Chapter 156 Phoenix (1/2)
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Nix appeared in a sand-covered training area. The immediate pressure weighing down upon him nearly drove him to his knees.
A flash of red and he was enveloped in the strong arms of Shae, her soft lips kissing his face while her tears ran freely down her face. ”I'm sorry Nix, I wanted to see you!”
She wore light training armor and her long red hair had been cut to her waist and then braided. Nix should have been surprised to see that she had wings, but for some reason, he wasn't.
”You gave me your word Shae, you can visit him for as long as he can stand on this plane.” Nix recognized the face and the voice but didn't know the name.
Nix could already feel his legs shaking. Was the gravity different here? Or perhaps there was some trial necessary? He cupped Shae's face in his hands, she seemed thinner and her cheekbones a bit more pronounced. ”Archon training?”
Shae nodded and kissed him again. ”You remember this bad person? He is Pheno Myrick.”
”She is uncommonly difficult. I do her this favor so she would consent for the second phase of her training.” Pheno's scarred face wore a smile when he spoke, he tossed Nix a small disc. ”If the pressure of this world is too much, break this disc and you will return to your binding point.”
Nix looked at the disk and then nodded. ”I understand.”
The lovers held each other and talked in hushed tones. Nix did his best to bring her up to speed on the latest happenings in Colonial and Oasis. Shae mentioned that she was able to read the Parliament docket updates in the Great Library of Solomon City.
Nix ignored the mounting pressure on his body, every breathe was a struggle. ”Is there a gate nearby?”
Shae kissed his ear, ”this is the training hall. Take a left down the long hall, there is a gate there.”
Nix caressed her face. ”I'm going to let myself collapse in a minute, leave immediately after that.”
Pheno clapped loudly. ”Impressive Nix, you must be strong. Don't be stubborn, say goodbye to your mate and then crush the stone. You are not yet ready for this plane.”
Nix focused on Pheno. He wore plate armor that was obviously only for training. It was covered in all sorts of dents, gouges and scorch marks. His wings burned with a silver flame, on his shoulder was a crest, crossed swords that were holding up a sun.
[Your strength has improved]
[Your stamina has improved]
Nix's whole body shook with the effort, although he was acting some, he was pushing himself hard to remain upright. ”You're a trainer? Show me something then, I've come all this way.”
”Hmm? Want to learn, do you?” Pheno's square jaw clenched slightly, the muscles running up the side of his face. He pointed to a table on by the far wall. ”Pick up a sword from that table and bring it back to me. If you can make it there and back, I will teach you one thing.”
Nix turned and started walking toward the table, standing had been hard enough.
[Your strength has improved]
[Your stamina has improved]
[Your strength has improved]
[Your stamina has improved]
Nix focused on the table, sweat beaded on his head and ran down his face into his eyes. He ignored the stinging, raising his arm to wipe it away would have cost him too much effort. By the time he reached the table, his entire body was cramping with effort, blood ran freely down his chin where he had bitten through his lip.
[Your strength has improved]
[Your stamina has improved]
[Your strength has improved]
[Your stamina has improved]
He gripped the sword on the table and started back, the tip of the blade dragging in the sand as he slowly made his way back to Pheno. The surprise on Pheno's face was evident when Nix once again stood in front of him.
Pheno sighed heavily. ”This I did not expect.” He opened a hud and operated a few menus. ”I can't teach you without first registering you as a recruit and giving you a proper name.”
[You have been given the name Phoenix]
[You have been registered as a recruit under Captain Pheno Myrick of the Solomon City Archon Knights.]