The morning sun climbed lazily over the horizon, casting long shadows across the freshly completed walls of the territory. The gate stood tall and sturdy, its gate reinforced by wood. Outside, kabolts patrolled the perimeter, their green-scaled bodies glinting faintly in the light as they moved with methodical precision. For the first time, the terratory looks properly protected.
In an open clearing near the center, Shiri and Theo stood facing each other, wooden swords in hand. Both stretched deliberately, shoulders rolling, backs bending, muscles loosening.
Shiri's tail flicked confidently. "Alright, Theo," he said, a grin spreading across his scaled face. "Are you ready to train?"
Theo tightened his grip on his sword and nodded firmly. "Yeah! Let's do this!"
Shiri clapped his hands once, the sound sharp in the morning air. "Good. I want full focus. No holding back."
Kairo leaned against a nearby rock, lazily observing them with his hands in his pockets. Onyx stood beside him, the familiar black skeletal figure unflinching, his violet lance resting against the ground.
Theo's gaze flicked to them. "Big bro Kairo! Big bro Shiri! Let's give it everything today!"
Kairo sighed, lowering his head. "Why am I here?" he muttered gloomily, the words barely audible. "And why do I have to do this?"
Shiri's eyes narrowed, tone firm. "As the leader, you should at least learn. Train with us. Lead by example."
Theo's face lit up. "Yeah! It'll be good to train with both of you!"
Kairo shook his head, hesitating. "But… Shiri said it himself. I'm the strategist. I should focus on that, not swinging a sword."
Shiri's grin widened, tail swishing. "Strategy isn't everything. Don't you know ? Great leaders of the past had skills that surpassed their subjects. That's how they earned respect. You want people to follow you blindly, or willingly?"
Kairo frowned, considering the point. After a long pause, he nodded reluctantly. "Fine… but promise me after a little practice, you'll leave me alone."
Shiri saluted theatrically. "Agreed. Just a little practice. That's all."
Theo bounced on his feet, excitement practically radiating off him. "I barely slept last night, waiting to learn from you, Shiri! Teach me everything!"
Shiri puffed out his chest, tail curling proudly. "Then consider me your master, Theo. From today, I will teach you the Naga Sword Style."
Kairo let out a low laugh, shaking his head. "Master, huh? You only know the basics, Shiri. Mastering him might be… ambitious."
Shiri's cheeks flushed slightly, but he quickly squared his shoulders. "Basics are just the beginning. Watch and learn."
With that, he stepped forward, swinging his wooden sword in a fluid, whiplike motion. Theo mirrored him, attempting to copy the movements.
"The Naga Style," Shiri began, voice steady and instructional, "focuses on precise, fast strikes. Think of the sword as a snake." He demonstrated a sweeping attack that twisted unpredictably through the air. "The sword's tip is the snake's head, striking quickly and finding gaps. Your body? You are the snake itself. Move fluidly, follow your strikes, and always look for weak points."
Theo's eyes widened. "Like a snake… so it's about precision instead of strength?"
Shiri nodded, spinning and striking again, the wooden sword snapping through the air with speed. "Exactly. Flashy attacks may impress, but they won't break a strong defense. Every motion should be calculated, fast, and unrelenting."
Theo's grin spread uncontrollably. "Big bro Shiri… you're so cool!"
Kairo raised a brow, still impressed despite himself. "I didn't expect you to know the style that well. Not bad."
Shiri's tail flicked smugly. "Of course. And with enough practice, you two could reach my level. After all, I am your master now."
Kairo groaned, slapping a hand against his face. "Why did I praise him…"
Theo laughed, shaking his head. "Come on, big bro Kairo! Let's practice!"
And so they began.
Theo moved with growing confidence, mimicking Shiri's movements, learning to shift his weight, extend his strikes, and flow with his own momentum. Onyx circled silently, occasionally adjusting Theo's stance with swift, precise corrections.
Kairo hung back initially, awkwardly swinging his wooden sword. His form was stiff, his footwork clumsy, but his focus never wavered. He noticed every misstep Theo made, every opening Theo left, and thought to himself, (If Theo can learn this, he'll be stronger than anyone we've faced. I have to keep up, for him.)
Hours passed. The sun climbed higher, shadows shifting across the clearing. Sweat dripped from their foreheads, muscles burned, and their breathing came in controlled bursts. Yet Theo's dedication never wavered, and Shiri's pride grew with every improvement he saw.
Far away, at the edge of the ruins, a different kind of preparation was underway.
The bandits had arrived at the border, their figures spreading across the forest. Horses, wagons, and the sound of axes and hammers marked the construction of their temporary camp. Tents were raised, weapons readied, and fires lit to ward off the evening chill.
The dark elf leader, seated in a slightly larger tent upon a raised platform, rested in a massive chair, his giant sword propped beside him. Two figures flanked him. One, a bulky man with scars crisscrossing his face and a battle-axe strapped to his back, exuded raw strength. The other, a slim man with long hair and a finely honed sword, sat silently, his posture disciplined.
The leader waved a hand. "Bring the beer."
Barrels were rolled forth, mugs filled. The bandits drank, laughter and rough voices filling the camp as night fell. Some remained alert, scanning the dark forest, while others settled in for the night.
A bandit stood near the dark elf leader, asking in a honorable tone, "We have arrived in the ruins, boss, what are your orders going forward,?"
The bulky man leaned back, voice deep and commanding, giving his suggestion "We should raid immediately. Take what's ours, burn anything that stands."
The slim man tilted his head, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Brilliant idea. Yes, let's throw ourselves blindly into the enemy. That always works." The man continues in a sarcastic tone, "Should we also blindfold ourselves whilst we're at it?"
The bulky man scowled. "What was that?"
"I said I'm ready to fight," the slim man replied smoothly, smirking. "And you, boar, should take notes instead of whining."
The leader's eyes narrowed. "Enough. Ruthal and Zeven, both of you."
"Apologies, leader." the bulky man said.
"I'm sorry, sir," the slim one added, voice even but edged with amusement.
The dark elf leaned back, considering. "Tonight, we rest. Tomorrow, we send scouts. If there's anything of value, we take it. Nothing more, nothing less."
Both men nodded. The bandits resumed drinking, toasting to victories yet unrealized, their shadows dancing across the tent flaps in the firelight.
Back in the territory, the clearing was quiet now. Shiri wiped his brow, tail curling around his feet. Theo sat cross-legged, breathing steadily, sword lying across his lap, a satisfied smile on his face. Kairo sat on a rock nearby, still slightly stiff, but his eyes were sharper than before, tracking every subtle movement of his companions.
He thought about the day ahead, the training yet to be done, and the feeling gnawed at him. (Something is coming. Something big.)
The night air settled over the walls, the kabolts patrolling silently, eyes glinting faintly in the moonlight. Within the Black Spire, the territory slept, calm and quiet… for now.
But the feeling in Kairo's chest didn't fade. It was a prelude, a warning that what was coming would test every skill they had, and every bond they had formed.
And deep down, he knew that the next day, the real challenges would begin.