Michael’s eyes fluttered open to see Elisabetta, Lex, and another young woman, whom he had noticed talking to Lex earlier, peering down at him with concern. As his eyes fully opened, their faces transformed with relieved smiles, and a surge of joy washed over Michael at the affection from these near strangers. Elisabetta’s particularly relieved expression might have even stirred a few extra butterflies in his stomach.
“Oooh, she’s cute, Michael has a cruuuushh.”
‘For the love of God, please never say anything like that again, or so help me, I will never stop searching for a way to erase you.’ The ensuing silence suggested his threat might have been effective.
“What took you so long? I was done ages ago, mate,” Lex quipped with a playful grin.
“How long was I out?” Michael asked, feeling surprisingly vigorous, considering the worried looks on his new friends’ faces.
“Well, I found the process very intuitive and finished my core and integrated the Aurëthallë within about an hour, so... five hours ago. But the second-to-last Paladin finished about 45 minutes ago. I think Eldric was just starting to get concerned; he checked on you just now,” Elisabetta explained, her voice reflecting a renewed spirit now that Michael had recovered.
Michael pondered his near-perfect condition, wondering if General Eldric had healed him. It didn’t really matter either way, but knowing that such magic existed would be helpful.
At that moment, General Eldric approached their group. “Recruit, glad to see you’re doing well. Any problems to report?”
‘I don’t really want to mark myself as different just yet, knowing so little about what’s going on. Best to just pretend I suck.’ Michael reasoned internally. “No, sir, apologies, sir. I struggled to move the mana within my body, and it took me a while to puzzle it out.”
“No shame in that, I suppose. But we need the best from all of you, so I want you to train hard. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!” Michael responded crisply.
“Alright, now all of you report to the mess hall with the other Paladins. They should still have something for you. Don’t stuff yourselves; training is not over yet,” Eldric commanded, addressing the larger group.
As they walked out of the training hall toward the dining hall, Michael was introduced to Maria, who mentioned she was from Russia. She seemed kind, yet there was a reticent, almost melancholic air about her. Lex, perhaps seeing this as a challenge, was constantly trying to coax a smile or laugh from her.
As Michael and his companions entered the bustling mess hall, the sights and sounds of the other Paladins surrounded them. Some sat in bored silence, while others chatted quietly. The Roman soldier Michael had noted earlier shot them an impatient look. “Hurry up, we don’t have all day,” he grumbled, clearly eager to return to training.
The group approached the food table, finding an unremarkable selection: meats of indeterminate origin, assorted cheeses, and a mix of fruits and vegetables. It was evident from the disheveled state of the spread that the earlier arrivals had taken their fill.
Settling at a vacant table, they quickly started eating. Michael turned to Maria, his curiosity piqued. “So, Maria, you mentioned you're from the early 20th century. Can you tell me anything else about yourself or your life?” he asked, trying to sound casual.
Maria gave him a guarded look. “I'm 24,” she said simply. “But I prefer to focus on the present. The past is the past.”
Before the conversation could dip into an awkward silence, Elisabetta chimed in energetically, “What did you all think about forming your mana cores? It was such a surreal experience for me!”
Michael shared his experience first, keeping the details about Cindy to himself. “It was intense, like nothing I've ever felt before, I can feel the mana flowing through me and it's incredible. And you, Elisabetta?”
Elisabetta nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! It was like awakening to a whole new sense of self. I feel more... complete, somehow.”
Lex added thoughtfully, “It’s a profound change. There's a sense of wholeness I didn't know was missing before. It’s not just about feeling powerful; it’s like becoming more of who I am meant to be.”
Maria, usually reticent, chimed in softly, “It was intense. Like a missing piece was finally put in place. I feel stronger, more grounded.”
Michael felt a kinship in their shared experiences. “Yeah, it’s like we’ve all tapped into a part of ourselves that was dormant. And now with mana, it feels like we’re capable of so much more.”
As the conversation progressed, Elisabetta steered it towards the topic of Aurëthallë. “What about your experiences with Aurëthallë? Mine was quite polite and formal. I’m hoping it’ll show more personality as we go along.”
Michael felt a twinge at her words. “Oh, you have no idea,” Cindy’s voice echoed in his mind, prompting a subtle grimace from him. But he supposed he was glad she hadn’t overreacted to his threat. It seemed Cindy’s odd personality was yet another quirk he may want to keep under wraps.
Lex, noticing Michael's expression, looked curious but didn’t press. Instead, he shared his thoughts. “Mine was more instructional, like a guide. It's fascinating to have this... presence aiding us.”
Maria nodded. “Mine hasn’t said much yet. I think it’s still adjusting to me.”
Elisabetta nodded along listening intently “It’s interesting they all acted a bit differently, perhaps our own interactions and personalities shaped them.” She mused.
As they wrapped up their meals, stuffing their faces with gusto, General Eldric’s voice cut through the hall, signaling an end to their brief respite. “Alright, finish up. We’ve got more training ahead.”
They quickly cleaned their spaces and stood up, a sense of newfound power and purpose energizing their steps as they headed back to the training hall.
Upon arriving, they found Valeria waiting. With a casual snap of her fingers, the walls on one corner of the hall began to slowly descend into the ground, revealing a vast workout space and several combat arenas.
Michael's eyes followed the retracting walls, his mind acknowledging the impressive size of the training area but also pondering the remaining space of the building. 'Impressive, sure, but the building itself was massive, like at least 15 floors high. This doesn't even begin to cover that,' he thought, his analytical mind trying to reconcile the building's exterior size with the interior space.
The newly revealed area, though large, seemed modest compared to the sheer size of the building they had entered. The combat arenas, each designed for different training purposes, were impressive, but Michael couldn't shake the feeling that there was still more hidden away, yet to be discovered.
As the last section of wall settled into the ground, sunlight streamed through, illuminating the training space. The combat arenas, with their sand-filled floors and weapon racks, promised a diverse and rigorous training regimen. Michael put his thoughts of the buildings size aside to focus on training.
Valeria faced the group, her expression one of stern expectation. "Welcome to the true heart of your training," she announced, her voice resonating with a hint of what Michael feared was sadistic glee. "Here, you will be forged into the defenders of Aethelrion's realm. This is where your true test begins."
The Paladins gathered, Valeria stood confidently before them, her presence commanding immediate attention. "Before we delve into the more complex aspects of your training," she began, her voice carrying the authority of someone both brilliant and unquestionably capable, "we must first establish your baseline physical conditioning."
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She paced slowly in front of the recruits, her sharp gaze assessing each of them. "Magic is a powerful tool, but it is your physical prowess that will often determine your survival. We Justicars are not only masters of magic but also of martial prowess. It is this balance that makes us the formidable guardians of Aethelrion's realm."
As she spoke of Aethelrion, her tone softened slightly, revealing her deep-seated devotion . "Serving Aethelrion demands excellence, not just in magical capabilities, but in every aspect of your being."
Pointing towards the expansive training grounds, she continued, "This will be your first step towards becoming true Paladins. We will start with fundamental physical training – building your strength, endurance, and agility. Only once you've achieved a sufficient level of physical fitness will we integrate the more complex elements of combat and magic."
Valeria’s expression hinted at a touch of something slightly unhinged, a fervor born from her unwavering dedication. "Remember, the Swarm is an unforgiving enemy. We cannot afford weakness or complacency. You will train hard, and you will push beyond your limits."
Her words underscored the seriousness of their mission, instilling a sense of purpose and determination in the recruits. "You have been chosen because you have the potential to rise above the ordinary. But potential alone is not enough. It must be honed, tested, and tempered," she declared with conviction.
Valeria clapped her hands, commanding the group's attention. "We'll begin with warm-up exercises," she instructed, her tone firm yet instructive. "These are crucial to prepare your body for what's to come and to prevent injuries." Demonstrating a series of stretches and light calisthenics, she moved with a grace that belied her stern demeanor, making sure everyone followed her movements with precision.
Once the warm-up was complete, she gestured towards the perimeter of the facility. "Now, we run," she announced decisively. "Try to keep up. No one stops until I say.” With that, Valeria took off at a brisk pace that seemed like a light jog but was deceptively fast. Michael's sides began to burn almost immediately, “Damn this must be 8 miles per hour”.
Jogging alongside Elisabetta and Lex, Michael found the initial pace fairly manageable. However, as they continued, it became evident that Valeria was subtly increasing her speed. The path they followed wound through various training areas. Some were equipped with weights and other training implements, while others resembled battle arenas, each offering a glimpse into the diverse and rigorous training regimen ahead.
The run progressed, and Valeria’s pace, deceptively brisk, began to take its toll on Michael and the others. Elisabetta, her face flushed with exertion, fell slightly behind. Lex, with his steady stride, maintained his pace, but even he showed signs of strain. Michael’s sides ached, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps as he struggled to keep up.
Around them, the performances of the other Paladins varied. The Roman Centurion, with disciplined ease from his military training, maintained a steady pace. Isabella Dubois, light on her feet, glided effortlessly, her endurance evident. A powerfully built Caucasian man, previously unnoticed by Michael, also led the pack, though falling slightly behind Valeria's swift pace.
At the rear, Elisabetta and Maria persevered stubbornly despite their slower speed. An older, heavyset Asian gentleman and a large Samoan man also lagged, struggling to keep up with the majority.
Valeria, easily outpacing and starting to lap some of the runners, offered advice as she passed. "Use your core, not just your legs," she instructed one struggling Paladin. To another, she advised, "Breathe in rhythm with your steps," her voice firm yet encouraging.
Michael, trying to follow her tips, focused on his breathing and engaged his core muscles. Despite his efforts, the relentless pace was punishing. A sharp stitch developed in his side, and he noticed several Paladins also grimacing, their movements increasingly labored. Mana surged through him, reinforcing and soothing his body—an alien yet empowering sensation that made him wonder about his physical capabilities back on Earth.
As Valeria lapped him again, she offered a brief nod. “Don’t just push through the pain, understand it. It's your body adapting, growing stronger,” she encouraged. Her words, intended to motivate, reminded Michael of the purpose behind this arduous exercise.
He pressed on, the side-ache a relentless companion. The path, snaking through various training zones, seemed never-ending. He felt his strength waning, and his earlier meal made an unpleasant reappearance on the ground. He hoped Elisabetta hadn’t seen.
Contemplating stopping, Michael felt an external pressure urging him onward. 'The oath of service?' he wondered. The thought of being compelled to run endlessly was unnerving. Observing the pained expressions of those at the back, he realized they had likely reached their limits some time ago.
Experimenting with his pace, Michael was surprised to find the oath felt more like a loose shackle than a rigid constraint. This realization didn't align with the evident anguish on the face of the Samoan man, among others. Michael decided to keep his apparent 'Oath-resistance' a secret, not wanting to reveal too much to a group that was clearly withholding information.
Furthermore, Michael realized he didn't need the oath's compulsion for motivation. His life back on Earth, though marred by crushing romantic disappointments, had been relatively easy. He had always played it safe, exerting just enough effort to get by. This new world offered an opportunity for something greater, a chance to redefine himself, and he was determined not to let it slip away.
Pushing through the pain, he increased his pace. This was a world where he could be anything, achieve anything, as long as he desired it fervently enough.
Willpower +1. Nice work, bro! Almost average!
Cindy's message, despite its snark, lifted his spirits. He maintained his pace, feeling the mana's reinforcing effect.
Despite that, the run was far from easy. When Valeria finally called for a halt, Michael, along with many others, collapsed, utterly spent. The elite athletes, like the Roman Centurion and Isabella Dubois, though tired, hadn't reached the point of collapse. Their robust conditioning had served them well.
Before they could fully catch their breath, Valeria announced, "Okay, 5-minute break, then back to conditioning." The group groaned in unison. Michael pushed himself up, his muscles protesting.
As they lay gasping for air, Michael observed his fellow Paladins. Many looked admiringly, yet enviously, at the athletes who had endured better. Beyond these physical disparities, a unifying desire for power and self-improvement was evident. Even those pushed beyond their limits by the oath seemed ready for more of Valeria's grueling training.
True to her word, Valeria led them through a series of punishing exercises after the break. They transitioned from strength training to agility drills, each new activity pushing them further into exhaustion. Michael felt every muscle strain under the relentless regimen, designed to test every part of their bodies.
Michael maintained a steadfast resolve throughout the exercises, consciously ensuring that it was his own determination driving him, not the compulsion of the oath. Each movement, each strenuous effort, was a testament to his desire to surpass his former self, to grow stronger and more capable on his own terms.
Exhausted and drenched in sweat, the Paladins welcomed Valeria's announcement signaling the end of the grueling training session. General Eldric, who had been observing from the sidelines, stepped forward. His presence commanded immediate attention.
"Discuss your affinities with Aurithelle if you haven't already," Eldric instructed, his voice resonating with authority. "Tomorrow, we begin your magic training in earnest. Understanding your affinities will be crucial. Breakfast is at dawn and training begins immediately after, there is no time to waste." His eyes briefly met Michael's, perhaps an unspoken acknowledgement of his efforts.
Weary but determined, the group made their way to their quarters. The promise of rest was as much a relief as the surprisingly heated showers waiting for them in washrooms at the end of the hall. The hot water was a small luxury, but it felt like a tremendous indulgence after the day's physical ordeal.
In the shower area, the man Michael had assumed was a Roman Centurion, who had shown remarkable endurance during the training, approached Michael. "I am Gaius Marius," he introduced himself, extending a hand in camaraderie. His handshake was firm, a sign of respect among warriors. "You did well today. It takes courage to push through such limits," he commended, his tone sincere.
Michael, slightly taken aback by the unexpected praise, managed a tired smile. "Thank you, Gaius, I'm Michael. You set quite the pace out there," he replied, acknowledging Gaius's own impressive performance.
The interaction with Gaius Marius, a figure from a distant past, was surreal yet grounding for Michael. It was a reminder of the diverse and extraordinary company he now kept as a Paladin. Each of them, from different times and places, shared a common goal - to become defenders capable of facing the Swarm.
As the day drew to a close, Michael reflected on the events and the challenges ahead. The journey to becoming a Paladin was proving to be as demanding as it was transformative. But with each passing day, he felt more connected to this new world and more committed to the role he had to play in it.
As the day drew to a close, Michael found himself deep in reflection. The day's demanding physical regimen had tested his limits and unveiled a concerning aspect of the oath. The idea that it could compel his fellow Paladins to push beyond their physical limits stirred a profound unease within him. This subtle coercion, masked as duty and resilience, added a complex dimension to his understanding of being a Paladin.
These thoughts lingered in Michael's mind as he enjoyed the warm shower. The comfort it provided stood in stark contrast to the day's rigors and his growing doubts about the oath's influence. 'Hey, at least maybe I can resist a binding oath to a tree that anchors the universe,' he mused, considering its curious pliability earlier and the original oath's slightly misaligned feel. This was somewhat comforting, yet he couldn't shake off the thought that it might be due to some flaw or defect. There was so much he didn't know.
He tried to set these thoughts aside and simply enjoy the shower. Tomorrow would undoubtedly bring new challenges, especially the exploration of his magical affinities. But for now, the soothing warmth of the water and the prospect of rest were a welcome respite. Stepping out of the shower, Michael felt the weight of responsibility and the excitement of his newfound powers converge, a poignant reminder of the transformative journey he had embarked upon.