The guys were excited but also nervous. Tomorrow, they will begin their training and open up new possibilities for themselves.
"Guys, I'm too excited to sleep," Niall said giddily.
"From that guy's reaction, we're in for an intense training session. It's better to get as much rest as we can," Shane advised, as a scout he never stops observing and Byron's reaction to their training shows it will be hell.
The guys nodded in agreement and changed into their training attire before going to bed.
As the sun began to rise on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the training ground, the group of guys stood in anticipation. The air was crisp, and a mixture of excitement and nerves hung in the atmosphere.
A figure approached them from a distance, his footsteps heavy and purposeful. As he drew nearer, his burly frame came into view, his sharp gaze fixed upon them. The left side of his face bore a tattoo with the number 50, adding to his imposing presence.
With a deep voice that commanded attention, he introduced himself as Ethan Hawke, their trainer. The way he stood, the way his breath mingled with the elements around him, indicated a level of expertise that left no doubt in their minds about his skill and experience.
Cyan observed Ethan closely, noting how the elements seemed to naturally flow and integrate with his body, without the need for meditation. There was an unmistakable aura of fierceness mixed with a hint of bloodlust that surrounded him. It was evident that this man was a seasoned warrior, one who had seen countless battles.
Ethan wasted no time, immediately directing the group to line up in a horizontal formation based on their height. They swiftly rearranged themselves, their anticipation growing palpable.
"This will be your first time undergoing systematic training," Ethan asserted, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "We will start with the basics, drilling you in the fundamentals. Understood?"
A chorus of determined and resolute "Yes" echoed in response.
The training commenced, and the hours that followed were a grueling testament to their perseverance. Ethan pushed them relentlessly, pushing their bodies to the edge with running, sprinting, climbing, and an array of rigorous exercises. Each member of the group pushed through the pain and fatigue, their determination shining through.
Sweat drenched their brows, their chests heaved with labored breaths.
Collapsing onto the ground, the guys felt their bodies tremble with exertion. They were completely spent, their muscles quivering with fatigue. They couldn't help but admire the man standing before them, the embodiment of discipline and perseverance.
Ethan looked on with a stoic expression as he gazed at them "Today is the first day, and this is the basics how would you guys hold on when we start advanced training. Get up," Ethan commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "Don't stop moving, even as you take a brief three-minute rest. We'll start again."
Groans of exhaustion filled the air, but the group knew better than to defy their trainer. They understood deep down that only through pushing themselves to their limits could they truly grow and learn.
And so, with heavy limbs and determined spirits, they pushed themselves back into motion, ready to face the challenges that awaited them.
After a brief window of respite, the group found themselves once again thrust into the demanding regimen that pushed their bodies to their breaking points. Every muscle screamed in protest, but they pushed through, determined to prove their resilience.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the training ground, Ethan called for the end of the session. He instructed the group to perform stretches, allowing their bodies to cool down and find some relief from the intense training.
"You guys won't be able to get the things you need from the office, so I've arranged for them to be delivered directly to the training ground. Will that be alright with you all?" Ethan asked, his gaze scanning their weary faces.
Cyan could discern the ulterior motive behind Ethan's request. The delivery of beast blood was not merely for convenience; it was a ploy to test the effectiveness of a new training method, one that had not yet been introduced to the public or implemented on a large scale in the military. Ethan wanted to witness its effects firsthand.
Cyan saw no reason to object. They were truly exhausted, and having the necessary supplies delivered to them would be a welcome respite. With a nod, he gave his consent, joining the others in stretching their aching muscles.
As if on cue, ten runic tubs filled with beast blood were swiftly delivered to the training ground. Without delay, Cyan began adding the complementary herbs and onyx verdantite to the blood. Activating the runes engraved on the tubs, the blood inside started to boil, emanating a potent energy.
The guys needed no further instruction. Instinctively, they entered the tubs, submerging their fatigued bodies with a sense of familiarity. The hot liquid enveloped their weary muscles, causing a mixture of discomfort and relief.
As they absorbed the enriched beast blood, a peculiar sensation washed over them. The blood seemed to be assimilating into their bodies at an accelerated rate, rejuvenating their strained muscles and filling them with a surge of invigorating energy. It was as if a newfound vitality coursed through their veins.
Cyan, being particularly attuned to his body and soul power, felt the change more profoundly than the others. He sensed a transformation occurring within his physical form, a strengthening of his body's foundations. The intense training, combined with the enhanced qualities of the beast blood, was shaping their bodies into something greater, preparing them for the challenges that lay ahead.
The following day, Ethan planned another grueling training session for the group. With their bodies already conditioned by the effects of the beast blood, he knew they could handle more intense challenges.
Their exercises began with intensive physical training to enhance their strength, speed, and endurance. They performed a series of demanding drills, pushing their bodies to their limits and beyond. Sweat poured down their brows, but they persisted, determined to surpass their previous capabilities.
The next phase of their training focused on developing their ability to sense and manipulate the essence in the air. This session proved to be the most difficult, as they had to learn to draw the invisible elements into their bodies. It required immense concentration and control, and it was not limited to their time on the training ground. They were instructed to continue practicing this skill outside of training, until they could successfully harness the elements at will.
For Cyan, this part of the training came more easily. Having been trained in soul power in the moon world, the principles behind manipulating the elements followed the same fundamentals. He was able to grasp the concept quickly and hone his ability to sense and absorb the elements around him.
The final aspect of their training focused on their mental fortitude. Ethan emphasized the importance of mental clarity and resilience for any warrior. They engaged in various mental exercises and meditation techniques, training their minds to remain focused amidst chaos and adversity.
Weeks passed, and the grueling training regimen continued to test their limits. Each day brought new challenges, pushing them further than they thought possible. And then, on one significant night, Cyan experienced a breakthrough.
As he focused his concentration, Cyan successfully introduced the elements into his body, stepping into the novice level. The realization didn't surprise him, given the changes that had occurred within his elemental core due to the tower's influence. Most individuals could only absorb one type of element, with rare cases that could handle two. But to be able to absorb all the elements was an even rarer feat.
Cyan understood that the true potential of his unique core would fully manifest when he reached the grandmaster realm, granting him the ability to open his own dominion realm. With the ability to create a dominion realm infused with all elements, it was a formidable power that awaited him in the future.