Welcome to Hell Training

The training grounds were larger than I'd expected, a sprawling arena of dirt, stone, and magical wards designed to keep us from dying. Or maybe to contain the carnage I wasn't sure. Seraphis stood in the center like a conqueror surveying her domain, her golden eyes gleaming with sadistic delight.

"This," she announced, gesturing grandly, "is where you'll spend the next several weeks becoming something resembling competent."

"Great," I muttered under my breath. "Can't wait."

"You'll start with basic drills," Seraphis continued, ignoring me entirely. "Physical endurance, magical control, combat tactics. By the end of today, you'll wish you were back in that cafeteria being kidnapped."

"Charming motivational speech," I quipped.

"Silence, Silverthorn," she snapped, her voice as sharp as a blade. "Unless you'd like to start with laps?"

I grimaced. "Pass."