Damon, Anaya, and Daveon stood at attention in the expansive training room. The square chamber spanned fifty meters in width and soared twenty meters high, its walls lined with enchanted runes that hummed faintly with protective magic.
The open space felt both intimidating and invigorating, a reminder of the challenges they were about to face.
Before them stood Ex-General Leana, their guardian, a woman of striking poise and authority. Her military-like uniform fit her like a second skin, and her sharp brown eyes scanned the trio. Despite her stern appearance, her warm smile quickly disarmed the tension in the air.
“So,” she began, her voice steady but inviting, “you’re my team. Damon Terrace, Anaya Stockshorn, and Daveon Acheon.”
The students nodded in unison.
“Let’s start with introductions,” she said. “I want to know more about you, and in return, I’ll share a bit about myself.”
One by one, the students introduced themselves, their voices steady but laced with curiosity about the woman who would guide them. When it was her turn, Leana chuckled softly, a surprising sound given her imposing demeanor.
“Well, I suppose I should start with my talent,” she said. “I’m an A-ranked battle mage.”
Damon’s brows lifted slightly. “Battle mage?”
She nodded. “It’s a versatile talent. I specialize in both close-quarters combat and offensive magic, a balance that suits me well in battle.”
Anaya’s eyes sparkled with interest. “That’s impressive!”
Leana’s smile grew. “It’s not quite at the level of your father, Damon, but it’s close. Lord Terrace and I share similar fighting styles, though I’d never claim to match his power.”
Leana folded her arms, her expression softening as she leaned against a nearby pillar. “Speaking of your families, I have a bit of history with each of them.”
She turned to Anaya first. “Your family’s library was like a second home to me. When I was younger, I spent a year buried in its shelves. I couldn’t get enough of the stories, the knowledge, the magical theories… I’m sure your parents thought I’d never leave.”
Anaya smiled at her new guardian’s remark. “They probably still talk about you!”
Leana smiled, then shifted her gaze to Damon and Daveon.
“As for your fathers,” she continued, “I had the privilege of attending Elderglow at the same time as them. When I was a first-year, they were both in their final year. Lord Terrace and Lord Acheon were legends even back then. They weren’t exactly friends then, but they were both admired for their talents and determination.”
Damon and Daveon exchanged a look, clearly surprised by the revelation.
“I never got to know them personally,” Leana admitted. “But I admired their drive. It pushed me to work harder, to strive for the same greatness they embodied.”
Her words resonated with the trio, creating a sense of connection that bridged the gap between mentor and students. “I plan to do the same to you three. Grow stronger together.” For the first time, they saw her not just as a formidable warrior but as someone who had walked a similar path.
After their conversation, Leana straightened, her smile fading into a more serious expression. “Now that we’ve had our little chat,” she said, clapping her hands, “it’s time for training.”
The students perked up, their postures shifting to readiness.
“I need to assess your individual skills and how well you work as a team,” she explained. “And the best way to do that is simple: you’ll fight me.”
The room fell silent.
“You’re kidding, right?” Damon said after a beat, though the look in her eyes quickly told him otherwise.
“Do I look like I’m joking?” she replied, smirking.
empire
The trio exchanged uneasy glances but quickly prepared themselves. Damon stepped forward, taking his position as the vanguard.
Daveon moved to the back as the strategist and long-range support, while Anaya readied herself in the middle, her role as a support ensuring she could adapt to any situation.
Leana cracked her knuckles. “Show me what you’ve got.”
Damon charged first, his blade glowing faintly with magic essence as he swung at Leana.
Woooosh~
She sidestepped effortlessly, her movements fluid as water.
Before Damon could recover, she stepped in close and landed a solid strike to his chest with the flat of her palm, sending him staggering back.
“Too direct,” she chided. “You’ll need more than brute strength to take me down.”
Anaya followed up with a spell, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. A burst of wind magic shot toward Leana, sharp and fast. But Leana raised a shimmering barrier, deflecting the attack before countering with a fireball that forced Anaya to dive out of the way.
Daveon seized the opportunity, firing a series of precision attacks aimed at Leana’s back.
Leana spun gracefully, her movements so precise that the blades missed her by mere inches. She retaliated with a quick burst of energy that sent Daveon tumbling backward.
Bang!
Damon lunged again, this time coordinating with Anaya, who sent a barrage of wind-enhanced fireballs toward Leana. For a moment, it seemed like they might overwhelm her, but she expertly weaved through the attacks, her agility and experience on full display.
“You’re improving,” she said, her tone approving. “But you’re still too predictable.”
Bang!!
Her counterattacks came swiftly. A well-placed kick sent Damon crashing into the wall, the force cracking one of his ribs.
Anaya tried to shield him with a protective barrier, but Leana broke through with a single powerful strike, knocking the young mage unconscious.
Thud!
Anaya crumpled to the ground.
Daveon, determined to hold his ground, unleashed a flurry of long-range attacks, but Leana closed the distance in a heartbeat. A quick series of strikes left him sprawled on the floor, his body aching with sore spots.
The room fell silent as Leana stood victorious, the trio lying battered and bruised around her.
“Not bad,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “You’ve got potential, but you need to refine your coordination. A real battle won’t give you the luxury of mistakes.”
She walked over to Damon, who was clutching his side as he tried to stand. “Broken rib?” she asked.
He nodded weakly.
“Good,” she said with a smirk. “That means you pushed yourself. Also, you did really well.”
She turned to Daveon, motioning for him to get up. “Go get yourselves treated. Tomorrow, we start again.”
Damon and Daveon groaned in unison but obeyed, limping toward the exit while Damon carried Anaya.
As they left, Leana watched them with a mix of pride and determination. “They’ll get there,” she murmured to herself. “Even if I have to break them to rebuild them stronger.”