As they descended the ancient staircase, the air thickened with raw, concentrated mana so potent it crackled in the atmosphere. The walls, carved from enchanted obsidian and etched with shimmering elven runes, pulsed faintly, resonating with the magic coursing through them. The deeper they went, the stronger the sensation of power pressing against them, as if the very earth acknowledged only the worthy.
At last, they emerged into the Sacred Training Grounds of Eldoria.
A vast underground coliseum unfolded before them, illuminated by floating orbs of silver light. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, laced with glowing ley lines that fed the chamber with endless magical energy. Massive pillars of enchanted stone supported the arena, inscribed with golden runes that continuously absorbed stray mana, making this a perfect battlefield for elite training.
To one side, an expansive armory gleamed filled with elven-forged weapons, enchanted artifacts, and armor infused with the finest magic. Opposite it, several circular platforms hovered midair, designed for high-intensity one-on-one combat. At the heart of the arena stood five imposing figures, radiating power and discipline.
Aerion's Welcome
Aerion inhaled deeply, then turned to face the Yakshas, his expression composed yet commanding.
"Welcome," he said, his voice reverberating across the vast chamber. "This is Eldoria's Sacred Training Grounds, a place where only those of royal blood and the greatest warriors have trained. The mana here is unlike anywhere else, pure, unyielding, and merciless. It will test you. Break you. And if you endure… it will elevate you beyond your limits."
Lyra's eyes sparkled. "This place is insane! I can feel the magic in the air!"
Draven smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Heh, this is gonna be fun."
Kaen, ever composed, crossed his arms. "An environment like this is ideal for pushing our cores beyond their current capacity."
Serine said nothing, her crimson eyes flickering with silent interest as she studied the chamber.
Aerion stepped forward, gesturing toward the five figures awaiting them.
"Your training will not be easy. You will not be treated as nobles, nor as saviors. These five masters are the pinnacle of their disciplines. They will not coddle you. They will forge you through fire, blood, and magic into warriors worthy of the trials ahead."
His gaze sharpened like a blade.
"Step forward… and meet your mentors."
The Five Masters
"These are your instructors," Aerion declared. "Chosen to push you to your breaking point and beyond. You have one year. Fail, and you will be left behind. Succeed, and you will become the mightiest warriors of your generation."
The first to step forward was Vaelion Stormrune, tall and regal, his silver hair flowing like moonlight. His robes shimmered with woven starlight, and the staff in his hand crackled with restrained arcane power.
"I am Vaelion Stormrune, Master of Arcane War Magic. I command the tempest, and I bend the battlefield to my will. Those who train under me do not merely cast spells—they become magic incarnate." His violet gaze fixed on Lyra. "You, child of storms. Come."
Lyra blinked, then grinned. "Looks like I got the coolest one."
Vaelion arched an eyebrow. "Potential is meaningless without discipline. Show me if you deserve what you've been given."
Next was Darius Blackthorn, his frame armored in battle-worn steel, his face marked by a lifetime of scars. His presence was that of a mountain unyielding and ever-watchful.
"War is not won by strength alone," he growled. "It is won by strategy. Patience. Knowing when to strike… and when to wait." His keen eyes locked onto Kaen. "You bear a warrior's soul. You will train under me."
Kaen stepped forward with a nod. "I will not disappoint."
Darius narrowed his gaze. "That sword of yours… it reeks of history. What's its story?"
Kaen replied calmly, "It's a twin blade. A cursed sword given to me by Kaiden. Its counterpart is a holy weapon, wielded by the Hero of Fire. Because of it, holy magic has no effect on me."
Darius gave a gruff nod. "That's impressive. Let's see if the one who wields it can live up to its legacy."
Then emerged Syrena Duskveil, her form seeming to dance with the shadows themselves. Her movements were graceful, silent as a ghost in the flesh.
"Speed. Deception. Silence," she murmured, her voice as soft as silk over drawn steel. "These are the true weapons of the battlefield. I teach the art of vanishing before the enemy even knows they've lost." She turned to Draven, a smirk playing on her lips. "You, beast of the night, you'll be my shadow."
Draven chuckled. "Sounds like my kind of fun."
Following her came Bromir Ironfist, a burly dwarf whose every step seemed to shake the ground. His rune-etched armor glowed faintly with magic meant for endurance, not elegance.
"Strength isn't just brute force," he boomed. "It's standing when others fall. It's surviving when even fate turns its back." His eyes met Serine's. "You've got the fire, girl. Let's see if your body can keep up with your spirit."
Serine tilted her head, cool and measured. "I accept your challenge."
Lastly, Zyphor the Hollow emerged, a figure wrapped in dark robes, his voice echoing like it came from the void itself.
"Mana is more than a tool, it is essence. Life, death, creation, oblivion. To master it… is to grasp the universe's rhythm." His hollow gaze fell on Malrik. "You summon the abyss. Let us see whether you control it, or become part of it."
Malrik shivered, then nodded, fists clenched. "I will not be consumed."
Trainer Assignments
Kaen → Darius Blackthorn (Swordsmanship & Combat Tactics)
Serine → Bromir Ironfist (Close Combat & Strength Training)
Draven → Syrena Duskveil (Stealth & Tactical Warfare)
Malrik → Zyphor the Hollow (Summoning Mastery & Elemental Control)
Lyra → Vaelion Stormrune (Advanced Magic & Arcane Theory)
To be continued...