The training regimen Vargus devised for the girls was nothing short of intense. Throughout their sessions, he incrementally intensified his aura, pushing the girls to the brink of their limits. Each surge in power brought them dangerously close to fainting, testing their endurance and resilience to an unprecedented degree.
Despite the daunting challenge, Auris played a pivotal role in their recovery process. His presence and the moments of gentle interaction provided a much-needed reprieve, offering the girls a brief oasis of calm amidst the storm of training.
However, even Auris's comforting influence couldn't fully dispel the deep-seated fear of Vargus that lingered in their hearts. The juxtaposition of fear and recovery underscored the grueling nature of their training, highlighting the balance between pushing limits and fostering recovery.
As the training progressed, the girls began to notice something peculiar about their beasts. Despite their evident exhaustion from the intense sessions, there was an undeniable aura of strength that hadn't been there before. However, this newfound vigor was accompanied by a certain oddity in their demeanor, leaving the girls puzzled about the cause.
Unbeknownst to them, their beasts had been subjected to a parallel training regimen under Auris's guidance. Mimicking the rigorous training that Vargus had imposed on the girls, Auris had pushed the beasts through their own set of challenges, instilling in them not just strength, but also an unspoken reverence for him. Over time, the beasts had come to view Auris with a mixture of respect and fear, instinctively recognizing him as a figure of authority, akin to a leader in their eyes.
This unique training dynamic had subtly shifted the relationship between the beasts and Auris, marking him as an undisputed leader in their minds. As the days unfolded, this new hierarchy became more pronounced, with the beasts showing a level of obedience and respect towards Auris that mirrored their owners' grueling journey of growth.
The training carried on with this dual approach, pushing both the girls and their beasts to evolve beyond their previous limits. It was a week of relentless effort, transformation, and bonding under the watchful eyes of Vargus and Auris. Just as everyone was settling into the rhythm of this rigorous routine, an unexpected event abruptly changed the course of their training.
Elder Rosaline approached with a sense of urgency, bearing a message that demanded Vargus's immediate attention. "Vargus, a challenge has been issued to you," she began, her tone serious. "You've received a battle invitation from the male beast tamer division."
She paused for a moment, allowing the significance of the message to sink in before continuing. "The challengers are the very men you confronted last week, the ones involved in harassing our girls. They've formally requested a match to settle scores."
Upon receiving the message, Vargus couldn't help but let out a knowing smile, "So, they're seeking a match, huh?"
Turning to address the girls, his voice carried a blend of determination and encouragement, "The very men who sought to intimidate you have issued a battle invitation directed at me."
He paused, allowing his next words to resonate with the gathered trainees, "However, it will not be I who faces them in battle. It will be all of you."
With a confident nod, he continued, "Over the past week, you've all undergone rigorous training under my guidance. Now, it's time to put that training to the test and demonstrate the strength you've gained."
Upon hearing Vargus's unexpected proposal, the girls' expressions turned solemn, fully aware that their intense week of training was a direct response to the torment inflicted by those very men.
Elder Rosaline, catching wind of this bold strategy, couldn't hide her concern. She looked towards Vargus, voicing her apprehension, "Are they truly prepared for this? They've only been training under your guidance for a week."
With a reassuring smile, Vargus replied confidently, "Though it's been just a week, the training they've received is from me. Trust in their capabilities. After all, I am a genius." His words, infused with unwavering confidence, aimed to dispel any doubts about the girls' readiness.
After listening to Vargus's confident assertion, Elder Rosaline let out a resigned sigh, acknowledging that the true test of their training would be revealed in due time. "We shall see the fruits of your labor tomorrow," she conceded, her voice a mixture of skepticism and hope.
Turning his attention to the girls, Vargus issued his instructions with a calm demeanor, "Go back to your quarters and prepare yourselves for the battle tomorrow. Rest well; you'll need your strength."
With that, Vargus himself headed back to his dwelling, leaving the girls to ponder the challenge that lay ahead. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and resolve as they dispersed, each grappling with the reality of facing their adversaries in a battle that would not only test their skills but also their courage and the efficacy of Vargus's unconventional training methods.
Back at his residence, Vargus retreated to the tranquility of his room, his gaze settling on Auris with a thoughtful expression. "Auris, there's something I want to try," he announced, his curiosity piqued by the concept he had learned earlier in the day.
With a deep focus and a clear intention in mind, Vargus concentrated his energy. Moments later, to his satisfaction, a shimmering portal materialized before them. "I've done it," Vargus declared triumphantly, "This is our beast space. From now on, you can reside here."
Auris, having heard tales of the beast space from his fellow beasts, understood the significance of this development. The beast space was not just any ordinary place; it was a realm rich in mana, offering a sanctuary that could significantly benefit a beast's growth and well-being.
Upon stepping into the newly opened beast space, Auris was immediately enveloped by a comforting sensation, unlike anything he'd experienced before. The space was not only safe and secure but also resonated with a rich mana atmosphere that seemed to embrace him fully.
Settling in, Auris decided to take advantage of this serene environment. He found a cozy spot and soon drifted off into a peaceful sleep, relishing the tranquility and the abundant mana that the space provided.
Outside, Vargus sealed the portal to the beast space with a satisfied nod, ensuring Auris's safety and comfort. As night deepened, he too prepared for rest, his thoughts swirling with anticipation for the upcoming battle. Lying down, Vargus's mind was alive with strategies and scenarios, but underlying it all was a palpable excitement for the opportunity to showcase the results of their rigorous training.