Morning in Averra always began with the rhythm of hammers—soldiers fixing broken fences, craftsmen shaping fresh arrows, and mothers hanging laundry while keeping one eye on the treeline. It was never truly peaceful here… but life went on anyway.
Aelric stood in the training yard behind the barracks, arms folded, watching Mira fidget with the thin stick in her hands.
"That's not a sword," Aelric muttered.
Mira blinked at it. "Geros… gave this to me, Sir."
"Fine. We'll start with what we have."
Aelric inhaled slowly. Today we push her a bit further. I need to break her fear… without breaking her.
A faint system panel flickered in front of him.
[Training Path Selected: Mind–Body Synchronization]
[Recommended Focus: Reaction, Mana Breathing, Footwork]
[Mira — Awakening Progress: 12% → Potential 20%]
Aelric's lips lifted slightly. "Mira, today we focus on your body. You won't be able to cast magic if your legs shake every time you hear a loud noise."
Mira swallowed. "I… I'll try…"
---
First Exercise — Touch the Ground
Aelric drew a small circle on the dirt with the tip of a stick.
"Stand inside it."
Mira obeyed. The circle was tight—too tight to move comfortably.
"Your first task: stay inside for one whole minute. I'll push you."
Mira's eyes widened. "Y-you'll what—?"
Aelric tapped her shoulder. "If you fall, you fall. It's fine."
He pushed her gently.
Mira wobbled immediately, almost stepping out.
"Don't look at my feet. Feel the ground under yours."
She tried again, breathing slow. Aelric increased the pressure, bit by bit. Somehow, she stayed in place.
[Stability Check Passed]
[Mira — Physical Coordination +0.3]
"Good," Aelric said. "Now harder."
"W–wait—!"
He pushed with moderate strength.
Mira trembled, teeth clenched, but she resisted—until she finally toppled out of the ring.
Thud.
She winced.
Aelric walked over and offered his hand. "Up you go. That was only the warm-up."
Mira took his hand slowly. Her face was flushed—not from pain, but from determination.
Aelric nodded, satisfied.
---
Second Exercise — Mana Breathing
They sat beneath a large tree near the barracks. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, catching in Mira's messy dark hair.
"Follow my rhythm," Aelric said, tapping his fingers—thump, thump, thump—like a steady heartbeat.
"Inhale for four counts… hold for two… release for six."
Mira followed, though shakily.
"Now when you breathe in, imagine the world feeding you energy. When you breathe out, picture your mana flowing more softly through your body."
[Resonance Detected]
[Mira — Mana Core Flicker: 12% → 17%]
Mira opened her eyes. "My chest… it felt warm."
"That's good," Aelric replied. "This isn't magic yet. Your body is just learning to recognize mana."
Mira gave a small, shy smile.
---
The Soldiers Watching
On the edge of the yard, several soldiers gathered.
"What are they doing?"
"That training looks weird… no spells, no swords…"
"Why's the Commander letting him teach that kid?"
Geros walked up behind them. "Aelric has his own methods. Don't interrupt."
One soldier scoffed. "Yeah, but if he can't fight, we're dead again tonight."
Geros shot him a sharp glare. "I've seen how he reads a battle. You haven't."
Silence settled instantly.
Aelric felt their stares, but ignored them. Being underestimated was nothing new. Even in the strongest human kingdom, the House of Edoria, he had always been the weakest child.
Ironically, that was what made him good at spotting hidden talent—like Mira.
---
Third Exercise — Reflex Training
Aelric stood three meters away with several small cloth pouches filled with sand.
"This training is simple. Don't attack. Just dodge."
Mira nodded nervously.
Aelric tossed the first pouch—slow.
"Left!"
Mira reacted too late. It hit her shoulder.
"Ow…"
"That's fine. Again."
The second pouch flew slightly faster.
"Right!"
She dodged, awkward but successful.
Third, fourth, fifth—each faster than the last.
[Reaction Speed +0.4]
[Mira — Mental Focus ↑ 10%]
[Mira — Awakening Progress: 19%]
Aelric nodded. "You're much quicker than this morning."
Mira wiped sweat from her brow. "I… don't know how… It felt like my body moved before I thought…"
"That's potential," Aelric said. "Your mana core is very responsive."
Mira lowered her gaze. "So… I really do have talent?"
Aelric patted her head. "You have more than talent. You have will."
She shut her eyes for a moment—on the verge of tears.
---
A Warning in the Trees
Training ended just as Geros approached, face tight.
"Aelric. You need to see this."
They climbed the east watchtower. Two guards stood tense, staring into the forest.
A thin black mist rolled between the trees—moving unnaturally.
Aelric frowned. "Abyss Fog?"
"It shouldn't appear in the morning," Geros said. "Usually only before a major attack at night."
Aelric rubbed his chin. "So tonight will be worse than yesterday?"
"Most likely."
A system panel appeared.
[Warning: Nethervall Abyss Activity Rising]
[Predicted Threat Level: Medium → High]
[Night Assault Chance: 87%]
Aelric clicked his tongue. "Great…"
Mira, trailing behind, stared at the fog nervously.
"S-Sir… will the town be okay?"
Aelric looked at her.
This was the moment to plant something inside his first disciple.
He crouched to meet her eyes.
"Mira. This world is cruel. Monsters don't wait for us to be ready. But as long as you keep growing… as long as you keep fighting… this town gains one more reason to survive."
Mira looked at her hands, then nodded slowly. "Then… I want to train again."
Aelric smiled. "Good. We'll continue this afternoon."
Geros groaned. "Please don't break the kid."
Aelric shrugged. "Relax. I just want her strong enough… before the monsters try to kill us tonight."
Geros squinted. "That's… not reassuring."
Aelric chuckled.
---
The Sky Begins to Shift
As the sun climbed higher, the black mist crept closer.
Patrols doubled. Children were kept inside. Mothers stored water and food.
Averra was preparing—because everyone knew:
When the fog appeared in the morning, the night would be far worse.
A final system panel appeared as Aelric and Mira descended the tower.
[New Objective Unlocked:
— Prepare Mira for Combat Exposure
— Strengthen Town Defense
— Survive the Second Night]
Aelric looked up at the sky.
"All right," he murmured. "If the Abyss wants to get serious… then so will we."
Mira clutched the edge of his cloak. "I… I'll be ready."
Aelric placed a hand on her head.
"I know."