Chapter 1639: Special Training
The following morning, the girls woke early, preparing themselves before heading to the fortress's special training grounds. Gracier, followed closely by Saeko, led the way to an expansive, isolated field known as the Grand Arena—a massive, specialized training space designed for advanced combat practice. This area was twice the size of a stadium, enclosed by towering walls inscribed with ancient runes and protective enchantments to ensure the safety of those within its borders. The field itself was made of reinforced stone, its surface resilient to even the most destructive attacks.
The Arena's layout was strategically varied, with wide open plains, simulated rough terrain, and even a section dotted with barriers and elevated platforms for tactical maneuvers. At one end, a waterfall cascaded into a small river that cut across the field, while jagged cliffs and sparse trees lined the other side, adding a layer of complexity for maneuvering during battle. Above, a magical barrier glimmered faintly in the early light, shimmering like a dome of thin glass to protect against any attacks that might soar too high.
Gracier approached a stone pedestal at the center of the field, placing her hand on it to activate the runes etched into its surface. The runes pulsed with light, responding to her touch, and a deep rumbling spread across the ground. In an instant, the field transformed as hundreds—then thousands—of stone golems rose from the earth in perfect formation. Each golem was crafted with precision, resembling armored soldiers with distinct expressions and well-fitted armor. They wielded swords, spears, and shields, some even bearing banners as if to mimic an organized army.
The sheer scale of the golem army was breathtaking. They stretched across the entire arena, row after row, each unit positioned with military precision. The golems varied in size and type, with some towering over the others like giant siege warriors, while smaller, agile golems moved into flanking positions.
Saeko took a deep breath, taking in the sight of the stone battalion before them. "This feels like a real battlefield. Perfect for coordination training."
Gracier nodded, her eyes sharp and focused. "Today's goal is to test our coordination and teamwork under pressure. In a war, we won't face enemies one-on-one. We'll have to adapt and move as a single force."
The two of them exchanged a look of understanding. This exercise was not only about strength but about timing, strategy, and precision. With a nod to Saeko, Gracier raised her arm, signaling the beginning of the drill.
The golems responded immediately, shifting into motion as one. The sound of stone grinding against stone filled the air as they moved forward, simulating the advance of an enemy army. Gracier and Saeko sprang into action, coordinating their movements with impressive synchronization.
Gracier darted ahead, her Fire element sparking to life as she created a wall of flame to halt a wave of golems moving toward their left flank. With a precise gesture, she directed the fire to sweep across the field, forcing the golems into tighter clusters for easier targeting. Stay updated via empire
Saeko, quick on her feet, took advantage of the regrouped golems, weaving through the gaps with her Wind element. She created gusts that sent the front rows stumbling back, scattering their ranks. With a swift motion, she generated a whirlwind that swept through the stone soldiers, knocking them off balance and giving Gracier an opening to launch her next attack.
Their synergy was flawless. Gracier would create explosive diversions with her flames, while Saeko moved with lethal precision, directing the wind to split or destabilize the golem formations. They adapted to each other's movements seamlessly, as if reading each other's thoughts.
As the golems continued to advance in waves, the girls were forced to shift their strategies constantly. Gracier summoned a series of fire rings around the larger golems, containing them while Saeko redirected the smaller, faster golems with sudden gusts that disrupted their momentum. They were learning to adjust their techniques based on the shifting tide of the battle, practicing for the inevitable chaos of real war.
The intensity of the training ramped up as the golems began forming coordinated attacks, closing in from multiple directions. Gracier and Saeko moved into tighter formation, their movements growing sharper and more efficient as they pushed back against the overwhelming numbers.
Hours passed as they continued to spar against the golems, each wave honing their precision and strengthening their unity. By the end of the session, both Gracier and Saeko were covered in a sheen of sweat, but their eyes gleamed with a fierce, determined light. The ground around them was littered with the remnants of shattered golems, and a faint haze from Gracier's lingering flames filled the air.
They knew that in the coming days, more of their allies would join them, adding to the challenges and further preparing them for the trials of war. But for now, they took pride in the progress they had made, each step bringing them closer to becoming an unstoppable force together.
´´Let's rest before continuing, what do you say?´´
Saeko nodded at Gracier's suggestion.
After taking a brief rest to catch their breath, Gracier and Saeko moved to the next phase of their training simulation. This time, Gracier summoned her Gift—a crimson bow glowing with an intense, fiery aura. Gracier positioned herself at the rear, focusing her aim and preparing to support Saeko from a distance.
Saeko, meanwhile, took her place at the front as the vanguard, her katana gleaming in the morning light. She held the blade with practiced ease, her stance low and balanced, ready to strike down any golems that advanced too close. Her Wind element surged around her, filling her with a sense of agility and precision that allowed her to respond quickly to any incoming threats.
With a signal from Saeko, Gracier took her first shot, drawing back her bowstring as a flaming arrow materialized in her grip. She aimed high, letting the arrow soar through the air before splitting into a dozen smaller flame shards, each honing in on different golems in a precise, coordinated strike. The arrows struck their targets with explosive force, sending shards of stone flying.