Progress

After taking a break Kai stood up feeling rejuvenated and excited for whats to come. Looking at his friends he asked, "Hows everyone doing? Any progress updates?"

Emily, always the one to seize the spotlight, eagerly raised her hand. "Me! I want to go first."

Kai chuckled, gesturing for her to proceed. "Sure thing, Emily. Go ahead."

A brilliant smile illuminated Emily's face. "I achieved Novice Rank Middle Level!"

Kai's surprise was palpable. "Congratulations, Emily!"

The news set off a chain reaction as Aoi joined in. "Wait, me too. I also reached Novice Rank Middle Level."

The room buzzed with excitement as each friend shared their achievements. "I made it too!" "Likewise!" "Count me in!"

Caught in the fervor, Kai found himself trying to make sense of the sudden influx of information. The overlapping voices created a jumbled chorus that left him momentarily dazed. "Hold on, hold on!"

Gradually, the clamor subsided as Kai regained control. "Let's take this one step at a time. Could those who achieved Novice Rank Middle Level please raise their hands?"

Hands rose, and Kai surveyed the room. Ethan, Leon, Jackson, Alex, Michael, Aoi, Rachel, Sarah, and Emily had their hands up.

Kai chuckled softly, his expression light. "Got it. So, I'm the only one who hasn't made it yet."

Alex's curiosity got the better of him. "Kai, why haven't you broken through yet?"

Kai's response was straightforward. "I can't gather Spiritual Energy until I reach the Initial Stage of the new cultivation art I'm practicing."

Understanding flickered in Alex's eyes. "Ah, so that's why you were putting yourself through such intense physical training today. You're compensating for the inability to gather Spiritual Energy."

Kai's agreement was accompanied by a hint of pride. "Exactly."

The atmosphere shifted as Kai's playful side emerged. "Guess I smell like sweat."

Leon couldn't help but grin. "No surprises there. You've been training like crazy."

A small towel materialized in Michael's hand, and he offered it to Kai. "Use this to wipe off the sweat."

Kai accepted the towel, gratitude evident on his face. He dabbed at his forehead and neck, a sense of relief washing over him. "I'll wash it and return it tomorrow."

Michael's resistance melted. "Alright, fine."

Kai's smirk was victorious. "Great."

As Kai's thoughts wandered, an idea materialized. "Hey, before we leave, can we exchange contact numbers? I forgot to do that earlier."

The group readily agreed, and amidst laughter and camaraderie, phone numbers were swapped, Kai meticulously saving each one.

"Okay, now I have everyone's contacts," Kai declared, a sense of accomplishment in his voice.

Just then, Master Liang's presence graced the training grounds. Sarah was the first to spot him. "Liang Sensei's here."

All eyes turned toward Master Liang as he gently reminded them of the time. It was time to depart.

Master Liang's serene gaze encompassed the students. "How was your experience in the Training Room today?"

A mixture of excitement and accomplishment filled the air as the students recounted their progress and shared their stories.

Master Liang's pride was evident as he listened. "Your dedication is commendable. I'm delighted to see your hard work yielding results."

As the conversation naturally came to a close, the students bid Master Liang farewell. "See you all tomorrow," he responded with a warm smile.

With hearts full of camaraderie and achievement, the students gradually dispersed, their bonds strengthened by the day's endeavors.