The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the courtyard where Sam, Sara, Masha, and Alan stood. The tranquility of the scene was a stark contrast to the turmoil that had recently engulfed their lives. They had returned to the Void only a few hours ago, and now they were gathered in the courtyard, waiting for Mark to arrive.
Mark had been unusually secretive since their return, hinting at something important but refusing to elaborate. Sam could sense the tension in the air, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Whatever Mark had to show them, it was clearly something that would change the course of their training.
The silence was broken by the sound of footsteps. Mark emerged from the shadows, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by a serious expression. He approached the group, his eyes scanning each of them with a thoughtful intensity.
"You're probably wondering why I brought you here tonight," Mark began, his voice low and measured. "There's a ritual—an ancient practice—that allows you to connect with your Arcon in a way that goes beyond anything you've experienced so far."
Sam, intrigued, took a step forward. "A ritual? What kind of connection are we talking about?"
Mark met his gaze, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "It's a mental connection. Through this ritual, you'll be able to enter a shared space in your mind where you can speak with your Arcon directly. Not only that, but you'll also be able to train with them, honing your abilities in a way that's impossible in the physical world."
The idea of being able to communicate directly with Valkor sparked something in Sam. He had felt Valkor's presence many times before, but the thought of actually speaking to him, learning from him, was both exciting and daunting.
Masha crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "And how exactly does this ritual work? It sounds almost too good to be true."
Mark nodded, acknowledging her concerns. "I won't lie—this ritual isn't easy. It requires focus, determination, and a strong bond with your Arcon. You'll be entering a realm where your thoughts and emotions are laid bare. If you're not careful, it can be overwhelming."
Sara, who had been quiet up until now, looked at Sam with a mix of concern and resolve. "But if it helps us get stronger, it's worth the risk, right?"
Sam nodded, his resolve solidifying. "Absolutely. We've faced worse dangers. If this can help us in the battles to come, then I'm in."
Alan, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke up. "I've always felt like there's more to my connection with Thursan than I've been able to tap into. If this ritual can help me unlock that potential, then I'm ready."
Mark's smile widened, pleased with their responses. "Good. The ritual will begin at dawn. Until then, I want you all to meditate and focus on your bond with your Arcon. The stronger your connection, the more successful the ritual will be."
The group dispersed to find their own quiet spots in the courtyard. Sam sat down under a large tree, the cool breeze rustling the leaves above him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, reaching out to Valkor in his mind.
Valkor, he thought, focusing on the presence that had been with him through so many battles. I'm ready to learn. Show me what I need to do.
The response was immediate, a deep, resonant voice that filled his mind. You've come far, Sam. But there is still much you do not know. Trust in our bond, and I will guide you.
As the night wore on, the group continued their meditations, each of them strengthening their connection with their Arcon. The air was thick with anticipation, the silence only broken by the occasional whisper of the wind.
Finally, as the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, Mark called them back together. The courtyard was bathed in a soft, golden light, the perfect setting for what was to come.
Mark stood at the center, his arms raised as he began to chant in a language none of them recognized. The words flowed like a river, rhythmic and powerful, resonating deep within their minds. As the chant continued, they each felt a pull, as if their consciousness was being drawn into a different plane of existence.
Sam's vision blurred, the world around him dissolving into darkness. For a moment, there was nothing—no sound, no light, just an endless void. But then, slowly, shapes began to form in the darkness. He found himself standing in a vast, open space, the ground beneath his feet solid yet unrecognizable.
In front of him stood Valkor, not as a sword, but as a towering figure shrouded in crimson energy. His presence was overwhelming, a mixture of power and ancient wisdom that made Sam feel both insignificant and emboldened.
Welcome, Sam, Valkor's voice echoed through the space. This is the realm where we will train, where you will learn to harness the full extent of my power.
Sam nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation. "I'm ready."
Valkor extended a hand, a sword materializing out of the crimson energy. Then let us begin.
As Sam took the sword, he felt a surge of power unlike anything he had ever experienced. This was only the beginning, and he knew that the challenges ahead would be greater than anything he had faced before. But with Valkor by his side, he was ready to face them.
Back in the courtyard, the first rays of the sun touched the horizon, casting long shadows across the ground. The ritual was only just beginning, and for Sam, Sara, Masha, and Alan, this was the dawn of a new chapter in their journey—a chapter where they would push their limits, uncover new strengths, and prepare for the battles that awaited them in the Shade Society.