The room was quiet except for the low hum of the glowing wall-lamps. Arslan sat on the edge of his bed, arms resting on his knees, breathing steady but thoughtful. Outside the small window, twilight had long since given way to deep night, and the faint shimmer of the Lumisgrave barrier glowed over the horizon.
Inside him, a presence stirred.
Kar'Thæl's voice echoed in his mind, low and rumbling like distant thunder.
> "Twenty-two days, Arslan. That's how long it's been since the Awakening… And still, your condition is too unstable to grasp the next skill."
Arslan didn't answer at first. His fingers curled around the edge of the bed. His dark eyes reflected the gentle blue hue of the lamps.
"I'm fine now," he said finally. "No more dizziness. My core is steady. From tomorrow... we start again. Even if it's just a little."
Kar'Thæl's voice hesitated, then replied with a grim sigh.
> "As you wish. But tread lightly. Your body is not yet whole... and I won't slow down if the darkness consumes you."
Arslan stood and walked toward the window, placing a hand against the cool glass.
"I won't be consumed. Not by you. Not by anything."
Silence followed. Then a whisper of approval.
> "Then let us begin at dawn."
The sun rose behind the eastern towers of Lumisgrave, gilding the stone walls and shimmering against the silver lines carved into the training arena. Birds chirped over the tops of the flowering trees, and the main gates of the Mythic Training Grounds opened with a low, magical rumble.
One by one, the Mythic-ranked members entered, dressed in combat or focus gear.
Vaelith Ren led the group, scroll in hand.
"Five hours of skill refinement. You all know the rotation," he said firmly. "Push yourselves. If war comes, hesitation kills."
Arslan entered last, walking at a slower pace. He nodded briefly to the others, dressed in a dark, sleeveless outfit that allowed ease of movement. His arms were still wrapped with binding cloth, a precaution from his internal flare-ups.
Yuna Solthrae approached him, concern soft in her eyes. "You sure you're ready for this?"
Arslan gave her a short smile. "Only light work. I won't collapse this time."
Tharion Vale, already stomping into a stance, laughed. "You say that now. But if you fall, I'm not catching you, shadow-boy."
Arslan nodded toward him. "Fair."
The others began their warm-up — a mix of energy channeling, core breathing, and physical drills.
Ismere Daeva focused on blood-resonance mimicry, slicing targets that reformed with her copied energy.
Nirela Quen conjured illusions from moonlight, making even her shadow dance in multiple directions.
Tarric Vohl vanished in bursts of lightning, reappearing with thunder-crack strikes.
Maelis Kyrn summoned vines that whipped around spinning staffs, fusing agility with growth.
All around the arena, the ground sparked, pulsed, and bent to the rhythm of their training.
Arslan joined a segment of the warmup, practicing footwork drills and light dodges. He worked quietly for about an hour — stopping often to breathe, clutching his ribs occasionally, but refusing to show weakness.
His body was regaining form.
But the energy of Kar'Thæl inside him still flickered like a restrained storm.
From the side, Ravik Durn nodded toward him. "You've still got it, Arslan. Even your shadow looks pissed."
Arslan smirked. "I want just physical training."
The others chuckled.
When the five-hour session neared its end, most of the Mythics sat resting under the pavilion. Water was passed around, sweat dripping from brows and glowing softly in the morning light.
Arslan grabbed his small towel and stood up, already lacing his boots.
Kyren Daxe noticed and called out, "You're not staying for the cooldown rounds?"
Arslan shook his head, voice even.
"No. I have somewhere to be."
Seris Vahla narrowed her eyes. "Where?"
He paused. Looked at them all. Then gave a vague nod.
"Just something important."
Zhalya Neris exchanged glances with Elyra. "You're being cryptic again. That's not a good sign."
He didn't respond. Just gave a two-finger salute, then turned.
Vaelith raised a hand but didn't stop him. He could sense the intent behind Arslan's calm exterior — not danger, but purpose.
As Arslan stepped through the exit gate, his breath grew deeper. The sky above shimmered with magic, the world beyond waiting.
He whispered, more to himself:
"Time to find answers… ."