Chereads / GENESIS OF MUTATION / Chapter 11 - Chapter 9

Chapter 11 - Chapter 9

Mistress Tamar, with her regal bearing and long hair swaying behind her, led the way through the castle. "I thought the tour was needed to prevent you from losing your way like you did earlier today. It's easy to get lost here, and it's best to familiarize yourself with the important places," she said, her voice echoing softly against the stone walls. Dominik felt a strange familiarity with her, as if he had seen her before, but he couldn't quite place where.

"I really appreciate it," Dominik said, eager to learn more about his new surroundings. "Thank you, Mistress Tamar."

"Please, call me Tamar," she responded, leading him through the grand corridors of the castle.

As they walked, Tamar began to share the castle's rich history. "The castle is called the Dune of Stonehenge, and it was built 500 years ago. It served as a stronghold during the Great Tide of Turin about 50 years ago when mutated animals invaded. We've fortified it during many periods of crisis, so it's sometimes called the Fortress of Turin. As a result, we've trained many warriors here, and we've produced some of the fiercest Elementals the planet has ever seen. I believe you can be one of them."

Dominik listened in silent awe, looking around the area, inspired by her belief in him. "Thanks, Mistress Tamar," he said.

She laughed softly and continued the tour. Tamar pointed out various significant locations. "This is the Great Hall," she began, gesturing to a vast room adorned with ancient tapestries and glowing chandeliers. "We hold important meetings and celebrations here."

Next, they passed a series of rooms filled with books and scrolls. "This is the library," Tamar explained. "Feel free to come here whenever you need to study or just relax. It holds a wealth of knowledge."

They continued through the castle, Tamar detailing the history and purpose of each area. Dominik listened intently, absorbing every detail. As they walked, he couldn't help but notice the warmth and familiarity in Tamar's voice when she spoke of the castle.

"This place is amazing," Dominik remarked. "It's like stepping into another world."

Tamar smiled. "It does have that effect on people. By the way, Aqua is my daughter."

Dominik nodded. "I thought I noticed a resemblance. She's very talented."

Tamar's smile widened. "Yes, she takes after me in many ways. She's strong and determined, much like her father was."

"How do you know my grandfather?" Dominik asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Tamar's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Your grandfather and I go way back. But it's up to him to tell you about our relationship. We've known each other for a long time."

As they continued their tour, Tamar's gaze fell upon the pendant around Dominik's neck. She paused, her eyes widening slightly. "That medallion…"

Dominik was taken aback by her reaction. "You recognize it?"

Tamar reached out, gently touching the medallion. Her voice trembled with emotion. "Kaine…"

Dominik's confusion deepened. "How do you know my father's name?"

She looked at him with a mixture of sadness and fondness. "You look just like him. Your father and I were close friends. I hope your mother is doing okay."

Dominik felt a surge of questions rise within him, but he sensed that now was not the time. Tamar quickly composed herself and continued the tour, showing him the training grounds, gardens, and various other significant locations within the castle.

After the tour, Tamar led Dominik to the entrance of Laika, the training hall. "This is where you'll be training with Master Saif and the others," she said. "Good luck, Dominik. Remember, strength comes from within."

"Thank you, Tamar," Dominik replied, feeling a newfound sense of purpose.

As he entered the Laika, he found Master Rika waiting for him. The training hall was vast, with various training dummies, targets, and equipment scattered around. Saif greeted him with a nod. "Ready to begin?"

Dominik nodded, determination etched on his face. "Yes, Master Saif."

"Good. Let's see what you're made of," Rika said, his voice carrying a mix of challenge and encouragement.

The training session began with basic exercises to test Dominik's physical abilities. Despite the lingering headache and the confusion from his dream and the pendant, Dominik pushed himself, determined to prove his worth. Saif observed him closely, correcting his stance and offering tips to improve his technique.

As the training progressed, Dominik's thoughts kept drifting back to the medallion and Tamar's reaction to it. He knew there was a deeper connection between his family and the Dune Castle, and he was determined to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within its ancient walls.

For now, though, he focused on his training, knowing that mastering his skills was the first step towards finding the answers he sought.

The training was grueling. Master Saif pushed Dominik to his limits, testing his endurance and resilience. The other trainees, Aqua included, seemed to handle the intensity with ease, their elemental powers giving them an edge. Dominik, however, struggled to keep up.

Hours passed, and exhaustion began to take its toll. Dominik's movements slowed, his vision blurred, and he felt a throbbing pain in his head. Suddenly, his legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath.

Master Rika, who had been observing from the sidelines, walked over. He looked down at Dominik with disdain. "Pathetic," he spat, delivering a sharp kick to Dominik's side. "You're weak. Training you is a waste of time. You'll never be ready for the consignment."

Dominik winced in pain but forced himself to meet Rika's gaze. The older man's words stung, but they also ignited a fierce determination within him.

Rika scoffed. "Be at the training ground tomorrow before dawn. If you're late, don't bother showing up at all. Now, go get some rest."

Dominik struggled to his feet, attempting to get up on his own but failing every single time. With blood pouring out of his mouth, he held on to Master Rika's legs as the other trainees laughed beneath their breath and finally pulled himself up, the pain in his body nearly overwhelming. He felt a mix of anger and resolve. He was determined to prove Rika wrong.

Stumbling back to his room, Dominik's body protested with every step. It took him over two hours to get there, with him collapsing on the way multiple times. Once inside, he dragged himself to the bathroom, shedding his sweat-soaked clothes. He filled the tub with warm water and gingerly lowered himself in, hissing as the water stung his cuts and bruises.

As he soaked, he thought about the day's events. Mistress Tamar's reaction to the medallion, the grueling training, and Rika's harsh words all swirled in his mind. Despite the pain and exhaustion, a sense of purpose settled over him. He would prove his worth, not just to Rika, but to himself.

After tending to his wounds, Dominik dressed in fresh clothes and lay down on his bed. Sleep came fitfully, filled with dreams of fire and labyrinths, but his determination remained unwavering. Someday, he would show them all what he was capable of.

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