One month passed on a whim. None of the trio was able to even keep track of time because they were completely focused on getting ready for the D-Day.
The intensity and the sheer dedication that Kaya and Eva had to put into it was incomprehensible. They even shattered Kai's predictions of how things will move. He was impressed at how talented the two were.
At first, he thought that with his plan, they would barely be able to finish before the Red Rose Day. But, when he saw the rapidity of their improvement, he completely changed his plan route. Even after spending a long time with the two of them, he apparently failed to realize how monstrously talented the two girls were.
It was of course good news for him as the stronger they became, the less he had to worry about something bad happening to them. Kai is strong, but he can't be everywhere, every time, all at once. Especially during this mission, they were bound to separate and fight their own fights.
By the time they reached the 30th day, Kai was sure that he had achieved his goal and more. Kaya and Eva had totally absorbed his teachings like dry sponges.
So, before they return, Kai decided to do one last thing. It was something he didn't plan initially but since things diverged out of route a long time ago, he thought he might as well do it now.
So, on the morning of the 30th day, Kai gathered Kaya and Eva in an open area in the forest. The two looked around confusedly.
"Why are we here? Where are the Light Clones?" Kaya asked.
"Maybe we're just changing locations?" Eva murmured in response.
"Neither," Kai replied. "As of today, your training is over."
"..." Kaya and Eva were completely speechless as they looked at Kai.
"What?! Why, there is still some time before the Red Rose Day!" Eva said with a panicked look on her face. She thought that they disappointed Kai to the point where he decided to cut the training short.
"Shh, let him finish, Kiddo." Kaya didn't think they did that bad so she waited for Kai to explain.
"Frankly speaking, you two did a great job. Exceeded my expectations, actually." Kai said as he eyed both of them.
"..." (x2)
"I have thought we won't be able to finish till the last moment. But, you two have mastered Origin faster than I expected. I have nothing more to teach you."
'I can't divulge with them into that territory… They will die certainly.' He thought in his head secretly. Technically, Kai was lying and there was still another step they could take to evolve to the next level. However, that will require them to literally put their lives at huge risk.
That wasn't training, that was self-destruction covered in the premise of 'What doesn't kill you, will make you stronger.'. So, even if the two realized that, he would never allow them to stride into that territory.
"R-Really?" Eva finally spoke, shaking Kai's thoughts away. Her face was mixed with emotions.
Hearing Kai's praises, she felt overwhelming happiness. She had actually exceeded his expectations? That was the best news she heard in a long while and that made her smile widely. One of Eva's goals was to be helpful to Kai and now, she was even closer than ever to achieving that goal.
As for Kaya, she just looked away from them, trying to hide her face. The reason was very embarrassing for her.
'Why am I crying, goddammit?! Am I a little girl?!' She cursed herself in her head.
Nobody would be able to understand the hell they went through in the past weeks.
"Congratulations on finishing your training. If I have to make an estimation, your power level should be around the level of an Ophanim or a little bit higher. If you learn to use your powers at the right time, well, you might be able to fight equally with a Seraphim." (Check the author's note for an explanation of the rankings.)
"Wait, what?!" Kaya blurted out.
She couldn't believe her ears. She knew better than anyone else how absurdly strong the Ophanims and the Sraphims of Divinity were. They were complete and utter freaks of nature.
So, even though she knew she had grown stronger, she wasn't sure as to how much she improved.
As the two were having their own thoughts, Kai had already tucked his sleeves back as he cracked his neck.
"Well, since we're almost done. I decided to do something different. You two didn't have the opportunity to try your powers, did you?" He asked.
The two girls shook their heads. They only trained but never actually used their powers in a fight.
"So, fight me."
"... Excuse me?" Eva replied as she blinked confusedly.
"Kai, hold on a second. Fight you? There is no way… You're… Serious." Kaya's voice trailed to the end when she noticed Kai's serious face. "You're serious…"
"I want to see for myself what you two achieved. So, you can come at me, at the same time. Attack me with the intent to kill." He said.
"..." The two girls were extremely hesitant. Not because they were scared that they might harm Kai but because… They would never want to fight him.
Fighting Kai with the intention to kill? That's impossible. How can they do that to the love of their lives?
Kai seemed to notice that and unleashed his aura, pressuring the two.
"Don't look at me that way. I'm your enemy now. Are you going to pity your enemy?" His cold purple eyes glared at both of them. "Now, do it."
Eva and Kaya looked at Kai for a few seconds before they suppressed their emotions. He was right. They were about to do something risky and Kai knew that very well. If he allowed them to hesitate, that could cost them their lives in the future.
*Clench*
"I understand." Eva clenched her fists as she took a fighting posture.
Then, Eva's Origin channeled through her body. Her eyes turned colder and a red hue appeared around her irises. Then, in a miraculous fashion, Origin condensed around her legs. Eva took a deep breath before she took one step forward. Just one single step… And yet the result was horrifying.
Eva's silhouette vanished in a split second before she appeared in front of Kai with her fist already on its way to Kai's face. Her speed was so ridiculous that sh Origin had already moved from her legs to her fist
'Good.' Kai's hand extended as he skillfully diverged Kaya's punch. He didn't even need use to Origin as it was a simple gentle touch. Eva's eyes contracted as she sent her other fist.
*Swish*
Kai extended his left hand again and grabbed the first. The sheer shock of the contact sent a powerful airwave that shook the whole area. Grass and trees rustled powerfully.
'I'm extremely faster… But, Kai still was able to easily deflect my attacks.' Eva thought as she jumped back before she dashed toward him again. A series of fast punches rained down on Kai as Eva tried to overwhelm him with attacks.
The latter simply started dodging the attacks and deflecting them with a casual expression. His speed was as impressive as that of Eva. From an outsider's point of view, the two would appear like blurry figures.
"You're speed, techniques, and strength all improved. Good." He commented.
"Don't forget me."
*Swish*
Suddenly, from behind Kai, Kaya appeared as she launched a kick to his side. Kai's eyes squinted slightly. They were indeed way more dangerous than ever before.
He had to take this fight a little bit seriously.