A month of grueling training had honed both Kael Draven and Lyriel Faelith into stronger adventurers. Under the strict guidance of Commander Rorik Draven, Kael sharpened his swordsmanship through relentless drills and live combat exercises. Meanwhile, Lyriel trained with the Royal Mage, Alden Thalore, a stoic yet brilliant teacher who pushed her magic to new heights.
"It's like he enjoys watching me struggle," Lyriel groaned one evening, rubbing her sore arms.
Kael smirked, tossing her a waterskin. "Welcome to the club. My dad doesn't believe in breaks."
Their shared exhaustion forged a deeper camaraderie, though neither anticipated how much they'd grow over the weeks. Lyriel mastered multi-shot fire magic and learned to parry attacks at close range, while Kael refined his precision and footwork with the sword.
At the end of their training, Rorik announced, "Tomorrow, you will both face your tests. Prove to me—and yourselves—that this month was worth it."
The next morning, the Training Grounds of Therandil Castle bustled with activity. Among the spectators was Prince Aldric Therandil, heir to the throne. His sharp features and confident demeanor drew glances from everyone, but his eyes were fixed on Lyriel.
"Good luck, Lyriel," Kael said as she stepped forward for her duel.
"You too," she replied, stealing a nervous glance at the prince.
Lyriel faced Alden with renewed determination. Her hands glowed with fiery energy as the duel began.
"You've improved," Alden said, casting a defensive shield to deflect her opening volley of fireballs.
"I've had a great teacher," Lyriel shot back, circling him.
She unleashed a barrage of smaller fireballs, aiming to overwhelm his defenses. Alden countered with a whirlwind of water magic, dousing her flames. Lyriel switched tactics, closing the distance to parry his staff with her dagger, surprising him with her agility.
"Well done," Alden said, stepping back. He raised his hands, conjuring a storm of icy shards. Lyriel barely managed to dodge, retaliating with a wide flame arc that forced him to retreat.
Despite her best efforts, Alden eventually overpowered her, binding her with vines of earth magic.
"You lose," he declared, though his tone was approving.
The crowd erupted in applause.
Prince Aldric stepped forward, his smile warm. "You fought brilliantly, Lady Lyriel. Your progress is extraordinary."
Lyriel's cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Kael watched their exchange, noticing the way Lyriel's gaze lingered on the prince. He shook his head with a wry smile.
Kael's turn came next. He stepped onto the training field, expecting to duel his father. But before Rorik could draw his sword, Aldric spoke up.
"Commander, if I may, I'd like to test Sir Kael myself."
Rorik raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Very well, Your Highness."
Kael glanced at Lyriel, who seemed surprised yet intrigued. Steeling himself, he faced the prince.
"Let's see what you've got, Draven," Aldric said, drawing his blade.
Their swords clashed, ringing out across the grounds. Kael's movements were precise, his strikes measured. Aldric pressed hard, but Kael matched him blow for blow.
"You're better than I expected," Aldric admitted, parrying a sharp thrust.
Kael smirked. "I've had good training."
The tide turned when Aldric infused his blade with lightning magic. Sparks crackled as his strikes grew faster and more unpredictable. Kael struggled to keep up, his non-magical sword barely holding against the enchanted blade.
After a final, powerful strike, Kael was disarmed, his sword flying across the field. He dropped to one knee, breathing hard.
"Enough," Aldric declared, sheathing his blade. "You may have lost the duel, but you've won the test. Your swordsmanship is remarkable."
The crowd cheered, and Aldric extended a hand to help Kael up.
"You lack magic," Aldric said, his tone serious. "Address that weakness, and you'll be unstoppable."
After the test, the royal mage Alden healed Kael's wounds, offering words of encouragement. "You fight with passion and skill. Don't let the lack of magic discourage you."
"Thank you," Kael said, though he couldn't help but glance at Lyriel, who was chatting animatedly with Aldric nearby.
She hadn't even looked his way.
Kael sighed, hiding his disappointment. "Thanks for the patch-up, Alden."
The mage smiled. "I look forward to seeing what you accomplish."
Kael met his father in his office later that day.
"You did well out there," Rorik said, his voice tinged with pride. "You may lack magic, but you've proven yourself as a swordsman."
Kael shrugged. "I feel more confident now, even though I lost."
Rorik smiled. "That's the spirit." He opened a chest and pulled out a gleaming steel sword, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings. "Take this. You've earned it."
Kael accepted the sword reverently. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down."
Later, Kael visited The Golden Hearth for lunch. As he ate, he mulled over the idea of expanding his team. He finished quickly and headed to the Adventurer's Guild, where he posted a recruitment notice on the job board.
"Training went well, I assume?" asked Brunhild Ironsong, the guild receptionist.
"It did," Kael said with a small smile. "Both Lyriel and I passed the test."
She raised an eyebrow. "And magic? Any progress?"
Kael's expression darkened. "None."
Brunhild patted his shoulder. "Cheer up. A grimoire might help."
"A grimoire?" Kael asked, intrigued.
"There's a shop nearby," Brunhild explained. "They're expensive, though—more than most gems."
Kael visited the shop Brunhild mentioned, The Arcane Archive, run by Elgar Greaves, an eccentric old man with a long beard and twinkling eyes.
"Looking for grimoires, are you?" Elgar asked, leading Kael to a glass case filled with ornate tomes.
Kael's excitement faded as soon as he saw the price tags.
"These cost a fortune," he muttered.
As he turned to leave, Elgar stopped him. "If a grimoire's out of reach, perhaps this armor will suit you."
The shopkeeper held up sleek black leather armor. Kael tried it on and admired the fit.
"How much?" Kael asked warily.
"Three-fourths of your savings," Elgar replied with a sly grin.
Kael hesitated but ultimately purchased it. "I guess this is my reward for surviving today."
Meanwhile, Lyriel spent the day with Aldric. He gave her a grand tour of the castle, and they shared a lavish lunch in the royal dining hall.
As they parted, Aldric presented her with an ornate catalyst, its crystalline core glowing faintly.
"For your magic," he said, his voice warm.
Lyriel accepted it with a deep blush. "Thank you, Your Highness."
When she finally returned home, Lyriel realized she hadn't seen Kael since the test. Guilt gnawed at her.
"I got so caught up with Aldric…" she muttered, heading to Kael's house.
Finding it locked, she frowned. "I hope he's okay."
As she walked back, she resolved to make amends.