The Isle of Vigils 3

The first rays of sunlight pierced through the cracks in the temple's walls, casting golden streaks across the trio's sleeping quarters. Velvet was the first to stir, stretching and groaning as they rubbed the sleep from their eyes. Kouneli sat up slowly, his hair disheveled, and Leo rolled out of bed, already tying his boots.

"Morning already?" Leo muttered, stifling a yawn. "Feels like we just fell asleep."

Velvet grinned. "Guess that's what happens when you're training under the strongest warrior in the world."

The three made their way to the atrium, where Evengarde was already waiting. He stood at the center of the chamber, arms crossed, his calm demeanor giving no hint of the grueling session he had planned.

"Good, you're on time," he said, his voice echoing off the marble walls. "Today, we focus on your physical conditioning. Ether is powerful, but it's useless if your body can't handle the strain."

Evengarde led them to the training grounds outside the temple, a sprawling area filled with boulders, weighted anklets, and racks of dumbbells. A trail of worn footprints marked the ground where countless others had trained before them.

"Each of you will complete a two-hour session," Evengarde instructed. "Boulder carries, weightlifting, sprint drills—you'll push every muscle to its limit. I will oversee your progress. Begin."

The training was brutal. Velvet, ever eager, strapped on a pair of weighted anklets and began sprinting laps around the grounds. Leo hoisted a dumbbell, the veins in his arms bulging as he pushed through rep after rep. Kouneli, though hesitant, focused on carrying a boulder twice his size, his legs trembling under the weight.

Evengarde's sharp eyes missed nothing. He corrected their posture, barked commands, and pushed them harder when he saw them falter. Sweat poured from their bodies, pooling on the ground as the sun climbed higher in the sky.

Two hours later, the trio collapsed onto the grass, their chests heaving as they tried to catch their breath.

"Not bad," Evengarde said, his tone almost approving. "You're stronger than you look. But strength alone won't be enough."

He gestured for them to sit up, his expression serious. "There's a lesson you need to learn, one that goes beyond mere physical or etheric power. Today, I will teach you about resonance."

The three exchanged curious glances but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

"Resonance is the manifestation of the soul," Evengarde began. "It is the truest expression of who you are. The power of your resonance corresponds to your potential as an individual. No two are the same."

He knelt down, tracing a circle in the dirt. "Within each of you lies an inner world. This world is inhabited by a spirit, a reflection of your essence. But reaching this inner world is not easy. It requires immense strength, both physical and mental."

"How do we get there?" Velvet asked, their voice tinged with excitement.

"When you are ready, you will be able to enter your inner world and confront your spirit," Evengarde explained. "The spirit may not deem you worthy at first. It is a reflection of your potential but also your flaws. Only when you prove yourself will it grant you its power. That bond is what we call resonance."

Kouneli furrowed his brow. "And what happens if we can't prove ourselves?"

Evengarde's gaze hardened. "Then the spirit will reject you, and you will remain powerless. But those who succeed…" He stood, his voice rising. "Those who truly master their resonance can achieve a state known as Deep-Chime. In this form, the spirit and the body become one. It is the utmost peak of ether mastery, a technique so rare that only a handful of individuals in history have achieved it."

"Deep-Chime," Leo murmured, the weight of the words sinking in.

"The power of Deep-Chime depends on your resonance," Evengarde continued. "For some, it might grant unparalleled strength. For others, it could mean the ability to rewrite the very fabric of reality. But remember, it is not a gift. It is earned through relentless effort and unyielding resolve."

The trio sat in silence, the gravity of Evengarde's words settling over them like a heavy fog. Finally, Velvet broke the silence.

"So, when do we start?" they asked, a grin spreading across their face.

Evengarde chuckled. "You've already begun. Every step you take, every trial you endure, brings you closer to your resonance. But for now, I have another task for you."

He pulled a scroll from his robes, unrolling it to reveal a map of the Luminants. He pointed to the Eastern Luminant, where a small symbol marked their destination.

"I've arranged for you to join Arcanos's team on a mission to the Eastern Luminant. It will be your first real test outside the Isle of Vigils. Prepare yourselves. You leave at dusk."

Velvet raised an eyebrow. "And what are you gonna do while we're out risking our lives?"

Evengarde's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I have dinner plans."

Leo's curiosity got the better of him. "Dinner plans? With who?"

"With Arcanos," Evengarde replied matter-of-factly.

Velvet smirked. "Oh, so you two are friends?"

Evengarde's brow furrowed in genuine confusion. "Friends? Arcanos is my wife."

The trio stared at him, dumbfounded.

"Wait, Arcanos is your wife?" Velvet blurted out. "Why didn't you tell us?"

Evengarde shrugged. "It never came up. Besides, as the only reason the Central Authority hasn't invaded the Isle of Vigils, my work keeps me busy."

Before they could press further, Evengarde raised his hand, conjuring a portal. The shimmering gateway revealed the Isle of Starlight, where Arcanos stood alongside Rajin and Ubel.

Arcanos's sharp voice cut through the portal. "You're late, Evengarde. Again."

Evengarde sighed. "I'm never late. Time bends to my will."

Arcanos crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Tell that to dinner, which has been sitting cold for an hour."

Evengarde turned to the trio. "Good luck on your mission. I've left a wind clone to monitor the Isle of Vigils in my absence. Report back when you return."

The portal closed behind him, leaving the trio with Rajin and Ubel.

"Ready for your first mission?" Rajin asked, a mischievous grin on his face.

Kouneli nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "We are."

Together, the five boarded a boat bound for the Eastern Luminant, the waves carrying them toward their next challenge.