Training Beings

Kieran didn't waste time. The moment Ethan agreed to train, the older man clapped his hands, and the entire room seemed to shift.

"Alright, pup. Let's see what you've got," Kieran said, cracking his knuckles.

Ethan blinked. "Now?"

Lena sighed. "Yeah. Welcome to Kieran's style of teaching—getting your ass kicked until you learn."

Kieran grinned. "Exactly."

The First Lesson

They moved to a section of the warehouse that had been set up as a training ground—worn mats, wooden dummies, and a few cracks in the concrete from previous fights. The other half-bloods and goblins gathered around, eager to watch.

Ethan squared his shoulders. "So, what's the plan? Hand-to-hand? Weapons?"

Kieran rolled his neck. "Nah. We start with something simpler."

Before Ethan could react, Kieran vanished—moving faster than Ethan's eyes could follow.

Then—

BAM!

Ethan's back hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of his lungs.

The warehouse erupted in laughter.

Lena winced. "Yeah... saw that coming."

Ethan groaned, rolling onto his side. "What the hell just happened?"

Kieran stood over him, arms crossed. "Lesson one: Speed. You're part goblin now, kid. That means your body is built for movement. Quick reflexes, sharp instincts. But you're still fighting like a human."

Ethan coughed. "That's because I was human two days ago!"

Kieran smirked. "Not anymore. Get up."

Ethan forced himself to his feet, his body aching.

"Again," Kieran ordered.

Ethan took a deep breath and focused. This time, when Kieran moved, Ethan felt it—a shift in the air, the slightest flicker of motion before the attack came.

His instincts flared to life.

Instead of getting thrown again, Ethan twisted his body just in time, dodging Kieran's strike by inches.

The crowd murmured in approval.

Kieran grinned. "Not bad. You're starting to feel it, aren't you?"

Ethan's hands trembled, but not from exhaustion. It was exhilarating—like his body had been waiting for this all along.

Lena stepped up beside him. "Welcome to your new reality, Ethan."

Ethan exhaled, a small grin forming.

For the first time, he didn't feel like a loser.

He felt like a fighter.

And this was just the beginning.