Chapter 52: Forging the Radiant Legion

The morning sun bathed the sprawling training grounds beside the Barbarian village in golden light. Warriors from the newly formed Radiant Legion lined up in perfect rows, their pristine white and gold armor glinting.

It had been a week since Gabriel blessed these 10,000 chosen Barbarians, handpicked for their courage, discipline, and willingness to embrace change. Now, they stood before their leader, eager and tense, waiting for the first day of true training.

Gabriel, with his six radiant wings partially spread, stood at the front. His presence alone filled the air with a sense of calm authority, his divine aura both awe-inspiring and reassuring. Beside him, Astrid, Liv, and Eira observed with quiet intensity, their own armor equally dazzling, though their eyes carried a mix of curiosity and confidence. The sisters had spent the past week watching the transformation of these men and women, and now they would see if Gabriel's vision could truly take shape.

Gabriel's voice carried across the grounds like a steady breeze. "Today marks the beginning of your transformation—not just as warriors, but as protectors. You are not here to fight for conquest or glory. You are here to defend, to guide, to inspire. This path will challenge you, but through discipline, conformity, and strength, you will rise."

The Legion moved as one, their synchronized bows a proof to their dedication. Gabriel stepped forward, his piercing gaze sweeping across their faces. He could see the spark of determination in each of them—a testament to their faith, not only in him but in themselves. Yet, he knew faith alone wouldn't make them invincible.

"Begin with the basics," Gabriel said, his tone calm but firm. "Weapons ready. Show me your stances."

The warriors shifted, some moving with practiced ease, others hesitating as they tried to mimic their neighbors. Gabriel strode among them, his wings trailing faint light as he corrected postures and adjusted grips. "Your weapon is an extension of your body," he said to one man struggling to balance his sword. "If you hesitate, it will betray you. Trust it, and it will guide you."

Astrid watched with a faint smile, her arms crossed. "He's turning them into soldiers already."

Eira, leaning casually on one of her axes, snorted. "Soldiers? He's making them divine warriors. Big difference."

Liv chuckled softly. "Either way, they're improving just by standing near him."

After an hour of individual corrections, Gabriel divided the Legion into smaller groups, each composed of archers, spearmen, and swordsmen. The task was simple in theory: defend a central position while under attack. However, the execution proved anything but.

"Move as a unit," Gabriel instructed, watching as one group struggled to coordinate their efforts. "Your strength lies in your ability to work together. Alone, you will fall. Together, you are unstoppable."

One group fumbled as an overzealous spearman charged too far ahead, leaving the archers unprotected. Gabriel's wings flared slightly as he moved to intervene. "Stop," he said, his voice cutting through the chaos. The warriors froze, their eyes wide.

"Look around you," Gabriel continued. "What do you see?"

The spearman hesitated before answering. "I... left them behind."

Gabriel nodded. "And in doing so, you exposed your weakness. Protect each other, and you will protect yourselves."

Gabriel's guidance was effective, but not all lessons came easily. During a sparring match, one swordsman refused to yield, his frustration mounting as he was repeatedly outmaneuvered by his opponent. He eventually lashed out, his sword striking with unnecessary force and narrowly missing his partner.

The sparring halted immediately. Gabriel stepped forward, his expression unreadable. The tension in the air was palpable as the Legion watched in silence.

"Why are you here?" Gabriel asked, his voice steady but carrying an edge of disappointment.

The swordsman lowered his gaze. "To become stronger."

"And what is strength without control?" Gabriel pressed. "Your anger makes you a danger to those around you. Strength is not enough. You must master yourself before you can master your weapon."

The man nodded solemnly, his frustration replaced by silent determination. Gabriel placed a hand on his shoulder. "Learn from this, and you will grow."

As the day progressed, the sisters stepped in to provide their own lessons. Astrid led a group of spearmen, demonstrating precise defensive maneuvers and counterattacks. Her sharp movements and commanding voice quickly earned the respect of her trainees.

"Your spear isn't just a weapon—it's a shield," Astrid explained, blocking an incoming strike with a deft twist of her weapon. "Control the distance, and you control the fight."

Liv worked with the archers, her calm demeanor and precise guidance helping them improve their aim. She encouraged them to focus not just on hitting their targets but on understanding the terrain and wind patterns.

Eira, meanwhile, took on the most physical role, sparring with multiple warriors at once. Her dual axes moved like extensions of her body, each strike powerful. "Come on," she teased, grinning as her opponents struggled to keep up. "You're not going to let me win that easily, are you?"

As the sun climbed higher, Gabriel introduced more complex drills. Obstacles were set up across the training grounds, challenging the warriors to navigate treacherous terrain while defending their comrades. The trenches were filled with icy water, walls lined with sharp edges, and narrow bridges that required absolute focus.

"Your enemies will not wait for you to find balance," Gabriel said as he demonstrated the course. His movements were fluid, his divine armor gleaming as he scaled walls and leapt over obstacles with ease. "You must learn to adapt and overcome."

The Legion followed his example, some excelling while others struggled. Gabriel watched each attempt closely, offering encouragement and advice where needed. Slowly but surely, the warriors began to improve, their movements more coordinated and confident with each pass.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the Radiant Legion was exhausted but invigorated. Small fires dotted the training grounds as the warriors gathered to share stories of their progress, their camaraderie growing stronger with each passing day.

Gabriel stood at the edge of the grounds, his gaze thoughtful as he observed the scene. Astrid approached him, her spear resting casually against her shoulder. "They're getting better," she said.

"They're learning," Gabriel agreed. "But there's still a long way to go."

Eira joined them, her grin as bright as ever. "You've got to admit, though—they're not half bad for a bunch of Barbarians."

Liv smiled softly, her voice gentle. "They're not just Barbarians anymore. They're becoming something more."

Gabriel's expression softened, a faint smile touching his lips. "And so are we."

As the fires burned into the night, the Radiant Legion rested, their perseverance stronger than ever. Gabriel knew that this was only the beginning, but it was a beginning filled with hope and commitment. With each step forward, they were forging not just an army, but a legacy. And though the road ahead remained uncertain, Gabriel was ready to lead them through it.