Military training

Inside the Demon Palace, "Even you have your moments of defeat, huh?" Gahu, one of the three Demon Generals, said to Ding'er. "Hmph, I was just careless. Besides, I took down the Hero, so it evens out," Ding'er replied as he walked. "His Majesty the Tyrant is preparing to send a new army to the Human Realm, and this time, I'll lead it." Gahu smirked confidently, "Suit yourself. I could use a break." Ding'er ended the conversation and walked off. "Where's Ernis? Isn't she going to lend a hand?" Gahu asked. "Have you forgotten who she is?" Ding'er sneered. "Right, forget I asked," Gahu said, scratching his head. Deep in the Demon Realm, a shadowy figure sat on a tree branch, toying with a rose.

At the barracks, the bell woke everyone early in the morning. Dragging their exhausted bodies to the training ground, a new day began. "Today's training is swordsmanship and spear techniques. Get your spirits up, you lot!" the officer barked. In the village, Bona, helping her mother with the harvest, worked while thinking, (I wonder how Brother Bai is doing. Is he eating properly?)The officer taught us basic sword techniques and the use of other weapons: thrusting, combat, dodging, and counterattacking. I practiced diligently at the training grounds—these were skills you couldn't learn on your own. The others in the dorm were equally dedicated. Everyone knew that slacking now could mean death on the battlefield later. By the end of the day, we were so exhausted we could barely stand. At night, after dinner, we returned to the dorm. "I'm dead tired today. How many more days of this?" Kadi complained. Nohua said, "It shouldn't be too long. I heard the Hero's coming back soon. We might head out in a week." Feigo chimed in, "Oh, I can't wait to take down some enemies!" "Everyone will get their chance. For now, let's focus on improving," I said. That night, Na'an brought out a wooden bird that sang. Everyone was amazed. "This is a lullaby bird I made with magic to help you sleep," he explained. The bird softly sang a lullaby, and everyone listened quietly, drifting off to sleep.

Another day began, and today included magic lessons. Those without magical aptitude, lacking mana, could only continue physical training. Those with magic were gathered in a classroom. We arrived at the Royal Academy, a spacious and bright room filled with students. Our instructor was Professor Jis. "All of you here possess magical potential, but learning to harness it effectively requires further study. Today, I'll teach you about mana control and high-speed chanting," the professor said. This was exactly the kind of lesson I wanted, teaching skills I was eager to learn. Toward the end of the class, the professor randomly called students to the stage for a sparring match. After a few groups went, he called my name: "Bai and Mura, come up for a duel." Nervously, I stepped onto the stage. My opponent looked just as tense. I didn't know what magic he could use, so I had to be cautious. "Ready, begin!" the professor commanded. Mura struck first, shouting, "Five Thunder Flash!" A bolt of lightning shot toward me. I quickly cast a light shield spell to block it. The crowd gasped, "He can use high-tier shield magic?" People started whispering. Ugh, I just used a pretty common spell, I thought. Mura wasn't done. He grabbed a sword from the side and, like I used to, infused it with lightning. The blade crackled with electricity. "Try my Thunder Sword!" he shouted. I was in a bad position and couldn't grab a sword, so I conjured one with magic. "He can even create weapons with magic?!" The crowd buzzed again. This is so embarrassing—every spell I use seems to cause a stir. I decided to keep things low-key and avoid using more magic. "Don't get cocky!" Mura said, charging at me with his sword. I blocked, but the electricity conducted through my blade, numbing my hand. I realized I couldn't take his attacks head-on.