Chp11 The Harsh Road to Mastery

The morning sun crept into the chambers of the chosen, casting a golden hue over their exhausted bodies. One by one, they stirred awake, still haunted by the vision of Guardia in flames. Yet, there was no time to linger on despair. The day had only begun.A sharp knock echoed through the halls. "Get up. Training grounds. Now," a stern voice commanded from outside. It was a knight messenger.Still groggy, the group dressed hastily and made their way toward the training grounds. The vast open space greeted them with the presence of two familiar figures—Lira and Althar. The wind rustled their cloaks as they stood before the trainees, scrutinizing them with sharp eyes.Althar crossed his arms. "Before we begin, you'll be assigned to the field best suited for your talents. Lira?"Lira nodded and stepped forward, her eyes scanning the group. She pointed directly at Aria. "You're with me. You're an Elementalist—someone who manipulates magical forces through raw talent. With your affinity for spirits, you'll need proper training to wield their power effectively."Aria gulped, then nodded determinedly. "I understand."Althar cracked his knuckles. "As for the rest of you, we'll find out where you stand through battle."The air grew tense. Amy, Anthony, and Grey exchanged glances. Jackson merely stood to the side, expression unreadable."We'll start with a simple test. You will fight me. Show me your worth."The words sent a chill through them. Althar was a seasoned warrior, far beyond anything they had faced. Still, they had just completed the World Tree trial—they felt stronger than before. They had faced countless deaths and fought through illusions of their pasts. Surely, this was just another obstacle.Anthony stepped forward first. "Fine. I'll take you on."Althar smirked. "Come."The battle lasted mere moments. The second Anthony lunged, Althar moved like a blur, appearing behind him and knocking him to the ground with a single strike. Anthony groaned, clutching his stomach."Not bad," Althar muttered. "You've got raw strength, but you lack technique."Next was Amy. She gritted her teeth, determination burning in her eyes as she charged. Yet, like Anthony, she was effortlessly taken down in seconds.Grey followed, but before he could even register Althar's movement, he was already on the ground, wind knocked out of him. Jackson, however, remained still, refusing to step forward.Althar scoffed. "You've all fought wild beasts, haven't you? You think that makes you strong? That might help against lower-tier creatures, but against anything stronger, you're nothing but ants."The sting of his words hit them hard. Even after the trials, they were still weak.Althar crossed his arms. "From now on, your training will be brutal. You'll start with the basics because your form is disgraceful. Pick up a wooden sword. Until your stances and movements are refined, you will not touch real weapons."Though exhausted and bruised, they obeyed, grabbing wooden swords. Under the unforgiving gaze of Althar, they repeated swings, lunges, and blocks until their muscles screamed for relief.By the end of the session, their bodies ached beyond belief, but none dared to complain.As they rested, Althar looked at Grey with narrowed eyes. "You don't have many spirits to support your combat style. For now, train with the sword. Commander Arthur is an aura swordsman—he'll be a better match for you than a spirit swordsman, given your limited affinity. You will wait for his arrival."Grey simply nodded, sweat dripping down his face.When the grueling session ended, they were allowed to bathe, the warmth of the water offering a fleeting sense of relief. But their rest was short-lived. Soon, they were summoned once more.This time, it was Lira who led them into a grand chamber. Seated at a desk surrounded by towering shelves of books was a woman with a stern expression. Her sharp gaze flickered to the students as they entered."This is Elizabeth," Lira introduced. "She will be your instructor, teaching you about the world, its history, and the truths hidden from common knowledge."Elizabeth adjusted her glasses, eyes filled with a strict authority. "You may call me Lady Elizabeth. I am a member of the Magic Union. Not its founder, mind you, but I have played my part in shaping its foundation. Your ignorance of this world is staggering, but I will ensure that changes."The group straightened under her intense gaze."Starting tomorrow, you will undergo daily lessons on the history of this land, the kingdoms, and the true nature of our enemies. Knowledge is as vital as strength. Fail to keep up, and you will be left behind."Amy gulped. "Strict, isn't she?""I heard that," Elizabeth said flatly. "And yes, I am. Now, be gone. You have much to prepare for."As they exited, exhaustion weighing on them once more, they couldn't help but realised —this was only the beginning.