The sun was just beginning to crest over the horizon as Sam, Alan, Sara, Masha, and the others gathered outside Sam's childhood home. Today was the first day of their real training, and there was a mix of excitement and nervousness in the air.
Oswin, the no-nonsense mentor with years of experience under his belt, stood before them with a stern expression. "Alright, listen up," he began, his voice carrying an authority that demanded attention. "Today, we're going to push you beyond your limits. The task is simple—on paper. But don't be fooled; it's anything but easy."
He turned to Sam, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Sam, you're coming with me."
Sam raised an eyebrow, intrigued but confident. "Sure, what's the task?"
Oswin gestured toward the towering mountain in the distance. "See that mountain? You're going to climb it. And when you reach the top, you'll meditate there for three hours."
Sam blinked, then chuckled. "That's it? Just climb and meditate? I thought this was supposed to be training, not a day hike."
Oswin didn't smile. Instead, he stepped closer and, before Sam could react, fastened a collar around his neck. The moment it clicked into place, Sam felt a strange sensation wash over him, like a heavy blanket smothering a flame.
His eyes widened as he tried to summon his magic, but nothing happened. He was completely powerless. "What… what did you do?" Sam stammered, a mixture of shock and disbelief in his voice.
Oswin smirked slightly. "That collar nullifies your magic. You'll have to climb the mountain with nothing but your own strength. No magic, no shortcuts. Just you and your determination."
Sam gaped at him. "How is that even possible? I can't climb a mountain without my magic!"
Oswin shrugged, turning away as if the matter was settled. "That's for you to figure out. The mountain isn't going anywhere."
With that, he left Sam standing at the base of the mountain, utterly bewildered.
Meanwhile, back at the house, Emily was working with Sara and Masha. The two girls were eager but nervous, especially since Emily was known for her tough training methods.
"Alright, ladies," Emily said with a grin that was equal parts kind and mischievous. "Today, we're going to work on endurance and flexibility. You'll thank me later, I promise."
Sara and Masha exchanged glances, bracing themselves for whatever was coming.
At the same time, John was taking Alan through a rigorous training routine. John was methodical, precise, and very demanding, pushing Alan to the edge of his abilities.
"This is nothing like what we did at the academy," Alan muttered to himself as he strained to complete another set of exercises.
Back at the mountain, Sam was already struggling. The lack of magic was more debilitating than he had expected. Each step was a battle, the incline steep and unforgiving. His muscles ached, and sweat poured down his face, but he kept pushing forward, driven by sheer stubbornness.
"This is ridiculous," he grumbled under his breath, his hands gripping the rocky ledges as he pulled himself higher. "I could've flown up here in seconds…"
But despite his frustration, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction. He was doing this on his own, without any crutches, and there was something liberating about that.
Hours passed, and Sam found himself nearing the top. His body was screaming for rest, but he was so close. Just a few more steps.
But those last steps were the hardest. His legs felt like lead, and his vision blurred from exhaustion. Finally, with one last burst of energy, he pulled himself over the final ledge and collapsed onto the ground.
He had made it. But as he tried to catch his breath, he realized something—Oswin never told him how to meditate without magic.
"Great," Sam muttered, shaking his head. "Now what?"
After the grueling day of training, the group reunited back at the house. The men, including Sam's dad, Ethan, decided to unwind with a bath in the outdoor hot springs that were a feature of the Carter estate.
Sam, still feeling the effects of his climb, settled into the hot water with a sigh of relief. Alan joined him, and soon enough, Ethan waded in with a contented grin.
"You boys look like you've been through the wringer," Ethan remarked, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Good. Builds character."
Sam chuckled, though his muscles were too sore to fully appreciate the joke. "This training is no joke, Dad. I thought I was strong, but this… this is something else."
Alan nodded in agreement. "I never imagined we'd be pushed this hard right from the start."
Ethan opened one eye and gave them a knowing smile. "That's because you're training with the best. Oswin and the others don't mess around. But you're both doing great."
The atmosphere was relaxed, with the three of them enjoying the warm water and each other's company. But on the other side of the estate, a similar scene was playing out—albeit with a lot more laughter.
In the women's bath, Sara and Masha were soaking in the water, chatting and laughing with Sam's mother, also named Sara.
"So, tell me," Sara Senior began, a teasing smile on her lips, "how's my boy been treating you two? He can be a bit of a handful sometimes."
Sara Junior blushed, trying to avoid her gaze. "He's… he's fine, Mrs. Carter. I mean, Sam's always been a bit intense, but that's just who he is."
Masha, on the other hand, was more relaxed, clearly enjoying the banter. "Oh, he's definitely intense. But we wouldn't want him any other way."
Mrs. Carter raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Is that so? Well, I'm glad to hear it. But tell me, Sara—how do you feel about all these girls fawning over him? Must be tough."
Sara's blush deepened, but she tried to play it cool. "I don't mind… too much. As long as Sam stays focused on what's important."
Masha, however, wasn't about to let her off that easily. "Oh come on, Sara. We all see the way you look at him. Don't worry, your secret's safe with us."
Sara couldn't help but laugh, the tension melting away. "Alright, fine. Maybe I do get a little jealous sometimes. But can you blame me? He's kind of incredible."
Mrs. Carter's smile softened, and she reached over to give Sara a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "That's perfectly normal, dear. Just remember—Sam cares about you a lot. More than you might realize."
Back in the men's bath, Sam was still mulling over the day's events when Ethan suddenly chuckled.
"What's so funny, Dad?" Sam asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, nothing," Ethan replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Just thinking about how many times your mother had to chase off girls when you were younger. Always thought you were quite the ladies' man."
Sam groaned, sinking lower into the water. "Please don't remind me."
Alan couldn't help but laugh. "Looks like some things never change."
Sam shot him a look but couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, yeah. Just wait until you have to deal with it."
Ethan, still smiling, leaned back against the edge of the bath, letting the warm water soothe his muscles. After a few moments of comfortable silence, Sam glanced over at his father, his mind turning to something that had been nagging at him for a while.
"Dad," Sam began, his tone more serious now, "can I ask you something?"
Ethan opened one eye and looked at his son. "Sure, what's on your mind?"
Sam hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to phrase his question. "It's about the Shade Society. Why did you leave the place? I mean, I know you don't talk about it much, but… why?"
Ethan's expression softened, and he sighed deeply, the smile fading from his lips. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking, his voice measured and careful.
"Sam," he began slowly, "there are some things in life that are better understood in time. The Shade Society… it's a place of great power, yes, but it's also a place of great responsibility and danger. I left for reasons that made sense at the time, reasons that I still believe were right. But those reasons… they're not something I can fully explain right now."
Sam frowned slightly, unsatisfied with the vague answer. "But why not? I'm going there soon, right? Don't I need to know?"
Ethan looked at his son, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. "You will know, Sam. When the time is right, everything will become clear. But for now, just trust me. Focus on your training, on getting stronger. The answers will come when you're ready to hear them."
Sam wasn't entirely convinced, but he could see that his father wasn't going to say more. He nodded slowly, though his curiosity still burned brightly. "Alright, Dad. I trust you."
Ethan smiled, reaching over to ruffle Sam's hair. "Good. Now, stop worrying so much. You've got a lot on your plate already."
Alan, who had been quietly listening to the exchange, chimed in with a grin. "And besides, the sooner you get stronger, the sooner you can start dealing with all those girls chasing after you."
Sam rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Yeah, yeah. But don't think you're off the hook, Alan. I'm sure there are a few girls who'll be after you too."
Ethan laughed heartily, the tension in the air dissipating. "Ah, the joys of youth. Enjoy it while you can, boys."
As they continued to relax in the bath, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but Sam's mind kept drifting back to the Shade Society. His father's words echoed in his mind—"The answers will come when you're ready to hear them."
He just hoped he would be ready soon.