Chapter 11 - Training and Limits

Although every step forward may seem trivial, but in the long run all of the small improvements and changes will add up. In time, it will all come together to create what the person desires.

For about three weeks, Claire have been training non-stop with Zahi. Despite being defeated over and over, she was determined to keep on going. All her qualities gradually improved significantly over time.

Claire have visibly became stronger as she was able to inflict damages on Zahi. She also have gotten faster and sometimes even chases after Zahi. She also seemed to have limitless stamina as she can keep fighting for atleast half a day. She no longer faints or lose consciousness easily when she suffers critical damage from Zahi. And the most important of all, her mental fortitude is as strong as ever. No matter how much Zahi discourages her, it'll only make her persevere even more.

Though she may have greatly improved, Claire still can't defeat Zahi. For the 113th time, Claire got knocked down by Zahi again. "A kick and a punch, that was all you can do so far. It's high time for you to give it up already!" Zahi complained.

"Only a fool quits! I'm never giving up until I win!!" Claire stubbornly announced whilst catching her breath.

"Wright assigned me to do this but I can't keep on training you like this forever, you idiot." Zahi sighs, "I received orders that I should return in service by next week, and not even once you defeated me yet."

Claire suddenly felt pressure, realizing her remaining time to train under Zahi became short and limited. "If you still can't defeat me by then, I'm returning you to Franklin's supervision."

"I-I understand." That was all she can say. It made her loose a bit of hope for a few moments, but Claire later on became even more determined. The urgency and pressure of the situation have ignited her fierce determination to accomplish this training.

There was only 6 more days until Zahi returns to the battlefield, which means Claire must give her all defeat Zahi before 6 days passes.

Then to a new day of training, Claire started off aggressively. She asserted all she has to get him down. She used the shifter too many times without trouble and completely ignored the limits of her body. However, that day, she didn't even get to lay a single attack on Zahi. It's as if she progressed backwards.

As she was on the ground, Zahi took a short break to eat lunch while sitting on her back. "Your performance today was nothing but atrocious."

"Well sorry to disappoint you." Claire rudely spoke back.

"Geez. And so is your attitude." He added.

"I can't help it, sir. Isn't it way ruder to treat a woman like this?"

"Hah! Gender means nothing against an enemy. Anyone can inflict harm or damage."

"That's not my point though?" The two decides to lay back for a bit as they feel quite exhausted from their intense training. Though Claire gets the frustrated feeling whenever he looks at Zahi, she really wants to get this training over with soon.

Then out of the blue, Zahi felt generous enough to give her advice for the first time. "It's not a race, alright? This isn't going to work out, you should train at a way more proper pace. You're already outstanding as it is, but it's clear that you're just not ready yet."

"I don't think I can take that to heart, sir." Claire gave him a chilling stare. "Who wants to let this kind of chance to slip away?"

"What makes you say that?"

"I, for one, know this isn't those regular trainings given to future members of the Special Infantry Troop. The Captain assigned you to train me for a particular reason. That's one thing I'm sure of."

"Are you sure you're not reading into it that much?" Zahi smirks. But Claire knows that this is one of Zahi's episodes of trying to get her to quit training with him. "You're right. Trainees assigned to me are special cases. Most of the trainees that accomplished their trainings under me have been ranked in single digits in terms of their strength and capabilities."

Claire always had this hunch from the start. She grins as she leans toward Zahi. "Just as I thought."

Zahi laughed at her. "Don't go making assumptions just yet. I can count all the successful fighters that completed their training with me by just one hand. What makes you think you can be one of them? You haven't even beaten me!"

"I still got time, so we'll find out about that!" And with that, they resumed their training. This time, Claire acted more carefully. She still can't win bur her performance significantly improved than before.

With the remain days of their training, on day 1, Claire miraculously made seven consecutive attacks on Zahi and got pinned down atleast 15 times that day. And she also managed not to lose consciousness like she usually does.

On day 2, Claire managed to grab onto Zahi and gave him a headbutt. She also got to inflict nine consecutive attacks, and three kicks on Zahi. She was pinned down atleast 11 times that day. But from there, Zahi was incredibly impressed by the speed of her improvements.

On day 3, Claire kicked the hell out of Zahi, but Zahi was able to retaliate and dealt thrice the damage she inflicted on him. Despite her condition, she kept on fighting and became completely numb on pain. It was quite an extraordinary feat to pull, and surprisingly, she almost defeated Zahi. Claire lost due to the extreme stunt she pulled and her body have become too exhausted by that point that her body gave up and knocked her out.

On day 4, Zahi was quite concerned that Claire still wanted to push through their training. He thought she won't be in a good state to train because of what happened to her yesterday, but he's astonished to find her kicking and full of energy. "I can see the speed of your recovery has improved immensely." He commented, feeling uneasy with Claire's abnormal development.

"Of course it have, my body has been adapting due to the countless beatings I have to suffer from you." Claire said while she was stretching infront of Zahi.

"If that's the case, I won't hold myself back anymore."

"Ohh? You mean to say you weren't at full blast when you're fighting with me?" Claire got a little insulted.

"I always hold back, unless I want my dear trainee to fail." The provocation was enough for Claire to bite back. "Then today's the day I'll beat you once and for all!!" And so the two clashes once again. Will Claire beat Zahi this time around!?