The morning sun stretched over the camp, casting its warm light on the awakening soldiers and scattering the remnants of mist that lingered over the training grounds. The faint clang of armor, the low murmur of conversations, and the occasional bark of an officer giving orders set the rhythm of the day.
Lucas and Finn stood side by side at the edge of the training field, their breaths steady and their stances firm despite the lingering soreness from their earlier drills. The rest day had been welcome, but now they were eager to continue their training. Determination burned in their eyes, their resolve strengthened by their shared goal.
Astrid Silverflame approached them, her commanding presence as sharp as ever. Her silver armor gleamed in the sunlight, each step deliberate and purposeful. As she came to a halt, she regarded the two young men with her piercing gaze, arms crossed over her chest.
"You're looking better," she said, nodding slightly. "Rest has done its job."
Both boys straightened at her approval, a faint sense of pride flickering in their hearts. Lucas's sore muscles almost seemed to ease at the recognition, but Astrid's next words quickly doused any sense of complacency.
"But," she continued, her tone firm, "you're far from ready. Training isn't just about swinging a weapon or learning techniques—it's about building a foundation strong enough to withstand anything. And right now, that foundation needs to be tested."
Finn furrowed his brow, exchanging a glance with Lucas. "Tested?" he asked, a note of concern slipping into his voice.
Astrid nodded. "The next phase of your training will demand more than just physical strength or stamina. It will require unyielding will, adaptability, and the ability to keep moving forward even when you're pushed to your breaking point. That's what this test will measure."
"What kind of test are we talking about?" Lucas asked, stepping forward. There was no hesitation in his voice—only a fierce determination to prove himself.
Astrid studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "It's not something I'll explain in full," she said. "Knowing too much would defeat the purpose. What I will say is that it will push you to your limits. It will force you to confront your weaknesses and show me whether you have the strength to continue."
Lucas's fists tightened at his sides, and he nodded. "We'll do it," he said firmly.
Finn hesitated for a moment, glancing at Lucas before nodding as well. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow," Astrid replied. "For the rest of today, you'll continue refining your basics. Perfection isn't an option—it's a necessity. The test will expose every crack in your foundation, so make sure there are none."
Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving them to absorb the weight of her warning.
The hours that followed were relentless. Astrid oversaw their drills personally, her critical eye catching even the smallest of flaws. Lucas and Finn were made to repeat each motion again and again, their bodies aching with every strike, block, and maneuver.
"Your stance is too wide, Finn!" Astrid barked as Finn faltered mid-swing. "Tighten it. Balance is everything."
"Yes, ma'am," Finn replied breathlessly, adjusting his position and resuming his strikes.
"Lucas, your follow-through is sluggish," Astrid called out moments later. "You hesitate too long after each motion. Attack with purpose."
Lucas gritted his teeth and pushed himself harder, willing his body to obey. Each correction felt like another weight added to his shoulders, but he knew Astrid was right. Every misstep could be the difference between survival and failure.
By midday, the sun hung high in the sky, its heat bearing down on them as they continued their grueling drills. Sweat soaked through their clothes, and their muscles burned with exertion, but neither of them faltered.
As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and red, Astrid finally called a halt. "Enough for today," she said. "Get some rest. You'll need every ounce of strength for tomorrow."
The two boys collapsed at the edge of the training field, their bodies heavy with exhaustion. Lucas lay back on the cool grass, staring up at the darkening sky. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths as he tried to ignore the throbbing ache in his limbs.
"What do you think this test is going to be like?" Finn asked after a long silence, his voice quiet but edged with unease.
"I don't know," Lucas admitted, his gaze fixed on the first few stars appearing overhead. "But I think it's going to be hard—maybe harder than anything we've done so far."
Finn sat up, running a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. "What if we're not ready?"
Lucas turned his head to look at him, his expression serious but steady. "Then we'll make ourselves ready. We've come too far to turn back now."
Finn managed a faint smile, though the worry in his eyes lingered. "Yeah. You're right. Together, right?"
"Always," Lucas said with a nod.
As the camp settled into its nighttime rhythm, Lucas's thoughts drifted to Mara and the stuffed bear she had given him. He reached into his bag and pulled it out, turning it over in his hands. The little toy was worn and patched in places, a symbol of resilience and innocence.
He clenched the bear tightly, his resolve hardening. This wasn't just about proving himself to Astrid. This was about becoming someone who could protect those who depended on him—people like Mara, like Finn, and all the others who had been hurt by the invasion.
Whatever the test held, Lucas was ready to face it. Failure wasn't an option.