Months of intense training had transformed Makoto's companions into formidable warriors, far beyond the level of most elite knights. Their physical prowess had been honed to perfection, and their magical abilities were now in perfect harmony with their alchemical enhancements. Riku, once a passionate but raw fighter, had become a tactician, capable of commanding his team with sharp strategy. Each of them had grown stronger, their confidence soaring.
However, despite their impressive skills, there was one glaring weakness: real-world battlefield experience. Training in the safety of controlled environments was vastly different from facing the unpredictable dangers of combat. They had sparred against one another and fought in a few minor skirmishes, but those experiences lacked the intensity and unpredictability of a real battle.
Makoto could sense this gap. His divine intuition told him that their growth was not yet complete, and the storm he had been preparing for would not give them the luxury of time to learn on the fly. They needed to face real threats, face the unknown, and test their skills in a world where the stakes were high.
One evening, as the group gathered around the campfire after a long day of training, Makoto brought up the topic. He knew it was time to push them further.
"Riku," Makoto began, looking toward his closest companion, "you've all grown stronger, no doubt. But your training so far has been limited. You need more experience, something that challenges you for real."
Riku looked at him curiously, as did the others. "What are you suggesting?" he asked.
Makoto paused, weighing his words carefully. "I need you to find me a place where you can test your abilities for real. A dungeon, a dangerous territory, anywhere where you can experience true battle. We've prepared for so long, but you need to know what it's like when you're truly in danger."
The idea of venturing into a dungeon or perilous place excited and unnerved his companions. They knew that true adventure awaited, but they also understood the risks. Dungeons in this world were places where monsters roamed, where traps awaited the unwary, and where only the strongest returned alive.
Riku stood up, nodding with determination. "There's a place—an ancient ruin deep in the nearby forest. They say it's been abandoned for centuries, but rumors say strange creatures have been sighted in the area recently. Some even believe it leads to a forgotten underground labyrinth."
Tenma, always the skeptical one, raised an eyebrow. "A ruin? Sounds like a death trap."
"It might be," Riku agreed, "but it's the best we can do. The locals steer clear of it, but we've heard stories of treasures and power hidden deep inside. If we're looking for a challenge, that's as close as it gets."
Makoto felt a flicker of excitement. This would be the perfect opportunity. It was time to see how far his companions had come, to see how they handled the true chaos of battle.
"I trust you to lead the way," Makoto said. "But we'll be cautious. This isn't just about fighting—it's about learning to survive in unpredictable conditions."