Swinging again, Ronan knocked Lucas onto his face for what seemed to be the hundredth time.
Hypnos decided that if he was to become a servent, Lucas needs to be at least capable of combat, and Ronan was helping him with that.
Hypnos observed the rigorous training session between Ronan and Lucas, determined to enhance Lucas's combat skills. The relentless swings and blows continued, Ronan taking every opportunity to impart lessons on defense and agility. As the training progressed, Lucas showed signs of improvement, gradually learning to defend himself against Ronan's attacks.
Ronan, though stern and relentless, couldn't help but notice Lucas's determination. The once clumsy and uncoordinated movements began to transform into more strategic and calculated responses.
Hypnos, with a flick of his wrist, created a barrier around them, muffling the sounds and ensuring the intensity of the training remained private. He watched as Ronan delivered a final, controlled blow, and Lucas, though exhausted, managed to deflect it with a defensive maneuver.
"Enough for today," declared Hypnos, dissipating the training barrier. Ronan stepped back, a rare glint of approval in his eyes. Lucas, panting heavily, managed to rise from the ground, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction on his face.
"Good effort, Lucas. You're making progress," commented Hypnos, his tone revealing a sense of approval. "Ronan, continue this training. I want him ready for whatever challenges may come."
Ronan nodded, his stoic expression unyielding. As they resumed the training, Hypnos watched with a thoughtful gaze, considering the potential transformation of Lucas into a capable servant in the realm of dreams.
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Several hours later
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Hypnos and Ronan lingered in the quiet space after Lucas departed, the remnants of the training session still hanging in the air. Ronan, ever loyal, spoke up with a suggestion.
"My lord, considering the progress Lucas is making, should we not consider binding him to a slave contract like you did with Adara and myself? It would ensure his unwavering loyalty."
Hypnos chuckled at the suggestion, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, Ronan, my dedicated servant. You need not worry about such formalities. Lucas's loyalty will come naturally. We have other plans for him."
Ronan nodded, accepting Hypnos's response. The Lord of Dreams leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Lucas's journey is just beginning. He has potential beyond the ordinary, and we shall guide him along the path we've set," Hypnos remarked, the enigmatic nature of his words leaving Ronan with more questions than answers.
As they delved deeper into their private conversation, the mansion's shadows seemed to dance in sync with the mysteries unfolding within its walls.
Lucas meanwhile, had found himself in the kitchen, he sat himself on a wooden stool and watched as his close friend was tidying the mess of a kitchen.
"You know Adara, this whole thing hasn't been so bad..." Started Lucas, "with all injuries being healed and a constant painkiller running through me because of Hypnos-"
Feeling Adara's glare he corrected himself, "Because of Lord Hypnos's magic, I'm actually getting kind of good at the whole fighting thing."
Adara bit her lip, she wanted to say something but she chose not to, again. This time, however, Lucas noticed and prodded her for an answer.
"It's just... I know I should be happy you got here so fast- I am! Don't get me wrong," Adara said, her eyes refusing to meet Lucas's, "but I spent seven years getting rid of that shackle, and you never even got it in the first place,"
Lucas didn't say anything, and after a short moment of silence, Adara begun to apologise, "that sounds so petty, I'm sorry-"
Lucas cut her off, "I get it, it's fine," he said, Adara looked up in relief and confusion, "it's like working your ass off for a promotion, only for the manager to give it to his son or something, right"
Adara nodded tentatively, not quite understanding the analogy.
"Don't worry about it I'd be mad to," Lucas grinned, displaying an unexpected depth of understanding. "Life's weird, Adara. It throws curveballs at everyone. I might not have gone through what you did, but that doesn't mean I won't face my own challenges here."
Adara looked at him, a mix of surprise and gratitude in her eyes. Lucas's nonchalant yet insightful perspective offered her a new way of seeing their situation.
"So," Lucas continued, "let's face whatever weird challenges this Lord Hypnos has in store for us together. Deal?"
Adara chuckled, appreciating the sincerity in Lucas's words. "Deal."