A month had passed since they had arrived on Adrin, and in that time, they had learned how to conjure their elements, cast spells, and had gotten basic combat lessons from Azerael. They had come a long way in a month, supposedly farther than any other person would in a month. However, given the density of his aura and extensive years of experience, they mostly chalked it up to the fact of being taught by Master Azerael Briarheart.

The three followed Azerael through Kora Forest, passing a multitude of stunning streams and ponds hidden behind the forest's dense vegetation. After roughly a half hour of walking, they came across a cylindrical stone structure. There was a makeshift doorway roughly in the center of it that, as he peered through, Alex assumed was a small arena. After they stopped walking, Azerael turned around to face them.

"In the past few months, I have trained you in a plethora of different skills necessary for your task." He began, returning to face the miniature colosseum. "I made this arena almost three thousand years ago at my first apprentice's request. Since then, this arena has been a staple in training some of the world's finest soldiers, adventurers, warriors and mages." After a brief moment of beholding his creation, Azerael turned back around.

"And now," he continued, "this is where your next challenge lies. The four of you will battle each other in one-on-one fights."

The others stood, stunned by this statement. "Wait, why," Emily asked.

"It's easy to attack a dummy. They don't fight back and they sit still. I have zero doubts that the three of you will be facing more opponents than even I would initially expect you to. And to that end, it is imperative that you learn how to battle an opponent using every skill at your disposal."

Taber spoke. "Wait, you said the four of us. There's only three." After he finished his statement, they watched as Kieran made his way out of the opening, leaning against it with the same stern expression on his face.

"This time around, young Renvar will be taking part in the training." Azerael concluded. "Now, no point in wasting time. Let's enter."

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As they entered, the only thought Alex had was that the arena looked bigger on the outside. The arena itself had a diameter of maybe fifty feet at most, with the walls reaching up to thirty feet all around and a couple of trees dotted the edges. In all, it was much larger than the patch of packed dirt they'd been using up to this point, but was still arguably smaller than expected. Plenty spacious enough for a normal sword fight back on Earth, but for the type of fighting they'd be doing?

Azerael stood atop the walls, which appeared to Alex to serve as a type of catwalk for observers. "The first match will be held between Alexander and Taber." Shortly after he finished his statement, Emily and Kieran found themselves next to Azerael. Kieran kept his typical composed expression. Emily, on the other hand, was taken aback, confused as to how she had ended up where she was now. Alex and Taber, on the other hand, were across the arena from each other in an instant. Azerael counted down, then shouted. "Begin!"

Alexander immediately tensed up his muscles as he filled his legs with energy and bursted forward, a trail of fire behind him. He reeled back his fist as flames sparked to life around it. As the distance between them closed within a second, Taber placed a foot behind him and brought his forearms together, creating a layer of stone as Alexander's blow landed. "Blazing Fist!"

Flames erupted from the impact, though none made it through Taber's defense. As Alexander's feet touched the ground, Taber grabbed his arm and swept Alex's leg as he fell swiftly. Catching himself before he could hit the ground, Alex performed a windmill kick as Taber evaded, wincing slightly as Alexander's foot narrowly grazed his cheek. The two took turns blocking, dodging and trading blows, each one generating a buildup of energy that permeated thickly throughout the arena.

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Taber finally landed a decent hit, kicking Alex in the chest as he fell onto his back and rebounded, kneeling as he landed. Alexander clutched his chest, breathing heavily from the force of the impact.

Taber slammed his palm into the ground. "Terra Magic: Earthworm!" Immediately, Alexander felt the earth beneath him begin to vibrate. As the tremor reached a crescendo, a pillar of stone erupted from the ground, towering until it curled at the top, orienting toward Alex. In a quick and decisive movement, Alex dove out of the way as the stone worm crashed into the dirt where he was once knelt. Alexander felt the air get knocked out of his lungs from the force of the impact, but knew he had to retaliate as soon as possible. He slammed his hands onto the dry grass below, feeding his energy through the ground, guiding it to where he wished to strike.

"Fire Magic: Flame Pillar!" Beneath Taber's feet, the sand melted to glass. Shit, he thought as he jumped out of the way, a tower of fire just barely searing the toe of his boot. Knowing he had to cause some form of distraction, Taber summoned small pellets of rock mid-air and launched them at Alex, who used his fire to propel himself into the air, avoiding the stone projectiles.

As the dust settled, both of them stood with shaky breath, feeling as if their muscles were about to give out on them. However, there was yet to be a victor. If this was to end, one of them would have to tap out. And neither of them were going to let themselves do that.

Especially not Alexander. A month ago, Azerael had told him that he was the only person capable of defeating Anxor Blackthorne. If he were to cave now, he'd never be able to look anybody in the eyes. Not when that man rules everything. And much worse, he may never see his father again. His mother's memory would die with him.

Taber, however, felt the same. While he may not be the Chosen One, how could he believe himself to be capable of protecting his friends when faced with a tough opponent if he stopped now? Not once did Alexander ask to carry such a burden. Like hell he was going to let his best friend take it on alone.

Alexander gritted his teeth as he attempted to ignore the pain while Taber grunted, shaking from the fatigue. They limped, then they hobbled, until they came to a full sprint toward each other, lunging with their fists reeled back, giving one last cry. They traded blows, punching each other in the face, as they succumbed to their exhaustion.

As their bodies hit the ground, Azerael and the other two warped down as Emily sprinted over to them, panic in her voice as she shouted their names and knelt beside them, a faint green glow radiating from her palms. Kieran huffed as he turned, walking over to the arena's entrance before turning his head toward Azerael.

"Come get me when they've recovered." He turned back around, stepping into the forest. "I want to see what that loser's capable of myself."

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The first thing Alexander took note of when he came to were the small slits in the top of the stone walls as light trickled through. To the side of his cot stood Azerael and a much calmer Emily. As Alex sat up, he let out a muted groan, feeling as if he'd failed somehow by letting himself be defeated. As if reading his mind, Azerael's hand emerged from his raven cloak and planted itself on Alexander's shoulder.

"Don't feel too discouraged, Alexander. You did well for your first time sparring. We still have some time to train before I send you all off." Alex shot him a troubled smile as he turned to his right to see that Taber was still passed out in the cot next to him. "He's alright," Azerael continued as Alex turned his attention back to the Sage. "When I built this place, I imbued an enchantment that negates any excessive injury. You could be leagues above him in terms of power and he'd be just as fine as he is now. No need to worry."

Alexander let out a prolonged sigh of relief as he rested his forehead to his palm. "This is going to be a common occurrence for the next few weeks as you get used to long-term battles," Azerael continued. "I'd use whatever free time you have to get used to using several abilities in quick succession to build your endurance." Alexander nodded slowly and rotated his body, setting his feet down onto the cold polished stone.

"I feel okay now," Alex said. "Who am I going up against next?" Just moments after he asked his question, footsteps from the hallway grew closer, until the light from the slits illuminated two pale aqua eyes.

"Me," Kieran said. His voice was as sharp as ever. And it sent shivers down Alexander's spine.