Warm sunlight spilled through the window and brushed across Liam's face.
He blinked awake, stretching as a cool morning breeze drifted in.
"…Still here, Hard to believe—it's already my third day here," he muttered quietly, smiling to himself.
He washed up quickly and stepped outside.
Ahead stood the Summoning Gate!
Its stone surface hums softly, runes shifting like they were alive. Even now, it made his heartbeat quicken. It wasn't something a person ever truly got used to.
DING!
Lord, do you wish to summon units?
Liam nodded. "Yes. Summon five Scouts and five Galecrest Hawks."
Light burst from the gate in response.
The Scouts came first—five cloaked figures emerging like moving shadows, steps so silent Liam almost didn't hear them. If he looked away, even for a second, they seemed to fade into the background.
They dropped to one knee.
"My Lord," one said with a calm, steady voice, "we await your command."
Liam gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "Good. You'll receive orders shortly."
A deep, powerful hawk cry rolled across the training grounds.
Five Galecrest Hawks stepped through the gate—each massive, lion-sized, muscles shifting beneath sleek feathers. When their wings spread, a steady gust lifted dust from the ground. Their talons, curved and powerful, looked strong enough to tear through a human with ease.
The lead hawk bowed its head toward him.
Anothers followed, letting out a sharper, resonant call of recognition.
Liam inclined his head slightly.
"Thank you for answering my summons. I welcome your strength."
He turned.
"Emma."
Emma approached at once, posture straight and confident.
"Yes, my Lord?" she said, placing a fist over her heart.
"I'm placing the new Scouts and Hawks under your command," Liam said. "I need a detailed map of the entire surrounding region. Terrain, resources, threats, anything unusual. And if you spot signs of other Lords—keep your distance."
Emma nodded firmly.
"As you command, my Lord. I will return with all necessary information."
She mounted the lead hawk, steady and practiced in her movements.
"Scouts, Galecrest Hawks—form up!"
The Scouts vanished into the trees as if they had never been there.
Emma's hawk leapt skyward, and the remaining four followed in formation, their wings beating powerfully as they ascended above the forest canopy.
Liam watched until they disappeared.
He exhaled softly. "Alright… next."
"Noah," he called.
Noah arrived within moments, spear resting at his side.
"You called for me, my Lord?"
"Yes," Liam said. "I want to train. I'm still adjusting to the… changes. The class, the rank increase, and everything."
Noah dipped his head respectfully.
"It would be my honor, my Lord. Shall we move to the field?"
"We shall."
Noah stepped aside, letting Liam pass first.
"After you, my Lord."
Liam made his way to the training grounds, feeling the strange, restless energy under his skin.
Noah followed closely, eyes attentive and calm.
Once they reached the center, Liam turned and raised his hands.
"Noah," he said quietly, "let's begin."
Noah bowed his head.
"As you wish, my Lord. I will give everything I have."
They circled each other.
Noah struck first.
His spear flashed in the sunlight as he lunged.
Liam moved almost on instinct—sidestepping before the thought even formed. His body felt lighter, sharper. He read Noah's motion through the smallest shifts in his stance.
So this is what changed…
My instincts, my senses—everything's sharper. And my strength… it doubled or more.
While Liam's thoughts spun, Noah swept the spear low toward Liam's legs.
Liam jumped back, boots scraping the ground.
Close… too close.
"Noah," Liam said between breaths, "you're really strong. Even one rank lower—if I don't try, I lose instantly."
A faint smile tugged at Noah's lips.
"I am grateful for your praise, my Lord. However… you are simply unused to your new power. And I lack the class to match your growth. A common class cannot bridge that gap."
He pushed forward again—
thrust, feint, thrust.
Liam dodged the first two, blocked the third with his forearm, and—almost without thinking—caught the spear shaft mid-strike.
He stared at his own hand.
"…I shouldn't be able to stop that so easily."
Noah stepped back, spear lowering.
"Your strength has increased greatly, my Lord."
"Apparently more than I realized."
Liam released the spear.
"Again."
"As you command."
Noah lunged once more—faster, more precise, more aggressive.
The spear cut through the air with sharp whips of wind.
Liam met him step for step, his body responding with impossible speed.
When Noah thrust for his shoulder, Liam slipped past it, placed a hand on the spear shaft, and gently pushed.
Noah lost balance, sliding backward several feet.
He steadied himself, breathing controlled.
"…Impressive, my Lord," he said softly, respect and awe mixing in his voice.