Chapter 32: Grims' Training

The morning sun cast long shadows as Henry gathered the Grims in the clearing outside the fort. His expression was stern, yet a glint of pride shone in his eyes. He surveyed his comrades, warriors who had endured trials and tribulations, yet still stood tall. "We are not just fighters, we are a family forged in battle. Our strength is not measured by our weapons but by our will to protect one another. Each of us carries a burden, a past that fuels our fire. But today, we push past our limits. Today, we sharpen our skills and mold ourselves into something stronger. The Stallion and his men believe they have broken this land, that fear will keep them in power. But we, the Grims, will prove them wrong. We are not just survivors—we are the storm that will change everything. So train hard, fight harder, and never forget why we stand together."

Elric smirked, cracking his knuckles. "That was quite motivating. Let's get to work. Everyone should focus on improving their own strengths." The others nodded, each moving to begin their training. However, in the shadows, a few bandits lurked, observing their actions. Their hushed whispers carried an air of suspicion, their eyes narrowing at the display of discipline and growing strength among the Grims.

Elric squared off against Bjorn, both of them stripping down to their vests to prepare for a full-contact fistfight. Bjorn, built like a mountain, smirked as Elric lunged first, throwing a heavy right hook. Bjorn tilted his head, narrowly avoiding the strike before countering with a devastating punch to Elric's ribs. The impact was like being hit with a hammer, but Elric gritted his teeth and retaliated with a flurry of quick jabs to Bjorn's abdomen. Bjorn grunted, unfazed, before delivering a crushing uppercut that sent Elric staggering back. Elric spat to the side and grinned. "Not bad, but I hope you're not getting tired yet." He feinted left, then ducked low, aiming a powerful strike to Bjorn's midsection. Bjorn absorbed the hit and grabbed Elric's arm, using his sheer strength to throw him over his shoulder. Elric landed with a thud, groaning, but rolled quickly back to his feet. The two continued exchanging blows, each testing their endurance and reflexes, their breathing heavy but their determination unwavering.

Nearby, Espada was in pursuit of Nyx, the small lemur darting between tree branches with unmatched speed. Espada carried a pair of heavy stones in each hand, her muscles burning as she leaped over roots and lunged at Nyx. "You tricky little—!" she growled, reaching out, but Nyx twisted midair, avoiding her grasp with effortless agility. Espada adjusted her strategy, predicting Nyx's movement rather than reacting. She lunged again, this time her fingers brushing against the lemur's tail before Nyx flipped onto another branch. They continued this cat-and-mouse game until Espada finally managed to grab hold of Nyx. She fell to the ground, panting, sweat glistening on her forehead. "Gotcha, you little menace," she said, laughing breathlessly as Nyx chattered at her in amusement.

Henry stood alone, pushing against the weight of a massive boulder, his arms straining as he moved it inch by inch. His breathing was controlled, sweat dripping from his brow. "Strength isn't just about muscles," he muttered. "It's about the will to endure, to keep pushing forward even when the weight of the world is against you." He pushed harder, veins bulging, until the boulder finally shifted.

Kaiser sat cross-legged, his mind focused as he spoke to Alzalel. "How do I refine Phantom Step?"

Alzalel's voice echoed in his mind, deep and knowing. "Your speed is great, but your endurance falters. You must learn to flicker without exhausting yourself. Use my power—throw a dagger imbued with my essence, and you will be able to flicker to it."

Kaiser frowned. "So you're saying I can teleport to wherever the dagger is?"

"Yes," Alzalel affirmed. "Even if it's still midair."

Kaiser materialized a shadow dagger, its dark form flickering in his grip. He threw it toward a tree and concentrated. The world blurred for an instant, and suddenly, he was next to the tree—but his balance wavered, and he slammed into the bark. He gritted his teeth. "Damn it."

Alzalel chuckled. "Try again."

Determined, Kaiser repeated the process, improving with each attempt.

Mariposa, on the other hand, stood before a row of tree trunks, her reaper scythe gleaming under the sun. She swung with precise arcs, each cut clean, fluid. "Papa always said," she murmured, "A blade is an extension of the soul. It should dance, not hack. Feel the weight, let it guide you." She spun, slicing through the last trunk in a single motion, her breath steady, her stance unwavering. As she cleaned off some debris on her scythe, she accidentally got a cut on her finger. Blood drip and it was tingling. She stared of the dripping blood, and suddenly the dripping blood moved but without a form. This shocked her and the blood falls. This now clarifies that she really possesses something - something unnatural. 

By sunset, the Grims were exhausted but fulfilled. As they walked back to Cricket's place, they exchanged stories about their training, laughing at each other's struggles and marveling at their progress.

But as they approached the house, dread filled their hearts. Smoke curled into the sky, and Cricket's home was engulfed in flames. Cricket was on his knees, eyes filled with grief. The bandits stood a short distance away, watching smugly before sauntering off.

Elric rushed forward. "What the hell happened?"

Cricket's voice was raw. "They suspected me. Suspected I was planning something against the Stallion. So they burned everything." His hands clenched into fists. "They took my home."

Henry's expression darkened, his fists trembling. "Then we take everything from them." His voice was low, filled with fury. "We will make them pay." The Grims stood in silence, their eyes burning with the same determination.

Mariposa interrupted " I have something to tell you. I think I have found something about myself. I have been having nightmares that I cannot understand, it was all red, blood and a demon. Day by day it haunts me, and lately the nightmare becomes more frequent.". All attention was toward Mariposa. Espada comforted her by patting her shoulder. " I think I understand it now. While we were training, I accidentally cut myself." She grab a knife and cut herself. Kaiser was worried and tried to stop her but then halted by Mariposa. Mariposa raised her palm and show a wound in which blood was dripping. Suddenly the blood floated but without a form. Cricket's eyes widened and spoke " the blood of Joseph". Everyone was shocked of what they have witnessed.

The time for training was over. The time for battle is near and the Grims are all ready. Will they be able to defeat the Stallion?