In the next morning….
Sunlight peeked through the tall windows of the Citadel. The teenagers, exhausted from the previous day's journey and their ordeal, began to stir in their rooms.
The strange new surroundings were overwhelming at first, but the promise of rest and safety had given them the comfort they needed to sleep deeply through the night.
One by one, they gather into the lobby, tired but curious, their eyes wide as they took in their surroundings once more.
The lobby had been transformed into a welcoming space — comfortable chairs lined the walls, and the scent of fresh food still lingered in the air.
The advanced golems had disappeared, their tasks complete for the time being. Now, only the teenagers were left, gathered in small groups and whispering amongst themselves.
Some looked freshly bathed, their hair damp. Others still wore worn-out clothes but had clean faces. They sat in groups, the siblings naturally sticking close to each other.
The advanced golems had been busy through the night. They delivered basic supplies, and prepared breakfast — again bringing trays of food into the lobby without a sound.
A few minutes later, Protheus walked into the lobby. His tall, imposing figure immediately caught the attention of the group, though none of them dared to speak first. His presence was both reassuring and intimidating, a quiet power emanating from him. He surveyed the room, noticing the familiar faces of the teenagers — some shy, others more outspoken.
Rafael Mendoza stood first, nodding respectfully. Maria stood close behind him, her eyes curious.
Protheus stopped in front of them, looking over the group.
"Good morning," He said and He asked "Did you rest well?"
"Yes, sir," Rafael answered quickly. The others nodded.
Protheus gave a small nod of approval.
"I wish to understand this country better" he said. "Tell me what happened and tell me everything you know."
Rafael straightened, glancing back once to the others.
They nodded at him, they gave him theiir silent support. He turned back to Protheus and began.
"We're from a stronghold far south of Metro Manila," Rafael explained, voice steady but heavy. "A place built by survivors after the monsters appeared."
He took a breath.
"Seven years ago, huge portals opened around the cities. All over the world, monsters poured out — creatures we'd never seen before. They destroyed everything. Many Cities burned. Our government fell too quickly. The military fought back and fight bravely but they lost within three months."
Joshua Dela Cruz added quietly, "We saw it happen. Our own town destroyed overnight."
"The world changed," Rafel continued, his voice low and heavy. "And with it, people changed too. Some began to awaken powers straight out of the stories — magic, strength beyond imagination, abilities we once thought belonged only to legends. We started calling them 'The Awakened.' Some, like you, can wield magic. Others possess superhuman strength and feats no ordinary man could dream of."
Protheus listened closely.
"But the monsters kept coming," Rafael said. "The stronghold we live is barely holding. The supplies are always shorts and the monsters attack constantly. Some people became bandits. Others… worse.
Angela Reyes whispered, "Even some Awakened became monsters themselves."
Protheus' eyes narrowed slightly but said nothing.
Rafael clenched his fists.
"We were sent out to find food for our stronghold, medicine too. But we got attacked. Some of us… didn't make it."
He lowered his head for a moment, honoring the lost.
Patricia Gomez spoke softly, "We ran for days before we found you."
Protheus gave them time to breathe, to gather themselves.
Finally, he spoke again, his voice like a calm river.
"You have survived much," he said. "You are strong."
The teenagers looked at him, some with disbelief, others with a flicker of hope.
Protheus stepped forward slightly.
"And now you are here," he said. "Here, you will become stronger."
After some time…
After the teenagers finished eating their breakfast.
Protheus led the teenagers through the Citadel's wide halls. The walls were made of shining marble, yet felt ancient and strong — like the bones of a sleeping giant.
They passed through a large archway that opened onto a vast open courtyard outside.
The sunlight hit them fully now, warm and fresh, banishing the stale air of fear they had carried for so long.
The courtyard was enormous — larger than any park or plaza they had ever seen.
The ground was covered in fine white sand, soft yet firm under their boots.
Around the edges, weapon racks, magic targets, and obstacle courses had been arranged, waiting for them.
And there, standing in the sunlight, were the Instructors.
Protheus watched the teenagers carefully as they stood, each awaiting the moment they'd be assigned to their instructors. Their faces held a mixture of exhaustion and hope — the kind of hope that could only come from finding a place where they could grow strong again. Where they could learn to stand, rather than just survive.
He stepped forward, his voice calm and reassuring.
"These," he began, his voice steady and proud, "are your instructors. They are not mere machines, nor mindless constructs. They are golems, yes—but each carries within them the recorded knowledge and memories of legendary warriors, grand mages, and healers whose names have long passed from living memory. They were made not only to train you, but to forge you."
The teenagers, still tense and uncertain, watched the golems with cautious eyes. Some of them had seen golems before, others hadn't. The sight of these humanoid figures, tall and perfectly crafted, was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Protheus continued, addressing the teenagers one by one.
"These instructors will push you to your limits. But they will never push you beyond what you can handle. I have ensured that you will be trained to be the best, no matter what your starting point was."
Introducing the Combat Instructors…
Protheus pointed first to the four golems who stood ready, each one poised and silent.
"These four are your Combat Instructors," he said. "They are masters of every known martial discipline—swordsmanship, unarmed combat, archery, battlefield tactics, and even the fusion of physical prowess with elemental magic."
Rafael Mendoza, standing at the front, watched closely. His face hardened with determination. He had been a team leader of a group back in the stronghold, and now, he would have the chance to be something more.
"Instructor Thalion will train you in swordsmanship, " Protheus said, indicating a tall, broad-shouldered golem with a gleaming sword strapped to its side. "Thalion is a master of every blade style from across the world, from longswords to short blades. You will learn from him how to wield a sword with unmatched precision."
Thalion gave a respectful nod.
"Rafael Mendoza," Protheus said. "You will train under Thalion. Your strength and leadership will be sharpened through the sword."
Next, Protheus moved to the second instructor.
"Instructor Faelar will guide you in archery," he said. "His aim is unmatched, and his skill with a bow is unparalleled. You will learn how to shoot with perfect accuracy, no matter the distance."
"Mark Villanueva," he continued. "Your skills in archery will be honed under Faelar's eye."
Mark gave a respectful bow, visibly eager.
A third instructor stepped forth, a large two-handed sword resting across his back.
"Instructor Eryndor," said Protheus. "A warrior built for heavy weapons and raw power. If your path is strength, he will be your foundation."
"Vincent Perez," Protheus called. "You will follow Eryndor. Your path lies in wielding power with control.
Vincent grinned and cracked his knuckles.
The final combat instructor approached — tall, her presence fluid and fierce, with a mixture of armor and mage runes glowing across her form.
"Instructor Sylrieth," Protheus said with quiet a respect. "Warrior of balance. She moves between blade and bow, between offense and defense. She teaches awareness, control, and reaction—the intuition that turns a survivor into a commander."
"Carla Santos," he said. "You are quick and agile. Sylrieth will help refine your swordsmanship and magical instincts."
Carla's eyes lit up with anticipation.
"Daniel Cruz," Protheus continued, "your dagger fighting style also matches Sylrieth's. You will join her group."
Daniel gave a short nod.