The next day came quickly.
The scene shifted to the Optimus training hall.
Rai stood at the center of the room, sweating as he struggled to keep his stance. His fists shaking, a faint blue aura flickering around him.
"Focus, Rai," Lee said from a few meters away with his arms crossed. "You're using too much force. Let it flow naturally."
"I am focusing!"
Lee let out a sigh. "No. You're pushing again."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Rai's aura burst outward uncontrollably. The floor shook beneath them before the energy collapsed into smoke. Rai dropped to one knee, gasping for air.
"Damn it…" he muttered, slamming his fist against the ground.
Lee walked over and crouched beside him.
"You're just impatient. That's your biggest problem." Lee said calmly.
Rai frowned, "You make it sound so easy."
Lee smirked slightly. "It's not. But you'll get there."
He stood and stretched his arms. "Now again."
Rai groaned. "You've got to be kidding me…"
Lee tilted his head. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
Training resumed.
Rai focused on keeping his energy stable while moving. Lee dodged and blocked every punch and kick, countering just enough to keep Rai on edge.
Rai noticed something.
Lee wasn't really fighting back.
He was barely trying.
That realization made Rai more annoyed.
Rai's attacks grew faster, stronger and more aggressive. He pressed harder, forcing Lee to block instead of simply avoiding him.
One punch slipped through.
Lee barely stopped it, catching Rai's fist inches from his face.
"Improvement," Lee said, genuinely impressed. "Good."
Before Rai could react, Lee grabbed him and pulled him in, driving a knee into his gut.
The air left Rai's lungs instantly.
He took a step back coughing
Lee stepped away, satisfied.
"That's enough for today," he said. "Let's hit the lounge and relax."
Rai straightened slowly and nodded. "Yeah… probably a good idea."
They collapsed onto the large couch in the lounge, letting their bodies recover.
"I heard Zafina has some news for us," Lee said casually.
"Good or bad?" Rai asked.
"No idea. We'll have to se-"
"I NEED MY BEERS?!"
The door slammed open.
Bryan burst in, his voice echoing through the room. He scanned the lounge spotted a bottle and grabbed it without hesitation, drinking it down immediately.
"You really need to work on lowering your voice and your alcohol intake." Lee commented
"Huh?" Bryan said, wiping his mouth. "What?"
Lee sighed. "Never mind…"
Rai leaned closer and whispered, "Why does he act like that?"
Lee shrugged. "Probably because he hasn't had a good fight in a while. Drinking is his way of killing time."
Rai frowned. "He looks dumb and sounds stupid. Why did you even recruit him?"
Lee glanced at Bryan. "Because he's a combat lunatic. Always ready for action. Trust me despite the drinking, you don't want to underestimate him."
Rai hesitated. "I guess…"
At that moment, Zafina entered the hall, her boots clicking softly against the floor.
Her expression was serious.
"We have a problem," she said. "And I need everyone in here."