Not bad kid

One week later. 

Seven grueling days had passed since the start of my hellish training, and every muscle in my body ached with the kind of fatigue that only came from relentless effort. But it wasn't the crushing exhaustion that had settled into my bones that surprised me.

It was the progress. Somehow, despite Valeria's insane challenges, Carlos's constant sarcasm, and the ever-present threat of monsters snapping at my heels, I was getting better. Stronger. Faster. 

Every day, I spent hours in the training ground Valeria had created a pocket dimension where chaos ruled. Monsters emerged from the shadows, relentless in their attacks.

Hundreds of candles surrounded me, their wicks mocking my every attempt to light them with my flames.

At first, I'd stumbled through it, more panic than precision, flinging my magic like a wild animal trying to fend off a predator. But now? Now I was starting to see the patterns. 

I had learned how the monsters moved, how their claws slashed at the air just before they lunged. I could hear the telltale growl that meant one was about to pounce and the scrape of talons against the rocky ground.

The magic they exuded felt like a pulse against my skin, warning me of their presence even when I couldn't see them. My reflexes had sharpened, my footing more sure. 

Lighting the candles had become less of a Herculean task and more of a steady rhythm. I'd figured out how to summon just enough red flame to catch the wick without letting it flare wildly out of control.

The first few times I managed to light all the candles in a section without burning anything else, I'd been so ecstatic I nearly cried. Valeria, of course, just laughed and told me to focus. 

And then there was my body. I'd noticed the changes when I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the lake one evening. I was still lean, but the weeks of rigorous training were starting to sculpt something more defined.

My arms felt stronger, my legs more powerful. My stamina was improving too; I could go longer without collapsing into a heap of exhaustion. If this kept up, I might actually survive this madness and look good doing it. 

Today, though, was the real test. 

The air in the training ground was heavy with tension, the magic crackling like static against my skin.

Shadows slithered along the edges of the space, and the familiar growls of the monsters echoed around me. Dozens of candles surrounded me in a wide circle, their wicks waiting for my flames. 

"Let's see what you've got, little ember," Valeria called from her perch on a nearby boulder. She leaned back casually, her arms crossed and a smirk plastered across her face. 

Carlos, in his human form, sat next to her with an expression of resigned annoyance. "No pressure or anything," he muttered, earning a sharp elbow from Valeria. 

I ignored them both, focusing on the task ahead. I tightened the grip on the dagger Valeria had given me a sleek, lightweight weapon with a blade that gleamed like obsidian.

It wasn't my primary tool for fighting the monsters, but it was useful when I needed to get in close. 

The first monster lunged, its snarling face and glowing eyes barreling toward me like a freight train. I twisted to the side, my movements fluid, and slashed the dagger across its flank. Black ichor sprayed across the ground as the beast howled in pain and dissipated into smoke. 

No time to rest. Another monster was already upon me, its claws swiping at my head. I ducked, the wind from its attack brushing against my cheek, and spun around to face it.

Summoning a flicker of red fire to my palm, I hurled the flame straight into its chest. The creature exploded into embers, the light from the blast illuminating the unlit candles around me. 

One by one, I began lighting the candles. The flames leapt from my fingertips, small and controlled, catching on the wicks and spreading in a warm, steady glow. My heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline surging through my veins as I moved. 

Another monster charged, its claws glinting in the dim light. This one was faster than the others, its movements erratic and unpredictable.

I sidestepped its initial attack, barely avoiding the swipe of its claws, and used the momentum to roll toward the next section of candles. I lit three more before the beast was on me again. 

I raised my hand, a barrier of fire erupting between us. The monster recoiled, snarling in frustration, and I seized the opportunity to drive my dagger into its side. It vanished into smoke, and I was already moving to light more candles. 

The circle of glowing flames around me was growing, but so was the intensity of the monsters' attacks. They seemed angrier now, their movements more frenzied. My magic pulsed in response, the red flames licking at my skin like a living thing. 

"Don't lose focus, Ren!" Valeria's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. 

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm. The final stretch was always the hardest. I could feel the magic inside me, wild and untamed, begging to be unleashed in a massive, uncontrolled burst. But I couldn't afford to lose control now. 

A massive beast emerged from the shadows, twice the size of the others, its eyes glowing like molten gold. It roared, the sound reverberating through the training ground, and charged straight at me. 

I planted my feet firmly, raising both hands as I summoned a surge of red fire. The flames roared to life, engulfing the monster in a torrent of heat and light. It thrashed against the fire, but I held my ground, pouring every ounce of focus into keeping the flames steady. 

Finally, the beast collapsed, dissolving into ash. I was breathing hard, sweat dripping down my face, but I didn't stop. There were only a few candles left. 

I sprinted toward the final section, the adrenaline pushing me forward. The last few candles flickered to life under my touch, their glow joining the rest to form a perfect circle of light around me. 

I stopped in the center, my chest heaving as I looked around at the glowing flames. The monsters were gone, the shadows retreating into the edges of the training ground. 

Valeria clapped slowly, her smirk widening. "Well, well. Look at you, little ember. You actually did it." 

Carlos gave me a thumbs-up, his expression a mix of approval and disbelief. "Not bad, kid." 

I collapsed to my knees, exhaustion washing over me in waves. But as I stared at the glowing circle of candles, a small smile crept onto my face.

I'd done it. After days of chaos, pain, and frustration, I'd finally completed the challenge. 

And for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt like I was starting to get the hang of this.