The training continued for the next few days, each session becoming more intense as they honed their abilities. Seventeen found herself surprisingly drawn into the rhythm of teamwork, even if she fought against it at every turn. The others were beginning to push her buttons in a way that made her want to scream and laugh all at once. But deep down, she knew it was good for her, and for them.
As the sun rose on the fifth day of training, Seventeen stood in the center of the clearing, preparing to summon one wraithcoil python¹. She felt the familiar surge of magic as she conjured a massive, ghostly serpent with smoky black and lavender-gray scales that shimmer in the light, flicking its tongue in the cool morning air.
"Alright, let's see what you've got," she called out to the group, a challenge lacing her voice. "I want to see how well you can keep up with me and my little friend here."
"In what world is little a word for that?" Amelia squeaked, swallowing hard, and Seventeen grinned since she had learned that Amelia wasn't a fan of serpents.
["She's my least favorite of them, no wonder."]
Claus grinned, stepping forward. "I'll throw some light into the mix to see how your serpent reacts to it. Maybe it'll glow like a Yule tree."
"Great idea, Claus! Just don't blind me while you're at it," she shot back, rolling her eyes as she focused on her serpent.
"Are you really so worried about me?" Draco teased from the side, leaning casually against a tree. "You might actually enjoy this little display."
Seventeen shot him a glare. "Just because we made out once doesn't mean I want you around me all the time, Draco."
"Made out? Is that how you're framing it?" he replied, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "I thought it was more of a passionate kiss that ignited something explosive between us and made us lose momentary control of ourselves."
Seventeen's heart raced at his words, and she struggled to keep her focus. "Shut up! You're distracting me."
"Am I?" he asked, a smirk forming. "You know, you could just admit you missed me."
Before she could respond, the serpent lunged forward, and Seventeen commanded it to weave through the air. She felt the magic coursing through her, empowering her connection to the serpent as it moved with fluid grace.
"Okay, Claus!" she shouted. "Let's see that light!"
With a flick of his wrist, Claus unleashed a brilliant beam of light that shot across the clearing, illuminating the serpent as it danced through the air. The serpent's scales reflected the light, creating a dazzling display that captivated everyone around.
"Nice work!" Seventeen exclaimed, exhilarated by the synergy of their magic. "Now, let's see how well it can dodge!"
The serpent slithered around obstacles, evading the light while Seventeen commanded it. She felt a thrill of pride swell within her as she controlled the creature, the bond between them strengthening with each twist and turn. It had always been one of her most volatile abilities, she had been bitten by them countless times before, her immunity to poison had saved her life and allowed her to keep going, but now, she could feel her control over the serpents solidifying.
["I just need to avoid it from biting them,"] she focused.
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Watching Seventeen command her serpent was a sight to behold. He couldn't help but admire the way she wielded her magic, the elegance and power she exuded as she moved with the serpent. Despite the sarcasm and defiance she projected, Draco saw glimpses of vulnerability that intrigued him.
"Nice display, Seven," he called out, genuine admiration in his voice. "But can it handle some real pressure?"
Seventeen turned to him, a challenging spark in her emerald green eyes. "What do you have in mind, oh wise one?"
Draco pushed off the tree, striding toward the center of the clearing. "How about a little friendly competition? Let's see if your serpent can handle multiple targets."
"Fine, but if you're just trying to show off, I'm not playing," she shot back, crossing her arms.
"Show off? Me? Never," he replied, a grin on his face. "Let's get to it, then."
Claus stepped forward, ready to assist. "I'll create some light orbs for you to dodge, Seven. Let's see how agile your serpent really is."
Draco nodded, his mind already racing with ideas. He could feel the tension crackling in the air, and it was clear that this training session was going to push them all to their limits.
"Go for it, Claus!" Seventeen encouraged, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "But let's make it even, shall we?" As the words left her lips, another wraithcoil python was summoned. "Now it's fair play."
With a flick of his wrist, Claus summoned a series of glowing orbs, each one illuminating the clearing. As they hovered in the air, Draco shouted, "Ready, Set, Go!"
The moment he gave the signal, Claus unleashed the orbs toward Seventeen's serpents. The serpents darted forward, weaving expertly through the obstacles as Seventeen commanded it with precision. She was in her element, and the joy radiating from her was infectious.
"Impressive!" Draco called out, genuinely impressed by her control. "But let's see how it handles this!"
He summoned his own magic, creating a whirlwind of wind to push against the serpents as they dodged the orbs. The serpents swayed, using their agility to navigate through the gusts while Seventeen focused intently on maintaining the connection.
"Keep it up, Seven! You've got this!" Claus cheered, his enthusiasm echoing through the clearing.
Seventeen's confidence soared as she maneuvered the serpent with skill, her laughter ringing out amidst the chaos. "This is nothing! Bring it on!"
But as the final orb sailed past the serpents, a sudden sound broke through the exhilaration of the moment—Hunter stumbled into the clearing, a look of panic etched across his face.
"Guys! We've got a problem!" he shouted, his voice urgent.
※※※
Seventeen's heart dropped. "What is it, Hunter? What happened?"
"They're coming! The scouts spotted movement near the border, and it looks like they're not alone," he said, breathless.
The lightness of the training session evaporated in an instant, replaced by a palpable tension that hung heavy in the air. Seventeen exchanged a glance with Draco, their earlier banter forgotten.
"Are we talking about the Dark Zones?" Draco asked, his voice low and serious.
Hunter nodded. "Yeah, and it's not just a few stragglers. They're mobilizing, and we need to be ready."
Seventeen's mind raced. "We can't let them breach the Serpentpire. We need to act fast!"
"Then let's gather everyone," Claus said, his earlier light-heartedness replaced by determination. "We need to strategize and prepare for whatever's coming."
As they began to organize the group, Seventeen felt a surge of urgency. The training they had just begun was crucial, but now it was a race against time to protect their home—and themselves.
["Who is it? Who's attacking us?"]
※※※※※※※※※
¹Wraithcoil Pythons are massive, ghostly serpents with smoky black and lavender-gray scales that shimmer in the moonlight. They are often seen near haunted ruins, appearing as if they're gliding through mist. These pythons release a chilling, spectral hiss that unnerves even the bravest travelers. Their bite is laced with a venom that causes a numbing cold to spread through the body, eventually stopping the heart if not treated. Local myths suggest they're the restless spirits of ancient serpents, forever guarding their ancestral grounds.