The 150 selected guards stood before the Hell Soldier's Gate, nervousness creeping across their faces.
Already fully equipped, they held their weapons and shields firmly, cold palms gripping the leather straps.
Ethan stood before them and began to explain in a calm voice.
"This is a combat simulation device with a tenfold time-distortion effect, created for one purpose alone: to train you and turn you into Goldenveil's next elite.
All five hundred guards will undergo this training, but you will be the first—understood?"
"Yes, Lord Ethan!" the guards answered in unison, drawing a faint smile from Ethan as he turned his gaze toward Cain.
"Cain, you will lead this first detachment, and Vaelith will be your second-in-command. The other guards may replace you by majority vote if you prove incapable. Understand?"
Cain and Vaelith didn't hesitate to confirm, their gazes firm and determined.
