Chapter 6: Into the Routine
The next morning, the academy buzzed with energy as students adjusted to their new schedules. Talon found himself standing in the cafeteria, a massive hall lined with long tables and kiosks serving an array of food infused with light traces of Runic energy. The meals were designed to aid recovery and enhance a Hunter's innate abilities, a necessity for those whose lives revolved around constant combat and training.
Talon grabbed a tray of hearty stew and bread, weaving his way through the crowded tables until he spotted Edrik waving him over. Next to Edrik sat a small group of first-years engaged in animated conversation.
"Over here, Talon!" Edrik called out.
Sliding onto the bench, Talon gave a brief nod to the others. "Morning. Any word on today's schedule?"
"Yup," Edrik replied between bites of his food. "We've got shard specialization training first thing. They're splitting us into groups based on our abilities."
"Specialization, huh?" Talon mused, taking a bite of his stew. The flavors were rich and warm, an unexpected comfort amidst the intense environment. "Any idea what that entails?"
"Velas's group is focusing on combat shards," chimed in one of the students, a wiry girl with short-cropped hair. "We'll probably be doing some live sparring. Better not hold back."
Talon smirked at that. "Sounds like my kind of day."
---
The training arena was a sight to behold, with segmented areas designed to challenge different types of shard users. One section had a series of floating platforms over a shimmering pool of water, perfect for agility training. Another was lined with targets that flickered in and out of visibility, testing precision and speed. Talon's group gathered in a more traditional sparring ring, where Instructor Velas waited with her usual stern demeanor.
"Welcome to your first specialization training," Velas began, pacing in front of the assembled students. "Here, you'll learn to push the boundaries of your shards. Strength alone won't get you far if you can't control your abilities." Her eyes landed on Talon for a brief moment before scanning the rest of the group. "We'll start with paired combat. You'll face an opponent of similar rank—or at least as close as we can manage given the disparity in your placements."
A few murmurs rippled through the group at that comment, but Velas silenced them with a sharp glare.
"First match: Talon Leonhardt versus Jarek Voss."
Talon stepped forward, his muscles tensing with anticipation. Jarek, a broad-shouldered student with a cocky grin, sauntered into the ring opposite him. The faint glow around Jarek suggested his shard—a boar—was active, enhancing his already formidable physique.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you placed first," Jarek said, cracking his knuckles.
Talon's lips curved into a competitive grin. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
---
The match began with a burst of speed from Jarek, who charged at Talon like a freight train. Talon sidestepped at the last moment, his reflexes honed by the fragment of the Nemean Lion's power he had unlocked. Pivoting on his heel, he delivered a sharp kick to Jarek's side, but the other boy barely flinched, his shard's durability mitigating the blow.
"You're gonna have to hit harder than that!" Jarek taunted, swinging a massive fist.
Talon ducked under the strike and countered with a swift jab to Jarek's ribs. This time, he channeled a sliver of his shard's strength, the impact forcing Jarek to stumble back.
"You were saying?" Talon quipped, his grin widening.
The two exchanged blows in a flurry of motion, drawing cheers and gasps from their watching peers. Jarek's attacks were relentless, but Talon's agility and precision kept him one step ahead. With a final calculated move, Talon feinted left and landed a decisive uppercut, sending Jarek sprawling to the ground.
Velas stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "Winner: Talon Leonhardt."
As Talon helped Jarek to his feet, the other boy gave him a grudging nod of respect. "Not bad. Guess first place suits you after all."
---
After the sparring matches, Velas gathered the group for a debriefing. "Today was just the beginning. As you grow stronger, the challenges you face will become far more dangerous. Your shards are powerful tools, but never forget that they're just that—tools. It's your skill and judgment that will determine whether you survive out there."
Her words carried weight, and the students dispersed with a mix of determination and exhaustion. Talon lingered for a moment, watching as Velas turned to leave.
"Instructor," he called out.
Velas paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Yes?"
"What happens when we're ready to face something beyond the academy's training?" Talon asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.
Velas's expression softened just slightly. "When you're ready, Talon, you won't need to ask."
Her cryptic response lingered in his mind as he left the arena, the Nemean Lion's roar faintly echoing within him once more.