Therian Flameheart.

"You will need it for your next training."

"What…?"

Kael couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"There's more?"

"Yes."

Althea nodded expressionlessly, and before Kael could say or react, the doors of the Training Hall opened again, revealing a tall, imposing figure.

"Marshal Therian Flameheart."

Althea started responsibly.

"One of the most respected beings in the Kingdom of Drakthar, known for his achievements in countless Wars. His Tactics and Leadership Skills are unmatched.

Even the Grand Marshal of the Drakthar Army respects him and values all his opinions. It wouldn't be wrong to say he is one of the key pillars of the Drakthar Kingdom.

He will be teaching you about Leadership and Strategy."

The Almoner of Services explained.

Marshal Therian Flameheart strode into the training hall with measured steps, his presence alone radiating authority and confidence.

Dressed in a regal red and gold coat, adorned with polished silver pauldrons, he carried an air of command that demanded respect from the people around him.

A long crimson cape flowed behind him, brushing the stone floor.

As he walked in, Therian's piercing amber eyes scanned the training hall. His square jawline, together with a well-groomed beard, added a rugged charm to his otherwise refined demeanor.

"Kael, I presume?"

Therian spoke as he glanced at Kael.

His voice was deep and resonant. The Marshal extended a gloved hand to the young Hero.

Kael nodded and grabbed the Marshal's hand with both his own, a clumsy movement, but Kael couldn't help it.

The man in front of him was much more intimidating than anyone he had met, even more than the King, if Kael had to compare.

"I-It's an honor to meet you, Marshal."

Kael stuttered.

He didn't know why he said it, he didn't even know the man a few seconds ago, but... he couldn't help it. 

"The honor is mine.

I get to be part of the Hero's journey. How many Marshals could boast that?"

The Marshal smiled faintly.

Kael laughed awkwardly.

"I presume you are already exhausted after all the previous training you have been through, so I will not exhaust you any further with all these formalities.

Let's keep things simple and quick, alright?"

"Y-Yes, Marshal."

Kael nodded.

The Marshal nodded back and continued,

"A Hero's journey is filled with many battles, but not all are fought with swords and spells.

I am here to prepare you for such battles, the battle that tests your mind and heart."

Kael nodded, listening attentively.

Therian turned, his cape swishing behind him.

"Leadership is not a gift you are born with, nor is it something you can acquire overnight.

It is forged through trials, sharpened by decisions, and tempered by the weight of responsibility. 

Many warriors can wield a blade, but few can command the hearts and minds of those who follow them."

Therian then walked over to a large wooden table on the southern side of the hall and spread a map across it.

It was a detailed map of the surrounding regions, marked with symbols denoting armies, strongholds, and supply lines.

He gestured for Kael to join him. Kael nodded and rushed towards him, not wanting the Marshal to wait.

"Before we begin, let me tell you the essence of leadership,"

Therian began.

"A leader is not just someone who gives orders. A leader inspires trust, earns respect, and shoulders the burdens of their people.

You must think not only for yourself but for everyone under your command. Every decision you make has consequences," Therian's tone became solemn as he continued,

"Sometimes fatal ones."

Kael's expression hardened as well.

"I understand,"

He nodded.

"Do you? We shall see."

Therian smiled faintly.

"Leadership is not just about understanding in theory but applying it under pressure."

He placed a finger on the map, pointing to a small, fortified town near the border of the Drakthar Kingdom.

"This will be your first test, but not today. This week, we lay the foundation."

Kael blinked in surprise.

A test…?

In a week...?

He didn't know if he would be ready for it by then…

The Marshal, on the other hand, straightened and began pacing slowly around the hall.

"The basics of leading start with understanding your team. You must know their strengths and weaknesses, their fears and motivations.

A good leader does not treat everyone the same.

Instead, they bring out the best in each individual, molding them into a cohesive unit."

"And how do I do that?"

Kael questioned.

"Observation and communication,"

Therian replied.

"Watch how they move, how they react under stress. Speak to them, not as their superior but as their comrade. Learn what drives them."

He paused by the map again, his finger tracing a line from the fortified town to a nearby forest.

"Next, you must understand the battlefield. Geography, resources, weather—these are your allies and enemies.

A brilliant strategy can crumble if you fail to account for a sudden storm or an impassable valley.

Study everything."

"That's a lot to keep track of."

Kael furrowed his brows.

"It is."

Therian chuckled.

"Which is why delegation is key. You cannot do everything yourself. Trust your advisors and your team to handle the details while you focus on the bigger picture."

For the next hour, Therian outlined the principles of leadership and strategy. He talked about the importance of morale, the balance between caution and aggression, and the necessity of adapting to unforeseen challenges.

Kael took mental notes, listening as attentively as he could.

"That will be enough for today. We will continue the rest tomorrow. This was supposed to be an introductory session, but I kept going."

Therian laughed.

"I guess I got excited at the thought of teaching the Hero."

Kael smiled back.

"See you tomorrow, Hero Kael."

Therian nodded.

"Yes, Marshal."

Kael nodded back and then bowed his head.

The Marshal's presence commanded respect on its own, and Kael was completely captured by the flow.

The Marshal turned and left the chamber, his crimson cape trailing behind him.

Kael stood alone for a moment, staring at the map.

Soon, Althea appeared next to him and,

"Does Lord Kael need me to relieve your fatigue again?"

She questioned in a diligent tone.

Kael stared at her, raising his eyebrow at the phrasing. Soon, however, his expression shifted,

"Wait, if you are offering to heal me, then…"

"The next lecture is also the most important,

Beast Taming."