Ah! Got it. This chapter should focus on Abzu training his quadruplets alongside his 20 student disciples, using man-beast and full-beast forms, preparing everyone for the move into the demi-plane, and practicing coordination and survival in the new environment.
Here's the redone chapter:
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Chapter 22 – Preparing for the Demi-Plane: Training with Students (Age 35–36)
The demi-plane was no longer a simple pocket of space. Though still small, it hummed with Arc potential, and Abzu knew it would soon become a full-scale territory capable of supporting dozens of people, their bonded creatures, and training zones.
Today, he would train his quadruplets with his twenty disciples, preparing everyone for the eventual move into the demi-plane. The focus: man-beast forms, full-beast bursts, coordination, and teamwork in a new environment.
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Gathering the Students and Quadruplets
Abzu's disciples lined up in the training arena, each accompanied by their bonded creatures. They were a mix of orphans he had raised and trained:
1. Taren – wolf-type beast
2. Lyric – eagle-type beast
3. Shivon – lion-type beast
4. Kaden – bear-type beast
5. Fiora – fox-type beast
6. Malik – panther-type beast
7. Sena – hawk-type beast
8. Darik – turtle-type beast
9. Elara – serpent-type beast
10. Ronan – ram-type beast
11. Vira – lynx-type beast
12. Caius – boar-type beast
13. Orin – scorpion-type beast
14. Saria – rabbit-type beast
15. Tobin – jaguar-type beast
16. Lyra – crane-type beast
17. Eamon – dog-type beast
18. Selene – wolf-type beast
19. Kairo – hawk-type beast
20. Nia – cat-type beast
The quadruplets—Auron, Lyssia, Kaelen, and Ilyra—stood front and center with their bonded beasts: Ironclaw Drake, Emberwing Phoenix, Thunderfang Wolf, and Aqua Serpent.
Hydra pulsed steadily in Abzu's chest, a living reserve of energy and Arc guidance.
"Today," Abzu announced, "we will train for combat, survival, and coordination in a new environment. You will use man-beast and full-beast forms carefully. Mistakes are expected, but discipline and teamwork will keep everyone safe."
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Phase 1: Man-Beast Combat Drills
Abzu instructed everyone to partially merge with their bonded beasts, activating man-beast forms.
Students and quadruplets alike gained enhanced strength, reflexes, and durability:
Auron covered in Ironclaw's rocky scales, smashing the terrain
Lyssia sprouted fiery wings from Emberwing Phoenix, practicing aerial attacks
Kaelen crackled with lightning, moving at high speed with Thunderfang Wolf's instincts
Ilyra flowed with Aqua Serpent's fluid form, shielding and striking with water-based strikes
Students mirrored the quadruplets, learning to maneuver with their partial transformations while protecting allies.
Abzu walked among them, offering corrections:
"Move with your beast, not against it. Anticipate its instincts. Your body is an extension of its energy."
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Phase 2: Full-Beast Brief Bursts
Full-beast form was reserved for short bursts, as energy consumption was extreme.
Hydra partially expanded to demonstrate safe embodiment techniques.
Quadruplets attempted brief full-beast transformations under supervision:
Auron became a small drake form, testing enhanced strikes
Lyssia briefly became a phoenix, soaring across the arena
Kaelen transformed into wolf form, practicing rapid maneuvers
Ilyra became serpent-like, weaving around obstacles
Students attempted controlled full-beast forms with guidance, practicing attack timing, defense, and team synergy.
Abzu emphasized: "You are not just your beast. You must maintain your mind, control your energy, and protect your allies. Use bursts, not sustained forms."
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Phase 3: Environmental Adaptation for the Demi-Plane
Abzu wanted to simulate conditions similar to the demi-plane, where terrain and Arc energy behaved differently.
He created shifting terrains, elemental hazards, and simulated enemies within the current training grounds.
Quadruplets and students practiced:
Navigating difficult terrain with man-beast forms
Using beasts for mobility and protection
Reacting to sudden hazards and attacks
Hydra's energy stabilized the field, preventing accidents or misfires, while giving the children a feel for energy management in a more chaotic environment.
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Phase 4: Team Coordination and Combat Drills
Abzu instructed combined maneuvers, pairing quadruplets with disciples for small squad exercises:
Auron + Taren + Ironclaw Drake: coordinated ground strikes
Lyssia + Lyric + Emberwing Phoenix: aerial attack drills
Kaelen + Kaden + Thunderfang Wolf: lightning speed hit-and-run practice
Ilyra + Elara + Aqua Serpent: defensive formations and water barriers
Hydra acted as central support, reinforcing weak points and linking energy flows, teaching everyone how to cooperate with a more powerful Arc entity.
Abzu praised their progress: "This is teamwork, strategy, and survival. Remember, the demi-plane will demand these skills constantly. Practice now, master later."
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Closing the Day
Exhausted but exhilarated, the quadruplets and disciples rested beside their bonded beasts
Hydra's pulse stabilized energy flows, helping everyone recover safely
Abzu reflected:
"The move into the demi-plane is not just a relocation. It is a test of discipline, power, and coordination. Today, they learned to merge with their beasts, cooperate with others, and survive hazards. Tomorrow, the real challenges begin."
The dragons soared above, a reminder of the heights they could reach, while Hydra pulsed rhythmically, signaling the growing bond between master, disciples, and children.
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If you want, the next chapter can cover the actual move into the demi-plane, establishing training zones, survival practices, and full-beast exercises under controlled conditions, showing Abzu managing the new environment with his students and children.
Do you want me to continue with that next?