The training structure shifts drastically.
Each initiate is assigned to a Convergence Zone-specialized chambers or open terrains that pulse with mixed Ether frequencies.
Each zone is designed to provoke instability between two active traits, pressing them toward natural fusion or friction.
Instructors are present, but do not interfere.
Zavian was assigned to train in Driftpath Spires-Multi-level floating platforms suspended by subtle Ether gravity. A fog field blankets the space, obscuring all visual landmarks and intent traces. Terrain shifts continuously.
Zavian activates the Cognivault. He reads intent through the fog, tracing emotional ripples beneath it.
Begins moving based on based on instinct and intent, coordinating with Flow to land precisely.
As the ground shifts unexpectedly, his Mark pulses faintly; stabilizing him before impact.
This happened subconsciously.
This is the first sign that Mark and Flow are beginning to align beneath Pulse.
Sayan was assigned to train in Spatialis Foldhall -A hollow structure with bending geometry. Walls ripple with compressed space, creating false depths, floating arcs, and momentary time slippage. The floor is non-linear.
The space inside the Foldhall was distorted. It was difficult to determine one's position in space in this area.
Even basic movements would be impossible for other initiates of different Etherpath.
Sayan used his mark to anchor himself in the space to facilitate proper movement. The method was unfamiliar at first. But as Sayan progressed further, it felt as if it was a fundamental part of his being.
He was able to sense attack lines moments before they settle.
But Sayan focused more on analysing rather than acting.
Kaelen was assigned to train in Echovault Passage - A narrow corridor where sound and Ether pressure rebound in unpredictable patterns. Every footstep or shift triggers delayed resonance.
He was able to interpret Ether shock through phantom-like sounds audible to him while his Pulse.
His Mark engages to hold him steady against recoil or false echo.
At one point, he nearly perceives the source of resonance rather than the effect. A glimpse of something deeper, but vision does not fully unlock.
Elyria was assigned to train in Mirrorvault-A cold glass-lined chamber. Each movement or thought reflects onto frozen surfaces as a delayed emotional echo, testing composure under internal conflict.
Her flow remained steady, but emotional projections began affecting her motion. Her pulse surges unpredictably.
Her Mark flicker briefly when she tried resisting the emotional pressure.
Her restraint kept her stable, but limited her resonance.
She passed through the illusionary reflections with precision and elegance.
Riven was assigned to train in Fracture Dome-A rounded chamber of prism-lit walkways and reflective crystal arcs. Every movement leaves a mirrored afterimage trailing behind, replaying the initiate's prior intent. The air pulses with flickering distortions.
His Flow stabilized under movement pressure, but the afterimages began to disorient his timing.
His Pulse is engaged to align him with real motion, but the fragments began to overwhelm him.
A shift in reflection causes a misstep-then, silence.
His Guardian Vison Re-awakened.
For the first time, he doesn't see mirrors. He sees patterns of Ether: intention threads, motion geometry, and resonance tension.
The vision stabilizes. His Mark locks. Riven exits the chamber changed and silent, but alert.
On Seventh day, a board near the entrance of the large, open training space in the outer hall of the stronghold listed the assigned pairings.
No obstacles. No commands. No titles, no reasoning just names.
Sayan and Zavian were paired together.
One with his potent Flow. Other with his boundless Pulse.
The synchronization is clumsy at first-too cerebral, too precise. But eventually the stopped coordinating and started responding.
Together they complemented the aspects they were weaker in.
It was as if two pieces of puzzle going against each other, involuntarily completed when conjoined, and gained their meanings.
Zavian started relying on instinct while maintaining keen perception. He observed how Sayan willed his Flow. He tried to understand the intent behind each of Sayan's movement, his thoughts, his reflexes to deepen his understanding of Flow.
Sayan relied heavily on perception. His Flow was now autonomous, he was able to convey his Intent into the world as a reflex, without cogitation. Sayan started sensing his brother's intention before it became motion.
He now endeavored to perceive. He perceived himself. He perceived his brother. He perceived the maneuver of Flow between them. And at some point, during his scrutiny he started to discern and grasp the space, trajectory and the distortions happening in the space with each movement.
His movements became softer and now possessed a nuanced rhythm to them. Sayan's Guardian vision reawakened quietly- angles bent subtly in his sight; motion was no longer linear.
Zavian was able to sense this awakening and smiles.
Their Marks flicker-stronger this time.
Kaelen was paired with Riven.
Kaelen's actions were refined with no superfluous movements. His Flow was precise and extremely stable.
Riven's Flow was fluid but not focused. His vision gave him evasive, precognitive reflexes. This made Riven definite.
Light bent where Kaelen landed; pressure adjusted where Riven shifted.
The bending of light and its luminescence, dawned the development of calibration between them.
Then something in Kaelen clicked, he started sensing Riven's sentiment through the intent of his Flow. He heard his uncertainty. His doubts. His intent.
He resonated himself with these emotions.
Kaelen's Guardian Vision awakened through tension-not sight, but feeling.
Riven doesn't notice at first. But he follows.
Their marks were now more defined.
Elyria was paired with Victor Dune.
Elyria movements depicted the precision of her Flow. While Victor's movements reflected his anchored strength and perceptive reflexes.
Their movements clashed at first-too still, too refined. But neither pushed. Neither retreated.
Elyria stopped leading. She started listening.
Victor began supporting rhythm instead of commanding it.
Her Pulse stirred. She saw him not as form, but as heat.
She moved again, this time toward warmth; not movement.
And as she did, something opened in her sight.
Her Guardian Vision awakened.
Not in brightness. But in clarity.
Quiet. Precise. Complete.
The paired drills went on for the remaining two days of The Trine Tempering. Making the initiates more tempered, more resolute and more complete.
The initiates were now whole.
They didn't just command a singular aspect but, the entirety of Trine.
Twelve initiates re-awakened their Guardian Vision.
On the Tenth day, the initiates were back in their rooms.
The Path mentor allocation was in the evening.
Sayan woke up early and was meditating while using his vision to improve his efficiency and ability to maintain it.
Someone knocks on the door. Sayan puzzled, looks toward the stone door and with his guardian vision activated notices thoughts and information warping the space behind it.
It's Zavian.
He gets up and opens the door.
Zavian greets him with high spirits, "Good Morning brother."
"Good morning," Sayan replies, "What happened?"
"Nothing. Just came here to invite you for breakfast." Zavian said pleasingly.
Sayan was surprised as there were not many visits possible during the Trine Tempering. So, this was the first time in nine days the brothers had a proper conversation.
Sayan was delighted.
He says calmly, "Give me a minute, let me get dressed properly."
After exiting his room and walking in the hallway with Zavian, Sayan comments, "You have grown stronger."
"So have you"
Then they briefed each other about their awakenings and training.
They arrive at the cafeteria.
Kaelen and Riven sat on the same table opposite to each other.
Sayan and Zavian joined them. Sayan sat beside Kaelen and Zavian sat beside Riven.
There was a moment of silence before Riven speaks,
"The past nine days sure were tensed."
"There is more to come". Kaelen adds.
"Still, a short reprieve would have been nice." Riven continues.
Sayan replies, "Why do you think the Path Mentor assignment is scheduled in the evening?"
"They could have at least given us a day." Riven says in exasperation.
Zavian replies, "I think this much is enough. Longer breaks would cause the loss of momentum gained by the hardships during the nine previous days."
Kaelen and Sayan nod while Riven's expression improves.
Zavian adds, "Besides, aren't you curious about which guardian will you be assigned to."
"It's not like we can choose the Path Mentors we like." Riven responds, "We are assigned to them based on our performances till now during the Initiation."
Zavian replies, "While that is true, you never know. You might get assigned to the Mentor you hope for."
Kaelen inquires, "You speak as if you already have someone in mind for your Mentor."
"I do" Zavian replies.
Riven asks, "Who is it"?
"Watchlord Marshal" Zavian responds quietly.
"The possibility of getting assigned toa Watchlord is low.
But nevertheless, a good choice."
Kaelen and Riven nod in agreement.
The table gets silent again. Zavian's question made the other three think about their desired choices for a mentor.
After eating, they all return to their rooms.
Before entering his room; Zavian says, "Good luck brother."
Sayan smiles and replies, "Good luck to you too. I hope you can get assigned to Watchlord Marshal.