The University of Higher Magic's training grounds stretched endlessly before them, a massive expanse of reinforced stone arenas, open plains, and specialized zones built to withstand even the strongest of magic. The sky was still tinged with the soft hues of dawn, but standing at the center of the field were two figures, exuding an aura of sheer dominance.
The first, Takeda Renzou, was an imposing man—broad-shouldered, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze sharp as a blade. His very presence was suffocating, as if his body itself was honed into a perfect weapon. The second was the complete opposite in appearance—Seraphina Astrid, a tall, graceful woman with flowing silver robes and piercing blue eyes that shimmered with quiet confidence. Though she lacked the raw intimidation of Takeda, the controlled energy around her spoke volumes.
"You're late," Takeda grunted as Aiden, Leon, Xaleth, and Elara's team arrived.
"It's barely morning," Aiden mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Early is on time. On time is late," Seraphina corrected, her voice smooth and unwavering.
"Alright, enough chit-chat," Takeda said, stepping forward. His knuckles cracked as he flexed his fingers. "For the next three weeks, you brats are going to be pushed to the edge. If you want to survive the Arcane Dominion Trial, you'll listen and learn."
Elara shot Aiden a glance. "We're doomed."
The two groups were separated. Takeda took Aiden, Leon, and Xaleth, while Seraphina handled Elara, Elysia, and Lyra.
Takeda's approach to training was simple—overwhelm them, break them, and force them to rebuild stronger. No magic, no external weapons, just sheer physical endurance and combat mastery.
Aiden barely had time to process this when Takeda tossed a wooden sword at him.
"Your biggest weakness, Aiden," he said, staring the boy down, "is that you don't know how to fight. You think you do, but all you've done so far is react. Against those mercenaries, you got lucky. But luck won't save you next time."
Takeda glanced at Leon and Xaleth.
"You two. Break him."
Leon smirked, already cracking his knuckles. "Finally."
Xaleth sighed but took a stance. "Sorry, Aiden."
Aiden barely had time to react before Leon vanished from sight. The next thing he knew—a fist was already crashing into his gut.
"Urk—!" Aiden stumbled back, gasping for breath.
Before he could recover, Xaleth followed up, spinning mid-air and slamming his foot straight into Aiden's ribs. The force sent him skidding across the ground, coughing violently.
"Pathetic," Takeda muttered. "Get up."
Aiden groaned, his vision spinning. His body was already aching from the previous days, but he couldn't afford to stay down. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself up.
But there was no time to breathe. The moment Aiden got back on his feet—Leon and Xaleth were already coming at him again.
Aiden tried to raise his sword, but Leon's movements were too fast. The older boy weaved around his defenses and drove a palm straight into Aiden's chest, knocking the wind out of him.
"Stop relying on your instincts alone!" Takeda barked. "If you can't predict your opponent, you're already dead!"
Aiden winced, his mind racing. I can't overpower them. I need to think—!
When Leon lunged at him again, Aiden ducked low at the last second, letting the punch graze his head. He twisted, swinging his wooden sword at Leon's ribs—
—only for Xaleth to intercept.
A devastating counter-kick slammed into Aiden's back.
The impact sent him crashing down once more.
Takeda sighed. "Useless. Again."
Seraphina stood in front of her students, a serene but unshakable presence. Unlike Takeda, she didn't raise her voice. Instead, her lessons came in the form of experience.
"You three rely on your strengths but lack coordination," she said, lifting a single hand. Six floating blades of pure energy materialized behind her. Their edges shimmered with an unnatural sharpness.
Elara, Elysia, and Lyra instinctively took a step back.
"Attack me," Seraphina commanded. "Work together, or you fail."
Elara looked at Elysia and Lyra. "We need to work as a unit."
"Go!"
Elysia vanished in an instant, teleporting behind Seraphina. She raised a hand, summoning a spatial rift that expanded rapidly.
At the same time, Lyra unleashed a powerful gust of wind, amplifying Elara's shadow magic to form a storm of razor-sharp draggers.
The combination attack was fast, powerful, and precise.
And yet—
Seraphina barely moved.
With a mere flick of her wrist—the floating blades spun at inhuman speeds.
Elara's draggers shattered instantly. Elysia's teleportation rift was severed mid-formation, forcing her to stumble backward, coughing.
A single blade shot past Lyra, nicking her cheek before stopping just a centimeter from her throat.
Seraphina's gaze was calm. "A storm without control is nothing but a passing breeze."Elara clenched her fists. "Damn it…"
Seraphina nodded approvingly. "Again."
The cafeteria was packed. Despite their exhaustion, Aiden's and Elara's teams found themselves seated together.
"How's getting beaten into the ground treating you?" Elara teased, poking Aiden with her fork.
Aiden groaned. "Better than getting humiliated by floating knives."
Leon smirked. "I still don't see how you'll survive the trial, Aiden."
"At least I won't get kicked out for insulting nobles," Aiden shot back.
Leon scoffed, but Xaleth chuckled. "That would be funny, though."
Elysia crossed her arms. "I hate to admit it, but… I kind of want to wipe the floor with you three during the trial."
"Oh, it's on," Leon said, cracking his knuckles.
Lyra sighed, rubbing her temples. "Great, more children fighting…"
Aiden watched them bicker and smiled to himself. For the first time in a while, despite the exhaustion, he felt like he belonged.
But he had no idea that tomorrow's training would be even worse.