike had never worked so hard in his life. Every muscle in his body screamed for rest, but Lily never let up. If he wasn’t getting thrown to the ground, he was dodging wooden blades that could crack ribs. If he wasn’t sprinting up and down the compound until his legs burned, he was lifting weights that made his arms feel like they’d fall off.

There was no mercy.

But little by little, something changed.

The pain became familiar. The exhaustion became routine. His body started to react faster, his strikes landed harder, and he was no longer just taking hits—he was dodging, countering, and surviving.

Mike was far from strong, but he was no longer weak.

Now, standing in the middle of the training hall on his final day of training, he was about to face his biggest challenge yet.

Lily stood before him, arms crossed, her usual smirk present.

"Alright, Mike," she said, tossing him a wooden dagger. "Final test. You fight me. If you land a single clean hit, I’ll say you’re ready for the Shuffle Selection. If not…" She let the words hang in the air, but her expression said everything.

Mike swallowed hard. He had barely survived sparring with other trainees—Lily was on another level. But there was no choice. He gripped the dagger tightly and nodded.

"Let’s do this."

The Fight Begins

The second he took a step forward, Lily moved.

A blur of motion—she was already behind him before he could react.

A sharp kick to his back sent him stumbling forward. He barely managed to keep his footing. He spun around, dagger raised.

Think, Mike. She’s faster, stronger… but you’ve been training all week. Use what you learned.

Lily came at him again, her foot aiming for his ribs. Mike barely dodged, twisting his body just in time. He swung his dagger at her, but she sidestepped effortlessly.

"Too slow," she said, almost bored.

She lashed out with her palm, striking his wrist. The dagger flew from his grip. Mike’s heart pounded. Damn it! I need to—

His thoughts were cut off as she swept his legs out from under him. He hit the ground hard, groaning in pain.

Lily crouched over him, shaking her head. "You’re thinking too much. Fighting isn’t about planning five moves ahead—it’s about instincts. You hesitate, you die."

Mike gritted his teeth. He refused to lose like this.

Then something clicked.

The pain was familiar now. He had felt it every day for a week. The exhaustion was normal. His body knew how to move through it.

He didn’t think. He moved.

Lily’s eyes widened slightly as Mike rolled to the side just as she tried to pin him down. Instead of retreating, he lunged forward.

His hands found her wrist, and for the first time, he reversed the situation—twisting her arm in a hold she had taught him just days ago.

Lily’s smirk returned.

"Good," she whispered.

Mike barely registered her words before she flipped her body, breaking free from his grip. He braced himself for another attack, but to his surprise, she stepped back.

"That’s enough," she said. "You passed."

Mike stared at her, breathing heavily. "Wait… I didn’t even land a hit."

Lily grinned. "You forced me to adjust. That’s enough proof that you can fight under pressure. You’ll need that for the Shuffle Selection."

Relief washed over Mike, but he didn’t have time to enjoy it.

Because the real challenge was just ahead.

The Shuffle Selection was tomorrow.

Sneak Peek – Chapter 6: The Shuffle Selection Begins

The entire compound was buzzing with energy. Fighters stood in groups, sharpening weapons, stretching, or quietly preparing themselves.

Mike stood among them, feeling the tension in the air.

A loudspeaker crackled to life.

"All new recruits, report to the selection grounds. The Shuffle Selection is about to begin."

Mike took a deep breath.