Raven's Role in Training
While the five Progenies trained under their elite masters, Raven assumed an unexpected yet vital role. As Kaiden's loyal butler, strategist, and guardian, he became the silent force behind their transformation. Not a combat instructor, yet more invaluable than any weapon or spell, Raven ensured their training remained balanced, purposeful, and humane.
He monitored their progress with precision, offering strategic insights or stepping in when one of them was pushed beyond their breaking point.
More than once, he was seen carrying an unconscious Serine back to her quarters, her limbs trembling from another brutal sparring session with Ragnar.
For Draven, Raven offered wisdom beyond blades, how to read people not just through movement, but through emotion, breath, and intent. Even Selene, the master assassin, silently approved.
Lyra, though naturally gifted, struggled with discipline. Raven, ever patient, became her occasional tutor, simplifying ancient arcane theories into playful metaphors and stories she could finally grasp.
But more than anything, Raven served as their anchor. As the masters tore them down to build them back up, Raven ensured they didn't lose who they were in the process.
The Training Arc — One Year in Eldoria's Sacred Grounds
The First Three Months – Breaking Limits
The first weeks were merciless. Training began with one goal: to break them.
Kaen was drilled in the art of swordsmanship until his arms felt like molten lead. Vaelion allowed no shortcuts. Thousands of strikes each day until Kaen's aggression was honed into razor-sharp precision.
Serine endured ceaseless endurance trials. With weighted chains wrapped around her limbs, Ragnar hurled her into punishing close-combat sessions meant to destroy weakness. Instead, she endured.
Draven was locked inside the Phantom Hall, a maze of illusions and lurking assassins. He had no blade, only shadows. Escape required more than strength, it demanded instinct, deception, and silence.
Malrik faced a gauntlet of summons. Every beast, elemental, or demon he failed to dominate turned on him. Blood and flame marked his path toward control.
Lyra, though brilliant, was wild. Her impatience nearly shattered several platforms. Solvaris forced her into long meditations, denying her the joy of spellcasting until she learned to master the flow of mana itself.
The Next Six Months – The Awakening of Power
With their bodies and minds hardened, the second phase focused on refinement unlocking deeper mastery.
Kaen became a dancer of blades, every motion calculated and devastating. His cursed sword no longer lashed out wildly, it flowed with his breath, an extension of his will.
Serine's power matured. Her strikes carried the weight of mountains, but now she controlled her strength. Her movements became precise, her footwork deliberate.
Draven moved like a phantom. He could walk into a room unnoticed, eliminate a target, and vanish before the body hit the ground. Even Selene struggled to track him.
Malrik became a commander of the abyss. His summons appeared at will, fought with purpose, and faded when dismissed. The fear in his eyes was replaced by fire.
Lyra's magic transformed from chaos to elegance. She bent lightning, fire, and wind to her command, earning the whispered title: Arcane Tempest.
The Final Three Months – Forged in Battle
The last trial was the deadliest. Aerion and Raven devised a gauntlet of full-scale battle simulations, using enchanted constructs and illusionary enemies designed to kill.
Kaen dueled Vaelion, matching him stroke for stroke in a legendary battle of sword and will.
Serine shattered a rune-empowered golem with a single, earth-cracking blow.
Draven eliminated dozens of enemies without once being seen, his presence undetectable even by trained eyes.
Malrik summoned a demon lord from the lower abyss and bent it to his will, not with fear, but with dominance.
Lyra unleashed a storm so massive that the training grounds shook under its fury. Lightning danced around her as if she were born of the tempest itself.
One Year Later – The Progenies Reborn
They stood before their mentors, no longer wayward weapons of war, but honed legends in the making.
Aerion looked upon them with measured pride.
"You have changed. You came to us as raw power. Today, you stand as something far more. Warriors? No… you are vanguards of fate."
Behind them, Raven allowed a rare smile to surface. Their journey had only just begun… but for the first time, he believed
They were ready.
To Be Continued…