Elliot stood at the center of the vast, sterile dome, the floor beneath him smooth and reflective. The walls were curved, an endless expanse of metallic gray stretching upward into a haze of blue and white light. The air was thick with anticipation, the only sound the soft hum of unseen machines. This place, a marvel of technology, had been built to push him to his limits, and beyond.
General Vos, ever the stern figure, stood a few paces away, his arms crossed and his one visible eye—an augmented optic—scanning the environment with mechanical precision. His golden spear rested on the floor beside him, an imposing presence in itself.
"You've only just begun to scratch the surface of your potential," Vos said, his voice cutting through the silence. "Your Bloodform is powerful, but it's also volatile. Without control, it can destroy you as easily as it can save you. Today, we begin the real training."
Elliot swallowed, the weight of those words sinking in. He wasn't just training to fight; he was training to survive—both the bloodthirsty vampires and the power that lurked within him. The very same power that had saved him once, but could just as easily consume him.
Vos motioned for him to come closer. As Elliot approached, he noticed the equipment around the dome. Several holographic targets appeared on the walls, while the floor shifted, creating uneven terrain. It was a simulation, but it felt real enough to make his muscles tense in preparation.
"You will begin by learning the art of controlled combat," Vos said, his tone sharp. "Bloodform is about more than just strength; it's about precision, focus, and adaptability. When you fight, it's not just the enemy you need to conquer—it's yourself."
Elliot nodded, already feeling the strain of the first lesson. General Vos had always emphasized that Bloodform wasn't just a tool for destruction—it was a delicate balance of power and restraint. The first test would be to face one of the virtual vampires that Vos had programmed into the simulation.
Without further words, the first target materialized. A dark, hulking figure emerged from the mist, its eyes glowing red as it slowly stalked toward Elliot. The vampire's fangs gleamed, and its presence exuded a palpable malice. It wasn't just a simulation—it was real in every sense that mattered.
Elliot's heartbeat quickened. His mind raced through everything he had learned up until now. Vos's teachings, the few lessons from his father before the tragedy. But this… this was different. It was no longer about survival—it was about domination.
"Focus," Vos's voice echoed in his mind.
Elliot closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering himself. The flickering pulse of his soul energy began to hum beneath his skin, a rush of warmth spreading throughout his body. It was there—ready to be unleashed, but only if he could control it.
The vampire lunged.
Elliot reacted instinctively, sidestepping the vampire's strike and feeling the air shift as it missed by mere inches. His body moved fluidly, his senses heightened as if everything around him was moving in slow motion. He reached out, one hand glowing faintly as he called upon his Bloodform.
Energy surged through him, transforming his body into something more—something stronger. His hand wrapped around the vampire's throat, the force of his grip tightening like a vice. He could feel the soul energy coursing through his fingers, burning as he sought to drain the vampire's essence.
The vampire writhed, its claws scraping against his armor, but it couldn't break free. For a moment, Elliot felt the power surge through him—too much, too fast—and the ground beneath him trembled. His blood was boiling.
Then, as quickly as the moment came, it vanished. The vampire disintegrated, leaving nothing but ash in its place.
Elliot stood there, panting, his chest heaving. His body was still humming with energy, but now, he felt a deep exhaustion—mental more than physical.
General Vos stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You did well," he said. "But that power comes at a cost. Bloodform drains your energy faster than you realize. The more you use it, the more you will burn yourself out. Control, Elliot. You must learn control."
Elliot wiped the sweat from his brow, his muscles aching. "It's harder than I thought."
Vos gave a rare, approving nod. "It always is. But you're not alone in this. I'll help you through every step of the way. Now, let's continue."
And with that, the real training had begun.
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