The sky above the settlement remained locked in its perpetual twilight as the first notes of dawnless activity echoed through the camp. Kael stirred on the rough cot, muscles sore from the previous day’s trial. His hands still felt the phantom vibrations of clashing steel, but his determination outweighed his discomfort.

The barracks door creaked open, and Lyra leaned against the frame. "Get up, rookie. Garrick doesn’t wait for stragglers."

Kael groaned, swinging his legs over the side of the cot. "I’m up. Barely."

Lyra smirked faintly. "You’ll have to do better than that. Grab your gear and meet me at the training grounds."

Kael followed her instructions, throwing on the coarse leather armor the settlement provided and strapping the borrowed sword to his waist. As he stepped outside, the muted hum of life filled the air. The settlement's inhabitants bustled around, their faces marked by equal parts determination and weariness.

The training grounds were already lively, with recruits and veterans sparring in pairs. Garrick’s booming voice cut through the din, barking orders and critiques as he moved among them.

"There you are," Garrick said, spotting Kael. "Thought you’d decided to sleep in."

Kael shook his head, trying to hide his fatigue. "I’m ready."

"Good," Garrick replied, his eyes narrowing. "Because today, we’re starting from the basics. No fancy moves, no heroics. Just building the foundation you’ll need to stay alive."

Kael nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.

"Pair up with Lyra," Garrick instructed. "She’ll show you how it’s done."

Lyra raised an eyebrow but didn’t protest. She drew her blade with practiced ease, motioning for Kael to do the same. "Don’t make me regret this," she said, her tone laced with challenge.

Kael mirrored her stance, focusing on her movements.

"First lesson," Lyra began, circling him slowly. "Footwork. If you can’t stay balanced, you can’t fight. Move with purpose, but keep your weight even."

She lunged suddenly, her blade flashing toward Kael’s shoulder. He stumbled back, barely deflecting the strike.

"Sloppy," she said, her eyes narrowing. "You’re too stiff. Relax, but stay alert."

Kael adjusted his stance, focusing on the rhythm of her movements. When she attacked again, he sidestepped more fluidly, though her blade still nicked his arm.

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"Better," Lyra admitted. "But you’ll need more than ‘better’ to survive out here."

The sparring continued, each exchange pushing Kael closer to his limits. Lyra’s strikes were relentless but controlled, forcing him to think and react under pressure. Slowly, he began to notice patterns in her attacks—small shifts in her footing, subtle changes in her grip.

She’s testing me, Kael realized, parrying her next strike with more confidence.

Lyra’s lips twitched in approval. "Finally catching on."

Garrick watched from the sidelines, nodding occasionally. After an hour, he called for a break, and Kael slumped to the ground, sweat dripping from his face.

"You’ve got potential," Lyra said, sitting beside him. "But potential won’t save you. You need to hone it."

"I’m trying," Kael replied between breaths.

"Try harder," she said simply, standing and returning to the training grounds.

Kael stared after her, frustration bubbling beneath his exhaustion. She’s right, he admitted silently. If I want to survive, I can’t afford to hold back.

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The afternoon brought a different kind of challenge. Garrick led Kael to a section of the settlement where stone pillars jutted from the ground, their surfaces carved with strange, glowing runes.

"This is where you’ll start learning how to harness the Core," Garrick explained.

Kael blinked, his hand instinctively moving to his chest. "You mean this… thing inside me?"

"Exactly," Garrick said. "Everyone here has something similar—a source of power that ties them to this world. But yours is different."

"Different how?" Kael asked.

Garrick shrugged. "Don’t know yet. That’s what we’re going to figure out. For now, focus on channeling it. Close your eyes and concentrate on the Core. Feel its energy."

Kael hesitated but did as instructed. He closed his eyes, shutting out the noise around him. The Core’s presence was faint but unmistakable, a warm, pulsing light at the center of his being.

"Good," Garrick said, his voice distant. "Now, draw on it. Imagine that energy flowing through your body."

Kael furrowed his brow, struggling to focus. The warmth grew stronger, spreading through his chest and down his arms. Sparks of light danced at his fingertips, flickering like fireflies.

"Open your eyes," Garrick instructed.

Kael obeyed, startled to see faint tendrils of energy swirling around his hands.

"Not bad for a first attempt," Garrick said, a note of approval in his voice. "But control is everything. If you lose focus, that energy can destroy you just as easily as your enemies."

Kael nodded, swallowing hard. The power was exhilarating but terrifying, a volatile force he barely understood.

"Practice here every day," Garrick said. "The more you use the Core, the stronger your connection will become. And you’ll need every bit of strength you can muster if you’re going to survive the Rift Plains."

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By the time the sunless sky dimmed further, Kael was exhausted but resolute. He sat on the edge of the barracks, staring at the distant glow of the Rift.

Lyra approached, her expression softer than usual. "Long day?"

Kael nodded. "Feels like I’ve been here for weeks, but it’s only been a couple of days."

She smirked faintly. "That’s how it always feels at first. You’ll get used to it."

Kael hesitated before asking, "Why did you help me?"

Lyra’s smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "Because someone helped me once. And because we need fighters who won’t crumble the moment things get tough."

Kael nodded slowly. "Thanks. I’ll… try not to let you down."

"Don’t try," she said simply. "Do it."

As she walked away, Kael clenched his fists, the Core’s faint pulse a steady reminder of his new reality. I won’t just survive, he thought. I’ll thrive.