Ethan stood in the center of the clearing, his double-edged spear glinting in the sunlight. The training session with Elaine was about to begin. He could feel the surge of mana within him, ready to be unleashed.
Elaine initiated the spar with a swift incantation, her voice clear and commanding. "Ignis Fluctus!" she called out, and a wave of fire surged towards Ethan.
Ethan responded immediately. He planted the butt of his spear into the ground and shouted, "Aqua Aegis!" A shimmering blue shield formed around him, absorbing the flames. The water spell hissed and evaporated upon contact with the fire.
Elaine didn't let up. She moved with the agility of a seasoned warrior, casting multiple elemental spells in rapid succession. Lightning cracked through the air, earth rumbled beneath Ethan's feet, and icy shards flew towards him.
Ethan's movements were a blur. He danced around the training ground, his spear twirling to deflect the elemental assaults. He chanted a complex series of incantations, each one bringing forth a new spell to counter Elaine's attacks. "Ventus Salire!" he exclaimed, and a gust of wind propelled him high into the air, evading a burst of jagged rocks.
From his aerial vantage point, Ethan transformed his spear into a bow. He drew back the string, notching an arrow infused with elven magic text. "Sagitta Lucis!" The arrow glowed with a brilliant light as he released it, aiming straight for Elaine.
Elaine's eyes widened in surprise, but she was ready. She chanted a defensive spell, "Scutum Noctis!" A dark, shadowy shield enveloped her, absorbing the impact of the arrow. The explosion of light and shadow sent ripples through the clearing.
Ethan landed gracefully, his bow morphing back into a spear. He charged forward, closing the distance between them. As he neared Elaine, he chanted a powerful rune spell, "Glacies Ensis!" His spear was enveloped in icy magic, the blade radiating a chilling frost.
Elaine blocked his strike with a barrier spell, "Aegis Ignis!" The ice and fire clashed, creating a burst of steam that obscured their view.
For a moment, everything was silent. Then, Ethan emerged from the steam, his spear transformed into a bow once more. He drew back the string, this time notching three arrows, each one glowing with a different elemental magic—fire, water, and lightning. "Tria Sagitta!" he called out, releasing the arrows simultaneously.
Elaine's smile was one of genuine admiration. She raised her hands, casting a complex incantation, "Elementum Nexus!" A barrier of pure energy formed around her, absorbing the elemental onslaught. The ground shook as the magic collided, the air crackling with power.
Ethan's eyes blazed with determination. He pushed himself harder, chanting an advanced rune spell, "Terra Mors!" The ground beneath Elaine erupted, jagged spikes of earth reaching up to trap her.
Elaine leapt into the air, avoiding the earth spikes. She landed gracefully, her hands moving in a blur as she cast a powerful wind spell, "Tempestas Ventorum!" A violent tornado formed, barreling towards Ethan.
Ethan braced himself, his spear glowing with a dark energy. He chanted the ancient elven text, "Umbra Mors!" A shadowy barrier formed around him, the tornado dissipating upon contact.
Elaine finally called a halt, breathing heavily but with a proud smile on her face. "You've come far for just ten years, Ethan. You're capable of facing a court mage with ease." Her praise was genuine, seeing the potential in her young protégé.
The sparring session had showcased Ethan's abilities, his mastery of complex spells, and his seamless integration of magic with martial prowess. Now, it was time for his first real test—the assassination mission. Elaine briefed him on the details, the weight of the task heavy on his shoulders. He was ready to lead his team and prove himself in the ruthless world of Black Wind.
As the sparring session drew to a close, Ethan and Elaine paused to catch their breath. The training ground was filled with the lingering energy of their spells. Ethan, though only ten, exhibited a calm and calculated demeanor that belied his years. Elaine had molded him well during these four years.
Elaine walked over to him, a proud smile on her face. "Ethan, your progress is exceptional. I think it's time you get some real world experience."
Ethan's eyes glimmered a bit as he was going to experience the outside world.
Elaine's eyes softened for a moment as she looked at Ethan, the boy she had raised and trained. "It's time for your first real mission. I'm assigning you to lead a team."
Ethan's expression remained stoic. "My team? Will they be from the S experiments?"
Elaine's smile widened slightly. "Indeed. Every member of the mercenary cadets from Black Wind will be assigned to groups and sent on missions from the black market to prove their might. As of now, each of the top ten will be made leader of their own teams of four. Ethan, you also will be given the privilege of being a team leader."
Ethan simply nodded as he wondered who he'll be leading, "Who will be in my team?" He asked.
Elaine replied, "You will be in charge off Marika, Lindiwe, and Jake."
Ethan absorbed the information, his mind already strategizing. Elaine watched as she wondered how he will deal with this.
"Your first mission is to infiltrate and assassinate a small businessman. Black Wind was hired for this mission, and it will be your test," Elaine said, her tone serious.
Ethan nodded, his eyes hardening with resolve. "Understood."
Elaine placed a hand on his shoulder, a rare gesture of affection. "Remember, Ethan, this is more than just a test of your abilities. It's a test of your leadership and resolve. Lead your team well and prove yourself."
With that, Ethan and Elaine exited the training ground. The weight of responsibility settled on Ethan's shoulders. As they walked, Ethan's mind was already racing, planning every detail of the mission ahead.
Team 1:
- Ethan (Leader)
- Marika
- Lindiwe
- Jake