In front of five hundred people standing beside a huge metal drum filled with the blood of unknown beasts and substances no one recognized, excitement filled the air as they eagerly anticipated entering it.
This was the final stage of training for the new recruits, known as the blood ritual strength enhancement. The blood in the metal drums would strengthen their bones and muscles, heal old wounds, heighten their senses, and boost their adrenaline in battle.
Rumors said that if they were lucky and had good talent, they might even be able to use Rhoynar magic. Of course, one had to be a descendant of the Rhoynar to have that possibility.
This method, discovered by the elders by combining alchemy with magic, was extremely beneficial for warriors who had endured hellish training.
That is why today, as they were about to graduate after a month of intensive training, everyone understood that their training methods were forbidden and unique to the Silver Peak Tower. Finally, they would meet their lord, the owner of the tower, who was considered incredibly powerful in water magic.
When the time came, Haldor appeared before them, and they all froze. They had never thought the future consort was the one behind all this, but they were also glad, as they followed someone considered the son of the sword.
"Many of you know what is beside you, but for those who still have doubts, I will make it clear!" Haldor walked in front of these five hundred people and said, "This is a blood ritual. It has nothing to do with magic but with your body, as you will undergo a transformation where your body will be enhanced while absorbing the vitality of the blood and the precious objects within this mixture."
"Don't forget, the longer you stay in this valuable substance, the stronger you will become, and if you manage to endure until all effects are absorbed into your body, you could become at least a very strong being."
Everyone listened to Haldor's words with broad smiles on their faces; they couldn't wait to immerse their bodies in that intense torture to gain much more power.
"As you are all brave warriors, I will join you in this trial, and I hope you won't lose to a child," Haldor joked, causing an explosion of laughter.
"When you are ready, immerse your body completely in the foul blood and accept the power in your bodies!" Haldor said as he removed the upper part of his clothing and submerged himself in the blood.
As the lids of the metal drums were opened, the medicinal fragrances exuded from the liquid, filling the surroundings. This fragrance, like alcohol and the smell of blood, was enough to tell that the component of this liquid was extremely valuable.
For this blood ritual, the primary method is boiling. The special medicines Haldor listed were unique to the northern procedure. The plants from the far north, which only the armored bears possessed, made this possible.
There were different systems he had created for the elaboration of this blood ritual, including the blood of powerful beasts, nutritious medicines, magical stones, and the condition of change.
"I leave the rest to you, Lucian. I will start," Haldor said before entering the metal drum.
When everyone entered the drums, the blood began to boil, and this discomfort soon turned into pain. It felt as if the metal drums were placed in waves of flames that fueled the boiling of the liquid they were in.
Finally, after a minute in the liquid, it began to emit a special fragrance. This fragrance was a stench that didn't smell entirely bad, like a sugarless sweet.
"First are the veins, muscles, and tissues of the body... Next are the organs, old wounds, and stress release."
Boom!
At that moment, a powerful explosion was heard in each of the metal drums, and the battle aura surrounded the bodies of those undergoing the transformation. Each one enduring this metamorphosis gritted their teeth, trying to avoid emitting any cries of pain.
The essence of the blood is divided into various factors, but they all become one when the mixture is perfect for the human body. These blood rituals were common in Haldor's armies, which is why they could withstand the songs of the gods back then.
Like molding crystal, purifying gold, and delicately preparing wine, all these factors were similar when refining a warrior's body. All those wounds and punishment inflicted on the muscles would return as if a wolf bit every part of the bodies of those in the metal drum.
In the end, the liquid began to merge with the bodies of all those receiving this power. Within that liquid, a powerful aura of all kinds was emitted.
Lucian, standing nearby, said, "The best record was thirty minutes; the least was twenty-eight. Everyone is willing to die after knowing they could be as strong as a grizzly bear, but not everyone is willing to endure the pain to reach that power. This method is a shortcut, but they will receive the pain of a blow to their bodies."
"That looks incredibly painful. Will it be the same for the group of women being trained?" A girl behind Lucian shivered a bit, grateful she had been chosen for commerce.
"They won't die; it's good for their bodies, and the strength they can gain is unmatched by those outside. Honestly, I would do it too if I were weak." Lucian was surprised by this group; it seemed they would all fully accept the effects of the blood ritual.
"It seems there is no comparison with the men of the north; they are all very strong."