The battle with Gorgawump had left more than just physical marks—it had carved a mental scar into the trio, reminding them of both vulnerability and potential. Dust and dried blood clung stubbornly to Pyro's golden fur, and a faint smear of the wyvern's ichor coated Corwin's hammer. Hunnt's fists ached from deflecting massive claws, each strike leaving a lingering throb that reminded him of the sheer force of their foe.
As they returned to the village, villagers' reactions were immediate. Children shrieked, stepping back; mothers clutched their aprons, eyes wide with fear. Hunnt's grandparents, Mel and Dom, rushed forward, their faces contorted in a mixture of fury and relief.
"Hunnt! Pyro! What did you two get yourselves into?" Mel exclaimed, grabbing Hunnt by the shoulders. "This is madness!"
Dom's sharp eyes swept over Corwin, then back to Hunnt and Pyro. "Unacceptable. This… this could have been your end! How could you risk yourselves so recklessly?"
Pyro's ears lowered, tail tucked defensively, muscles coiled. I… I did what was necessary… but… Master, are you hurt? Hunnt, chest heaving from exertion, forced a calm composure. We did what had to be done… we survived. Corwin stepped forward, voice tight with both pride and apology. "We handled it… together…," he began, but words fell flat in the face of the villagers' shock.
After minor wounds were treated and explanations given, the village gradually settled back into routine. Yet eyes lingered, whispers trailing after them. Hunnt and Pyro knew that the forest still held monsters waiting, but today had proven that training was no longer theoretical—it was life-saving reality.
---
In a secluded clearing beyond the village, the true results of months and years of training became evident. Hunnt, now ten, had grown lean and strong, his body honed from countless hours of Suro bursts, fist style drills, and Tekkai conditioning. Each movement carried precision; every stance held the promise of controlled power.
Pyro's form was a study in fluidity and instinct. The Felyne moved like a shadow, agile and precise, every sprint and leap calculated. At eight years old, he had mastered Sword and Shield in ways that would impress even seasoned hunters. I won't be weak again… never again, Pyro thought, muscles coiled as he struck training dummies with lethal accuracy.
Corwin, now twenty, was no longer the nervous apprentice of months past. His hammer swings were confident and powerful, and fist-style techniques flowed with practiced intent. Yet he remained slower than Pyro's reflexes, often struggling to fully replicate the instinctual grace that Pyro and Hunnt exhibited. Observing them, he felt both awe and determination. I can get there… I have to…
---
One morning, after observing their synchronized drills for weeks, Corwin finally spoke. "Hunnt… Pyro… your techniques… Suro, Tekkai… I want to learn them too. Can you teach me?"
Hunnt's expression was calm but firm. "I can teach, but it will take time. Your body isn't as fast or instinctive as Pyro's. Patience is key."
The first lessons were brutal. Suro bursts—explosive, precise movements for closing distance and evading attacks—tested Corwin's agility to its limits. He stumbled, faltered, and gritted his teeth. Hunnt corrected stance, timing, and posture relentlessly, while Pyro moved beside him, demonstrating each motion like a living mirror.
Next came Tekkai. Each attempt to absorb strikes left Corwin trembling, muscles screaming in protest. Incrementally, he internalized the technique: contracting core muscles, hardening arms and legs, letting blows impact without losing balance. Day by day, strength and control merged.
After a year, Hunnt introduced Kami-e. "Flow like a feather in the wind," he explained. "Soft, instinctive, and evasive. Dodge without thinking. Let your body react."
For three months, Corwin's attempts fell short. Hunnt demonstrated, moving like water while Pyro struck in rhythm. Progress was slow until a flash of instinct allowed Hunnt to dodge purely by feeling motion, reinforcing the power of perception over sight. Corwin watched intently, absorbing the lesson.
---
Finally, Hunnt taught Pyro and Corwin. Pyro mastered Kami-e almost instantly, fluid and effortless. Corwin understood principles but required disciplined repetition. The trio's growth culminated in:
Hunnt: precision, control, and instinctive combat fluidity.
Pyro: reflexive agility and now Kami-e mastery.
Corwin: raw strength and controlled offense, gradually incorporating instinctive movement.
Evenings fell silent with exhaustion but satisfaction. Shadows whispered from the forest, hinting at threats yet unseen. Hunnt glanced at the horizon. "Whatever comes, we'll face it together."
Pyro's tail flicked. I'm ready, Master… whatever comes next…
The stars rose over Ravenshire, marking the end of another day, another step toward mastery.