Ren leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping across the lively inn. "Lucky for you, Kael, there's more to surviving Dione than just swinging a sword. It's about knowing people, learning the lay of the land, and figuring out what makes you tick." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "You ever done anything that made you feel… alive?"
Kael shook his head, his brow furrowed. "Not really. My life before this was... dull. Work, eat, sleep, repeat. Nothing like this place."
Ren chuckled, his grin returning. "Well, Dione has a way of shaking things up. It's not just a proving ground; it's a second chance. For some, it's redemption. For others, it's punishment. And for the rest, well... it's a mystery."
Kael leaned forward, intrigued. "And you? Why are you here?"
Ren's grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, deflecting with a laugh. "That's a story for another time. Tonight, let's focus on you."
Their conversation drifted to lighter topics, Ren sharing tales of his escapades in Dione—some heroic, others utterly ridiculous. Kael found himself laughing despite the weight on his shoulders. Ren's easygoing nature was infectious, and for the first time since arriving, Kael felt a sliver of comfort in the unfamiliar world.
*****
As the evening wore on, Ren pushed back his chair and stretched. "Alright, enough talk. You need rest and tomorrow, we start preparing you for life in Dione. Trust me, you'll need all the help you can get."
Kael nodded, the weight of exhaustion settling over him. The day had been overwhelming, but he couldn't deny that Ren's presence had made it bearable. As they climbed the stairs to their rooms, Ren clapped him on the shoulder. "Goodnight, Kael. Get some sleep. Tomorrow's a big day."
Kael opened the door to his room, stepping inside and closing it behind him. The small space felt almost welcoming now, the soft glow of the crystal casting comforting shadows on the walls. He set the crystal on the bedside table and lay down while closing his eyes and wondering what tomorrow would bring.
****
Kael woke the next morning to the sound of distant bells ringing through the air. The room Ren had paid for was small but cozy, with a bed that, though lumpy, was far better than the forest floor he had slept on the previous night. Sunlight filtered through a single window, casting golden patterns on the walls that seemed almost alive, dancing with the gentle swaying of the tree branches outside. He stretched and groaned, every muscle in his body aching from the trials of the past day.
As he rose, he noticed his crystal glowing faintly on the bedside table. The rhythmic pulsing of light reminded him of a heartbeat, steady and alive. Kael reached for it, feeling its warmth seep into his hand. He couldn't help but marvel at the strange artifact, its presence both reassuring and enigmatic. It was a reminder that he was not entirely alone in this bewildering world.
A knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts. "Kael! You up? Breakfast's downstairs!" Ren's cheerful voice called out, muffled by the thick wooden door.
Kael pulled on the simple clothes provided by the inn—a plain tunic and trousers that smelled faintly of lavender—and opened the door to find Ren waiting with his ever-present grin. Ren's disheveled hair and casual demeanor contrasted sharply with the early morning serenity. "Come on" Ren said, clapping Kael on the back. "You'll need your strength. Today's going to be interesting."
Kael followed Ren down to the inn's common room, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and spiced porridge filled the air. The room was alive with chatter, villagers exchanging news and laughter over steaming mugs of tea. The innkeeper, Aria, stood behind the counter, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk. She gave Kael a curt nod as he sat down at a corner table.
"Eat up" Ren said, sliding a bowl of porridge toward him along with a thick slice of bread. "You'll need the energy. We're going to the training grounds."
Kael paused mid-bite. "Training grounds?" he asked, his voice betraying a mix of curiosity and dread.
Ren's grin widened. "What, did you think you could survive here without learning how to fight? Dione's not exactly a safe haven. You'll have to fend for yourself eventually."
Kael's stomach churned. He had never been much of a fighter. Back in his old life, the closest he'd come to combat was arguing with coworkers over deadlines. But he couldn't deny that Ren was right. This world was dangerous, and if he was to survive, he'd need to adapt.
The training grounds were located on the outskirts of the village, a wide open space bordered by tall, shimmering trees whose leaves seemed to catch the light in an otherworldly way. The grounds buzzed with activity. Villagers practiced with weapons, sparring with each other or honing their magical abilities. Kael's eyes widened as he took in the scene—a woman with glowing hands sent bolts of fire at a wooden dummy, reducing it to ashes, while a man wielding a massive Warhammer shattered a boulder with a single, thunderous swing.
Ren led Kael to a quieter corner of the grounds, where a small rack of weapons awaited. "Pick your poison" Ren said, gesturing to the assortment.
Kael hesitated, eyeing the swords, axes, and bows with trepidation. The glint of polished steel and the weight of their deadly purpose unnerved him. Finally, his eyes settled on a simple wooden staff. It felt sturdy in his hands, and he figured it was the safest choice for someone with no experience.
Ren raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he grabbed a pair of wooden swords and tossed one to Kael. "We'll start with the basics."
The next hour was a blur of swings, blocks, and stumbles. Ren was patient but firm, correcting Kael's stance and movements with the practiced ease of someone who had trained countless novices. Kael, for his part, struggled to keep up. His muscles burned, and his hands ached from gripping the staff, but he refused to give up. Each time he stumbled or missed a step, Ren's calm instructions helped him regain focus.
"Not bad for a beginner" Ren said, stepping back after a particularly clumsy exchange. "You've got the spirit, if not the skill."
Kael wiped the sweat from his brow, his breathing laboured. "I… I've never done anything like this before."
Ren's expression softened, and he set his sword down. "Don't worry. Everyone starts somewhere. Even the gods had to learn to fight when they first arrived in Dione."
Kael frowned, lowering his staff. "Speaking of gods, why are they here? Lorien said this place tests them, but what does that mean?"
Ren's grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. He leaned on his sword, his gaze distant as though recalling something painful. "Dione isn't just a realm. It's a proving ground. The gods who come here have to relinquish most of their powers and live as mortals. Some come willingly, seeking redemption or answers. Others are banished here as punishment. Either way, they're stuck, just like you and me."
Kael's mind raced. The idea of gods living as mortals was still hard to grasp. "And me? What am I proving?"
Ren shrugged, his usual grin returning but lacking its usual lustre. "That's for you to figure out. Maybe you're here by accident. Maybe not. Dione has a way of revealing the truth in time."
As the day wore on, Kael began to notice the nuances of life in Dione. The villagers were not ordinary people. Each carried themselves with a sense of purpose, their movements precise and deliberate. Even their conversations hinted at past lives filled with power and glory. Kael couldn't shake the feeling that everyone here had a story, a reason for being in this strange world.
After another gruelling session of training, Ren decided to introduce Kael to some of the villagers. "It's not just about fighting" Ren explained. "Surviving in Dione means building alliances, knowing who you can trust."
They approached a group gathered around a makeshift forge. A muscular woman with arms covered in intricate tattoos was hammering a glowing piece of metal, sparks flying with each strike. "This is Lira" Ren said, gesturing to the blacksmith. "She's one of the best around."
Lira looked up, wiping sweat from her brow. Her piercing eyes studied Kael for a moment before she nodded. "You'll need decent weapons if you're going to last here. Come see me when you're ready."
Kael nodded, feeling both intimidated and reassured. As they moved on, Ren introduced him to others—a healer named Mira who seemed to radiate kindness, and a stoic archer named Torin who spoke little but observed everything. Each encounter left Kael with a deeper understanding of the complex web of relationships that held the village together.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Kael and Ren returned to the inn. Kael's body ached from the day's training, but a small sense of accomplishment warmed him. He wasn't a warrior yet, but he had taken the first steps toward becoming one.