The training grounds of the Terron Clan stretched across several wide courtyards behind the estate, bordered by towering stone walls and dotted with sparring platforms, weapon racks, and astral conduits. The morning air carried the clang of steel, the hum of sigils, and the scent of scorched dust — signs of warriors sharpening their resolve.
Kenzo stood on the central platform, shoulders squared, heart pounding.
This wasn't like the trial within his spirit domain. That was internal. This — this was real.
Across from him stood Captain Ryden Kael, commander of the Terron Vanguard, fully clad in polished darksteel armor. His own constellation sigil — a hammer crowned with fire — shimmered on his shoulder. His broad frame loomed over Kenzo, but his eyes were calm and measuring.
"Your second star gives you a stronger anchor," Ryden said, circling slowly. "But don't expect it to carry you. Power without control is a shattered blade."
Kenzo nodded. "Understood."
"Good. Then let's see if you've learned anything."
Without warning, Ryden struck.
The blow came fast — faster than Kenzo expected for a man in heavy armor — a blunt astral strike directed at his midsection. Kenzo instinctively activated Steelveil Skin, and a layer of shimmering, interlocked plates erupted across his body like living armor.
Clang!
The impact sent sparks flying, but Kenzo didn't move an inch. Anchor Core pulsed to life — his footing grounded as if fused to the stone itself.
Ryden arched a brow, stepping back. "You're stable. But are you mobile?"
He lunged again, faster this time, feinting left and swinging from the right.
Kenzo turned with the blow, letting it glance off his shoulder. He retaliated with a forward dash, igniting Burning Step. Flame trailed from his feet as he slid beneath Ryden's guard and aimed a fiery kick to the leg.
Ryden grunted, barely shifting away in time, the lower plates of his greaves hissing from the contact.
"Good use of movement," he said, voice steady. "Ferrion gives you defense. Valtrix gives you pressure. Combine them. Don't hesitate."
Kenzo circled, breathing steady. He felt the fire rising inside his limbs. The more he moved, the more momentum built — the trait of a Valtrix-bonded Astra. But keeping that fire controlled was the challenge.
"Again."
This time, Kenzo attacked first. He launched himself forward in a low spin, flames lashing from his feet. As he closed the distance, he slammed his armored fist forward, combining Crimson Mantle with raw astral force.
Ryden blocked — barely. The force cracked the platform tiles beneath them.
But before Kenzo could follow up, Ryden dropped low and swept Kenzo's legs with a twist of his armored heel. Kenzo hit the ground hard, wind knocked from his lungs.
He blinked up at the sky, coughing.
Ryden offered a hand. "Lesson one: never commit everything unless you're sure you'll land the blow."
Kenzo took the hand, gritting his teeth as he stood. "Got it."
Ryden turned toward the gathered students watching from the sidelines. "This one carries the weight of two war gods. But talent isn't enough. In a real battle, there's no second chance. Train like your life depends on every movement — because one day, it will."
The students nodded, eyes fixed on Kenzo.
Training continued for hours. Kenzo endured astral strikes, weapons drills, stance forms, and projection practice. His armor took hits, his flames sputtered, and more than once, his soul core trembled from overuse.
But he didn't stop.
By the end, his robes were singed, his arms sore, and his heart pounding.
"You've got fire," Ryden said as they finished. "But you've also got patience. That's rare in someone your age. You'll go far — if you survive what's coming."
Kenzo frowned. "What do you mean?"
Ryden looked to the north horizon, where dark clouds were forming unnaturally fast.
"There's movement near the Outer Rift. Reports of a Moonveil Horror. The Astradyn scouts say it's... different this time. More coordinated. More focused."
Kenzo felt the chill creep up his spine. A Moonveil Horror was Rank III — Astral Warden level. One of those could distort the battlefield itself.
"Will Father handle it?"
Ryden hesitated. "The Paragon Council is split across the continent. Daelor is due to return, but if the Rift expands…"
Kenzo's fists clenched. I have to get stronger — fast.
As he left the training platform, he glanced up at the sky. Two stars of Ferrion's sigil now pulsed faintly above him, visible only to those attuned to their constellation.
He was no longer a mere initiate.
But he still had far to go.