บท 19: Training...

In the quiet confines of his office, Kazuhiro sat lost in thought, the faint sounds from the webcam playing in the background. His attention had drifted away from the live feed. He was deeply engrossed in pondering Toru's theory.

His mind grappled the implications. He later glanced back to the screen, catching a glimpse of Toru explaining the disparity between the ordinary Pokeball and the one with extraordinary abilities.

'So, the value of an item is intrinsically tied to its perceived utility and rarity. A standard Pokeball, designed solely for capturing Pokémon, is naturally less valuable compared to one with no limitations on what it can trap.' This realization brought a new level of understanding about the market's valuation system.

After a few seconds of contemplation, he decided to check on the others; he clicked on Asahi's name, shifting the webcam feed to observe what the twins were up to.

The screen now displayed a scene at the cashier's counter, where Asahi and Akemi were attending to Mater's purchase. Kazuhiro leaned in slightly, curious about the transaction unfolding before him.

"When you said fancy, I was expecting the price to stagger. But it turns out it's quite reasonable. Here's your total," Asahi remarked, turning the screen to show the tow truck the amount due.

Mater responded with a hint of surprise. "Shoot, I know for sure that this ain't its real price. Heard some folks say a gallon of this stuff can make one live on the road."

"Right..." Asahi simply nodded, unsure how to respond to Mater's comment,

Sensing the growing awkwardness, Akemi quickly stepped in. "Alight, cash or, uh, whatever you got for trade," she asked, her words trailing off as she pondered what a tow truck could possibly offer in exchange.

"I got no cash on me, BUT!" Mater, skillfully used his hook to retrieve a few items from its back, placing them neatly on the counter. "Got an air filter n' two batteries. These are in the best conditions you'll ever see."

Akemi not questioning the items, accepted his offer. It made sense to her, given Mater being a damn tow truck. Asahi, on the other hand, remained silent, letting Akemi handle the transaction.

A soft ding echoed from the screen, indicating the trade's approval. The items Mater offered had been accepted by the system.

Akemi offered a small, friendly smile. "You're all set, enjoy!" she said as the items Mater had traded for disappeared in the customary manner of the market.

"Will do!" Mater replied cheerily, hooking the fuel can to himself before exiting the store.

Once he had left, Akemi sighed, regret filling her tone. "Dang, I forgot to tell him about the balance he still has in his account. I wanted to give him a reason to come back. I'll miss him," she mused, her arms crossed as she watched the door close shut.

Akemi noticed her brother's unusual silence and turned towards him with a concerned look. "Asahi? You've been quiet. What's on your mind?"

Her question brought him back from his reverie. "Oh, it's just, don't you find it strange?" Asahi finally voiced his thoughts.

"Hm?" Akemi, intrigued, tilted her head, inviting him to elaborate.

"It's about the trade with car parts. It feels like, in a way, it could be similar to that of trading human organs," Asahi mused, trying to put his unease into words.

Akemi couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at the comparison. "So, you're saying our outgoing tow truck customer is some kind of a criminal?"

"Maybe. Don't you find it weird?" Asahi pressed, still wrestling with the thought.

Akemi paused, considering his words more seriously. "Well, when you put it that way, it does seem weird. But he's not really what we think he is, is he?" Her question hung in the air, prompting a moment of reflection between the twins.

""Nah~."" they both concluded in unison, dismissing the fleeting concern with a shared chortle.

Asahi's laughter filled a part of the quiet place. The thought of Mater being anything other than his cheerful self seemed absurd to him. "A dolt like him could never be," he chuckled, the image of Mater as a menacing figure wholly incongruous.

As their laughter gradually subsided, the siblings allowed the topic to drift away, the silence enveloping them once more.

It was then Asahi who broke the quiet. "Anyway, I was thinking of checking on Oba-san once we wrap up our first mission," he mentioned casually, curious about Akemi's reaction.

"Seriously, that old hag?" Akemi's response was of exasperation. The mention of their aunt brought on a preemptive headache. "I'm sure she's fine, Asahi. She's got her own squad or whatever it is she does over there."

Asahi, undeterred, elaborated on his reasoning. "Yeah, but even if she's with the defense force, we should let her know we're okay. Plus, we left our phones at her place. I bet her, Oka-san, and Oto-san are worried sick." He couldn't help but imagine the scolding awaiting them, especially from their aunt.

Realizing the importance of family ties, Akemi acquiesced, albeit with a hint of reluctance. "Sure, count me in." she agreed, understanding the necessity of reassuring their family.

Asahi's grin widened at her concession." Sweet. At least the news of us landing a job will soften the scolding, Aye?" His comment elicited a genuine laugh from her.

"You're not wrong," she admitted,

Asahi then retrieved the handheld device from his pocket and began to casually navigate its interface. He was determined to glean more details about their mission, yet found himself slightly lost in the system. Beyond the basic information on attributes and class, he needs to be more knowledgeable about what the other applications do.

Meanwhile, Akemi adopted a more relaxed posture, leaning against the counter with her head propped up by her hand, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of activity.

Tap Tap Tap.

The sound of approaching footsteps soon disrupted the quiet. Akemi's attention shifted towards the source, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of her lips as Toru appeared.

"Yo, Toru. No troubles, I hope, since it's your first time assisting a customer?" she teased lightly, her tone playful yet supportive.

Toru, unfazed by the jest, responded with a calm demeanor. "It's all good. Since you're free now, could you give Misty a hand with her checkout?" He then signaled for Brock and Ash to follow him to another counter, where they could complete their transactions.

The trio had decided on their Pokeballs, but it seemed Misty and Brock carried additional items.

The scanner beeped methodically as each item was checked, the sounds marking the transaction's progress.

Akemi's attention was drawn to Misty's selection of clothing, sparking an opportunity for conversation. "I'm guessing you're a good swimmer, huh?" she remarked, a friendly smile on her face. "I remember one time when my brother and I were about four." She chuckled, trying to reminisce about her past, "My dad decided it was time we learned to swim by tossing us straight into the deep end of the pool, no warning at all."

"That's." Misty paused to gather her thoughts; she gave a small sigh, a hint of disapproval in her voice. "I've seen parents do that. It's really not the best approach to train a kid."

Akemi nodded, scanning another swimsuit as she continued. "Yeah, I managed to swim back to the surface just fine, but my brother... not so much." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "He didn't take it well and had to be pulled out. That day left him with a deep fear of drowning. He's avoided pools and the sea ever since."

Misty's gaze shifted momentarily towards Asahi, who was absorbed in his handheld device, seemingly oblivious to their conversation. The story added a layer of understanding, a glimpse into the shared history that shaped the siblings standing before her.

On the other side of the counter, the transaction proceeded smoothly. A soft ding signaled the successful completion of Ash's purchase, marked by the appearance of an approval symbol on the screen.

"Done," Toru announced, handing Ash his bag of items with a professional nod. His attention then shifted to Brock, who was next in line. "Your turn," he gestured, indicating for Brock to place his items on the counter for scanning.

Brock obliged, laying out his selections for Toru to process. One by one, Toru scanned the items.

The scanner emits a beep with each successful read.

The final item caught Toru's attention, a book whose title piqued his curiosity. He maintained his professional demeanor, choosing to respect the customer's privacy rather than inquire about the choice.

After scanning the last item, Toru rotated the screen to face Brock, displaying the total cost. The items were listed individually with their prices, culminating in the grand total.

Brock's surprise was evident as he noted the book's price, which was significantly lower than expected. "You were right," he said, addressing Toru, his eyebrow arching in disbelief. "It's fascinating how items here are valued differently across various worlds. This book is a bestseller where I come from, and to see it so affordable here suggests it's not as valued in other places."

On the other side of the counter, the mention of a book caught Asahi's attention, sparking a sudden interest. With renewed purpose, he turned to his own device.

"I figured, anyways, what will you trade these items with?" Toru inquired.

Brock hesitated for a moment. "Well, I have cash, but I'm not sure about the conversion rate to Pokédollars here." Brock eyed the letters SC beside the prices

Toru pointed towards a nearby machine. "You can use the ATM over there to check. It's quite straightforward and user-friendly unless, of course, you need my help, which I doubt anyone would,"

Brock nods as he then heads towards the ATM; Toru returns to his device, seizing the opportunity to delve deeper into its functions.

A few seconds have passed until Asahi's sudden exclamation. "No way, THEY HAVE IT!" drawing startled looks from everyone nearby. They turned just in time to see him gripping his device tightly, his eyes wide with disbelief and excitement as he stared at the screen.

Akemi, taken aback by her brother's outburst, couldn't contain her annoyance. "What the hell, Asahi?! You scared the life out of me, you jerk!" she yelled back, her fist clenched so tightly it nearly shook. She was on the verge of unleashing a physical reprimand for his startling scream.

"Akemi! You know that manga I used to read?! They have it! And guess what?! They have sequels that didn't even COME OUT!" Asahi's voice was of pure joy, his fanboy fervor undimmed by his sister's irritation, which only deepened at his unabashed enthusiasm.

"Fuckin' hell, keep it down next time, will you? You're causing a scene," Akemi grumbled, massaging her temples in a futile attempt to calm her frayed nerves.

Asahi, too engrossed in his discovery to heed her complaint, continued to scroll through the listings, his excitement mounting with each swipe. Meanwhile, Akemi had wrapped up Misty's purchase, and Brock returned, having successfully converted his currency, ready to complete his transaction.

Later the rhythmic footsteps that resonated through the market drew the attention of many, though some remained absorbed in their own activities. It was Kazuhiro, standing an impressive 14 feet tall. His towering presence loomed over the aisles as he walked towards the checkout counters.

"Yo, Kazu-san! How about lending me some credits? I promise to pay you back!" Asahi half-jokingly called out to his towering employer, hoping to catch his favor. Kazuhiro, however, remained silent, his gaze surveying the situation with a detached air.

Akemi sighed as she scolded her brother yet again by smacking him on the head. "Seriously, Asahi. Cut it out. Earn your own credits," she said, visibly annoyed by his antics.

Asahi winced and rubbed his head to ease the pain. Choosing to ignore Akemi's rebuke, he kept his eyes on Kazuhiro, hopeful for a response. Yet, receiving none, he let out a resigned sigh and slumped against the counter. "Guess I'll have to use my own money then. I'm dying to see what happens next after a shitty cliffhanger," he mumbled, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

It was then Ash who shifted the conversation as his gaze lingered on the tall figure. "By the way," he began, "do you have any other branches besides this one in Vermilion city?" His question was laced with the unspoken desire for future visits.

Kazuhiro's response was measured, devoid of emotion. "As far as I know, I don't think so. However, if you do plan on coming back, you can simply envision the market, and a door will likely present itself to you," he explained, offering them a way back.

Ash nodded, even though the sound of a door appearing out of nowhere sounded foreign. In disbelief, he concluded that Kazuhiro had only one branch. "I see; well, it's time for us to head out," he announced, noticing Misty and Brock already at the door, their bags in hand, ready to depart. "Until next time."

With a cheerful "Pika!" Pikachu echoed the farewell, waving its tiny paw as the group exited through the door, leaving Kazuhiro, his workers, and the vast, quiet expanse of the market behind them.

In the ensuing quiet that settled over the place, Toru rose from his seat, his movements breaking the silence as he made his way towards the door.

"Going somewhere, Toru?" Akemi inquired, her voice punctuating the stillness that had enveloped them.

"We were assigned missions, and mine happens to be in world number 6," Toru replied. He focused on the device in his hands as he scrolled through the details.

This mention of missions sparked a reminder in the twins. "Ah, guess it's time. Let's go, sis. Wait, which world are we supposed to go to?" Asahi realized aloud, suddenly animated as he too began to navigate his device in search of their assignment.

Seeing her brother's confusion, Akemi pulled out her device and swiftly found the necessary information. "Here, let me show you. We need to use the 'task' app to find out where we're headed, then using the 'door' app, we can basically travel to said world," she explained, guiding Asahi through the steps.

Together, they delved into their device, preparing to embark on their journey. With a newfound sense of purpose, the twins, along with Toru, readied themselves for the tasks that lay ahead.

"Wait." The tone of Kazuhiro's voice brought their steps to an abrupt halt. They turned, finding his towering figure casting a long shadow in their direction.

"You are not ready to venture through. Not until you learn and understand your abilities through training," he stated, his voice embodying a calm authority. Kazuhiro's directive wasn't just about the missions that awaited them, but it was for fulfilling a task regarding training his workers.

Asahi, caught off guard by the sudden change in plans, admitted his uncertainty. "Oh, uh, I guess I haven't figured out how to, you know, summon a weapon or anything like that."

Akemi, understanding the gravity of Kazuhiro's point, nodded in agreement. "It seems about right."

"Sure," Toru concurred, the brief exchange signifying their collective acknowledgment of the necessity for training.

With a motion from Kazuhiro for them to follow, they began their short journey to the training room, a space designed to foster the development of their latent abilities. The walk was brief, and soon, they found themselves standing at the threshold of the expansive room.

The white space of the training room only had ten straw dummies. The workers took the time to survey this odd blank box, which seemed vast and infinite. Kazuhiro's attention was captured by a holographic display that materialized before him. The screen presented two distinct modes: one tab for training, which was marked by the presence of the dummies, and another for the arena, which was designed for duels.

Xxxx

__Training__

Training mode | Tier 1:

Description:

Engage with ten indomitable straw dummies crafted to endure any assault without succumbing to wear. These dummies serve as the perfect adversaries for honing your skills, allowing for the visualization of damage dealt in the upper left corner of your vision. Test out maneuvers, strikes, and techniques in a risk-free environment.

Receive a max of 1 point in all attributes each month. (Based on the scenario or attribute that you are doing. If you exhaust yourself, then that's +1 stamina, basically.)

Xxxx

Turning back to the employees, Kazuhiro pointed towards the dummies. "You'll start your practice here," he instructed. "I'll be here to observe and offer guidance on improving your forms." He then addressed their potential concern about weaponry and abilities. "Should you need to access your weapons and wish to experiment with your abilities, you'll find them in your inventory."

The three navigated their devices to summon their respective items, as weapons later materialized in their hands.

Asahi was the first to step forward; his weapon, a metallic bat, glowed softly in his grasp. He took a deep breath, focusing his mind on the dummy before him. With a swift motion, he executed a series of strikes, each movement more precise than the last. Kazuhiro watched closely, offering a tip to improve his stance for better balance.

Akemi, had her eyes fixed on another dummy. With her dagger in hand, she delivered multiple strikes with the harsh sound of the air being sliced. She worked on combinations; her footwork and form, although not bad, could use more work. Kazuhiro's feedback focused on her movement and form to enhance her strikes.

Toru retrieved a slender, string-like cord from his inventory. Its purpose was clear to him, yet the stark, featureless expanse of the training area presented a challenge. There were no beams or structures on which to employ it effectively. This limitation prompted him to explore an alternative aspect of his abilities.

With a moment of concentration, Toru activated his Phantom ability. To the onlookers, his physical body showed that he was standing there, motionless, if one were to examine him closely. Not a blink disturbed his gaze, nor did any breath stir his chest. Every hint of life's subtle rhythm was absent, his body a statue's image, devoid of the faintest whisper of movement.

This exercise in becoming a spirit was disorienting at first, the sensation of detachment from his physical form a bizarre experience to navigate.

Determined to master this unsettling yet potent ability, Toru focused on controlling his current form, gradually becoming accustomed to the intangible nature of his Phantom state. He experimented with varying the duration and extent of his form, each attempt bringing him closer to seamless control. With his spirit form, he also tested the cord's abilities by wrapping it around the target and observing the effects done.

As the session progressed, the room was filled with the sounds of combat training, thuds against straw, and the occasional directive from Kazuhiro.

As this was going on, Kazuhiro retrieved the device from his pocket, browsing through the tasks that he had.

Xxxx

__Task__

Daily tasks:

● Observe your workers: -Complete

Objective(s):

Overlook your staff as they work an hour each, ensuring nothing goes wrong in the process. (3/3)

Reward(s):

50 SC

● Worker training:

Objective(s):

Train your staff in the 'training room,' either by guiding them on hitting the dummy or practicing with a live target, you as an example. An hour each. (0/3)

Reward(s):

50 SC

● assign daily tasks: -Complete

Objective(s):

Assign four daily tasks to each member of your team. (12/12)

Reward(s):

50 SC

● hold a brief team meeting:

Objective(s):

Initiate a brief meeting in which you can converse with your team about what you've done and the goals set for tomorrow for each of you.

Reward(s):

50 SC

Xxxx

'It's only been 5 to 10 minutes.' He glanced at the three, noting a hint of weariness creeping into their practice against the stationary targets. The repetition had begun to dull their sharpness. 'Perhaps it's time to have them face a real target.' Kazuhiro thought as he pocketed the device.

After a few steps, Kazuhiro addressed,. "You all have done well; now it's time for you to experience real combat"

Asahi shifted the bat onto his shoulder, his demeanor changing to one of keen interest. "So we're going out now? Testing our skills on something more lively than dummies?" he asked, a hint of eagerness in his tone, his eyebrow quirked inquisitively at Kazuhiro.

"No." Kazuhiro, with a mere thought, conjured a holographic screen in front of him, his focus intent on shifting the environment to suit the upcoming challenge. As he selected the arena tab, the straw dummies that had served as passive targets vanished, leaving behind only the white expanse that seemed to stretch infinitely.

"For this session, you'll be facing me," Kazuhiro announced, his voice resonating in the stark emptiness "This is an opportunity for you to gain experience and to prepare you against various opponents in the outside world."

The three felt a wave of apprehension wash over them as they exchanged glances. Memories of Kazuhiro's effortless prowess against the zombies, a spectacle of both horror and awe, played in their minds, a stark reminder of the skill gap between them.

Kazuhiro's announcement, delivered in a chillingly calm tone, did little to ease the tension. "I'll be on the defensive, evading your attacks. I won't strike back unless I spot a flaw in your moves," he explained, his words sharp as blades in the quiet of the training room. With deliberate steps, he created space between them, and his stance relaxed yet unmistakably ready.

"You may begin." Kazuhiro invited, his vision scanning the workers.

The twins shared a look of unspoken understanding, and with a mutual nod, they affirmed their strategy, ready to confront Kazuhiro together. Observing from a short distance, Toru pondered his approach, his mind racing to find the most effective way to utilize his unique abilities in this unprecedented challenge.

Akemi, was the first to engage. Her dagger, sharp and gleaming as she launched a series of relentless assaults. She tried multiple swings and thrusts. She increased her speed to outpace kazuhiro, slightly high dexterity and high agility.

Asahi, in contrast, took a moment to gather his strength, his bat radiating a gentle metallic hum, a visible manifestation of the energy accumulating within. He observed Akemi's offensive, timing his intervention with a moment that would exploit any opening their supervisor might reveal.

Kazuhiro, for his part, navigated the onslaught with ease. He sidestepped Akemi's dagger with inches to spare.

Asahi remembered what he read about the ability' Metallic hit' and its destructive power. He had his bat charge in his grasp for some time and in the climactic moment of their confrontation, Kazuhiro observed with razor-sharp focus as Asahi launched into the air, his body coiled with the tension of unleashing a devastating smash with his bat.

Yet, in Asahi's ambitious assault, Kazuhiro perceived a fatal flaw. With precision, he evaded, slipping into the critical gap that Asahi's airborne attack had left open.

As Kazuhiro sidestepped, he uttered with a cold clarity in a small timeframe, "Being in the air limits your movements, Asahi."

The sound of a decisive upward slash met with Asahi.

Blood coated Kazuhiro's sharp claws, as it found their mark.

Asahi, caught in mid-leap by Kazuhiro's counterattack, was cleaved in two, his ambition cut as sharply as his form. The gruesome sight of Asahi, now irrevocably divided, the slash splitting him in two.

Heavy with the aftermath of violence, the atmosphere was punctuated only by the impersonal sound of an object clattering against the ground.

Kazuhiro, his own reaction muted, turned away from the grim tableau he had authored, only to find Akemi, her face a mask of horror and disbelief. Witnessing her brother's fate had rooted her to the spot, her eyes wide and haunted by the sight before her.

"Asahi..." She muttered as the tears that welled in her eyes were the signs of grief that refused to be silenced.

Kazuhiro approached Akemi with a somber stride. Akemi, her gaze unwavering from the tragic sight before her, the lifeless form of her brother making her heartbeat quicken and her lips quiver

"Always stay focused, Akemi," he said, his voice low in warning. "Because a moment's distraction can be fatal." His words hung heavily in the air, although Akemi did not pay any heed to them, as she was lost in her thoughts, unwilling to come to terms with the reality in front of her.

With a swift, decisive motion that betrayed no hesitation, his sharp finger soon came to touch her flesh, later severing her head away from her body.

Seeing her head fly off a few meters, soon hitting the ground, her headless body later flopped onto the surface. Leaving her status to be dead.

After a moment from the merciless scene, Kazuhiro then turned, his sight fell upon Toru, the last of his workers. Toru stood frozen, his wide eyes betraying fear and shock.

Kazuhiro in an instant closed the distance between them, positioning himself behind the boy. The air seemed to hold its breath.

"are you going to—" Toru's voice broke the silence, his attempt at bravado thinly veiling the fear that lay beneath. Yet, there was something in his tone, a slight steadiness that hinted at an underlying strategy or perhaps the hope of one.

Kazuhiro recognized the ploy for what it was. "Stalling for time works, but it doesn't work on most," he responded, his voice low. Without further warning, he swiftly concluded the confrontation. With a swift motion, he gripped the kid's head and smashed it onto the ground. Killing the last one.

In the eerie silence that followed, a vivid picture of the brutal confrontation that had just occurred. Kazuhiro, standing amidst the stillness, bore witness to the aftermath, his claws and the once mundane worker uniform he wore now marred by the undeniable evidence of violence.

The tall supervisor summoned the training room's screen; his gaze lingered as he read the description of the arena. 'Any moment now.'

After a few seconds, the stillness was soon pierced by an unexpected phenomenon. As if guided by an unseen force, a gleam of inexplicable energy began to emanate from the lifeless forms before him. Once torn asunder, limbs, fragments, and organs merged, reassembling to restore what had been lost.

Akemi, Toru, and Asahi were ushered back from the precipice of death, their eyes fluttering open to the world they had momentarily left behind. Gasping for air, their breathing ragged and raw, as each was terrified as they confronted the surreal reality of their return. Asahi explored his body with a sense of disbelief while Akemi and Toru instinctively reached for their heads, touching the places that had borne the brunt of their fatal wounds. The surrealism of their revival was matched only by the acute memory of pain, a testament to the ordeal they had endured.

Kazuhiro briefly retrieved his device to check his tasks. 'Still some time left.'

Kazuhiro's tone was steady as he addressed the group, his gaze sweeping over the workers. "We will try again, and I expect less flaws in upcoming sessions."

"""..."""