Craving Scarecrow

"Stay in your most comfortable position. It doesn't matter if you are standing, sitting, or doing an asana," the instructor said, walking between the group.

Everyone followed the instructions. Some were standing normally, others sitting. Nitin was in Sukhasana, while Livio and a few others lay flat on the ground.

"Now, forget everything...despair, anger, love, all of it. Feel the void inside you. If you let go of everything, you can stare directly into the abyss within. And there, you will find a light. Feel that." The instructor stood still in the middle of the group.

The air seemed to shift as the instructor's calm voice carried weight. Slowly, some participants began to stir, their expressions changing as they awakened their Pbv. The instructor smiled knowingly, waiting a few more minutes. Once most of the group had achieved the awakening, he spoke again.

"Now, I assume you can feel it. After awakening your Pbv, your normal body functions become stronger. We are now superhumans." He returned to his original position.

Excitement rippled through the group as they started inspecting themselves. The energy within them felt like a burst of pure power. Then, abruptly, some people collapsed as their Pbv vanished.

"Instructor, something's happening!" someone yelled.

"Don't worry," the instructor said calmly. "They've used all their strength. Maintaining Pbv requires energy. For beginners like you, it's difficult. But with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Right now, you can maintain it for only a few seconds or minutes. As your level and practice increase, you'll be able to sustain it longer. Currently, you're at Level One. Your output is low compared to higher-ranking players. If I were to use my Pbv and punch you while you weren't using yours, your body would shatter. If both of us were using Pbv, you'd feel pain but survive. As ranks vary, so do outcomes. You'll learn this through experience." He rubbed his eyes briefly.

Miles, exhausted but determined, stood up and asked, "How are we supposed to increase our Pbv and output?"

"Practice maintaining it for a long time. Think of it like a blanket.....wrap it around you like you would in winter. Slowly, your Pbv will get stronger, and your rank will increase. Train your body too. More energy means more Pbv. You'll learn day by day." With that, the instructor left.

A man in a suit, observing from the shadows, spoke. "Some of you haven't awakened it yet. There's still time. But awaken it soon, or you'll end up in the support branch." His voice was cold, and before anyone could respond, he vanished.

The newly awakened celebrated their success, while others looked despondent.

"That was easy, man!" someone exclaimed with a grin.

"Yeah! I can't wait to develop my ability," another replied enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Livio was visibly struggling, his body tense as he tried to awaken his Pbv.

"Hey, Livio, relax for a bit, will you?" Sebastian said, sitting beside him.

Livio opened his eyes and sat up, clutching his head in frustration. "Why? Why can't I do it? Why is it always me?" His voice trembled as despair washed over him.

The world seemed to warp around him. The grass and the people looked larger, while he felt smaller and more insignificant by the second.

"Livio, calm down. Listen to us," Nitin said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

But Livio couldn't hear him. He was drowning in his own failure.

"This is how you wake him up," Miles said, delivering a swift punch to Livio's face.

Livio blinked, startled, and smelt the earthy aroma of the grass beneath him.

"You shouldn't join the military," Williams said disdainfully. "If you can't manage this simple task, you're going to die, no matter what branch you end up in."

"What did you do that for?" Sebastian's voice deepened as he moved forward toward Williams.

"I think he needs some treatment," Oliver said, joining Sebastian.

"It's okay," Livio said, trying to diffuse the tension.

"You're not his friend at all if you talk like that," James retorted, glaring at Nitin.

"He came here with a reason," Nitin said firmly. "It's strong enough to make him an army recruit. Like all of us, he has a strong desire. Either he'll learn this, or he'll die. That's the truth, and it's the same for all of us." He scanned the faces around him, but no one responded.

"Then so be it. But don't try to die like a human," Williams said with a smile, turning around and starting to walk away.

"Don't worry. He's going to die like a dog. Man, I can't wait to see that," James said, walking beside Williams and casting a disgusted look at Livio.

"Those bastards are making me sick," Oliver muttered through gritted teeth.

Livio looked up at the sky as a lone cloud drifted across the sun, casting a shadow over him.

"You're right. But let's go eat, then practice. Let's go, Livio," Nicola suggested.

"No. I won't eat until I awaken my Pbv," Livio said, his fists clenched.

"You're not a pro. Concentrating on an empty stomach won't help. Only experienced people can do that. You're wasting your time. Let's go," Luka advised.

"He's right. Train after eating," Viktor added.

"Leave me alone," Livio muttered, tears threatening to overflow.

"I don't have a problem leaving you, but the food won't taste as good," Matteo said lightly, placing a hand on Livio's shoulder.

Livio wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Alaric and Tomasz picked him up gently, and the group headed toward the dining hall. Livio lingered for a moment, looking at the sky before following them.

The group entered the dining hall. Meanwhile, at a bakery nearby, a customer walked in and took a seat. He ordered a fresh cup of coffee and a croissant.

Elena, wearing a plain apron over her T-shirt and jeans, brought the order to him. Her movements were quick and efficient, but she didn't notice the customer watching her intently, his gaze unsettling.

"Excuse me, miss," the customer called.

"How can I help you?" Elena asked, standing politely in front of him.

Without warning, he grabbed her hand. "Are you free tonight?" he asked with a smirk.