The second day at the hallstone base was nothing short of lively, as the Nightwalkers were woken early by the blaring sounds of the sirens.

Samael shot a glance inside the castle as he peacefully took a bite off of the dried meat he took from his dragon hoard remnant.

He woke up early, like every other day, and took a swift breakfast. Perhaps it was his body that was unable to break the habit. In the wilderness, every second counts. He has to take every moment to sleep or eat whenever he can.

With his keen ears, Samael could hear the distant panic of the students being woken from their slumber. Surely the picking ceremony yesterday was tiresome, but it seems Sir Michael does not care.

One by one, the sleepy Nightwalkers walked out of the stronghold, lining up neatly as they waited for Michael to arrive.

Samael threw the last piece of dried meat in his mouth as he rose up and stood amongst the students. On cue, Michael walked out of Hallstone.

"At ease," he said as the students calmed down.

"Now, I'm not exactly the type to waste time. So here's what will happen," he followed.

"On your stay here, we'll focus on getting you used to killing beasts... and fighting humans," he said.

"How? Well, I'll train you to the best of my ability in multiple aspects. Mainly, these lessons will ensure you're used to fighting these monsters, meaning you'll know how to approach, strike, and kill them." Michael crossed his arms as he continued.

"Now, I'll also try to enhance your proficiency with your element—not in the way of manipulating them but synching it with how you fight. Element alone is useless without the appropriate combat abilities," he said.

"Now, I'll also mentor you in weapon mastery, and I know some of you don't use tools, so I'll teach you hand-to-hand combat to compensate," Michael followed.

"So which one are we supposed to do today, sir?" Desmond asked.

"Well, those with weak constitutions, mainly those that rely on their element too much, will focus on strengthening their physical fitness. Those that are already strong enough will follow me," he said.

For a moment, the students remained silent. "What are you waiting for? Run!" Michael roared as the casters hastily dashed.

"I want you guys to keep running until you drop," he said.

"Now, you guys follow me," he beckoned as he went towards the back of the hallstone. There stood a large coliseum-like structure.

"This place is known as the box. This is where I train my students, as this place is fashioned for one purpose alone: to become stronger," Michael introduced.

"For now, you guys will train with me, as fighting abominations is a little way above you guys," Michael said.

"Now, bear arms and charge at me. It's time to see what you're made of," Michael said. "Oh, you'll be last, Samael," he added.

The students, unsure at first, unsheathed their weapons. However, none had the guts to step forward and initiate combat.

Michael's eyes narrowed. "If you're not going, then I'll come to you."

The students eyes widened as Michael's figure billowed forward, sending a dust cloud back as he shot through the wind like an arrow.

Without mercy, he tackled a female student named Elise; she wielded the element of water and used a rapier.

Using nothing but his raw strength, Michael threw her away before dashing towards a boy named Edgar, a spear user of the fire element.

Edgar clenched his jaw as he blindly thrusted multiple times. However, Michael simply propelled himself up, avoiding the plethora of stabs with ease as he appeared behind him and kicked him forward.

Now, the first to make a move was Desmond, as he channeled his courage. Using his unique eyes, he slammed his hand against the ground, where a veil of dark fog devoured the arena.

Using the distraction, he dashed towards Michael, the edge of his dagger aiming for his throat. Unfortunately, the Saint was not an easy target, as he effortlessly caught the blade and deflected it, surprising the boy.

Taking advantage of his confusion, Michael swept him off his feet before delivering a stomp down and knocking him out cold.

Now, there are currently six students in the box. While five others were making laps in the hallstone yard,.

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The six students in the box were Samael, Desmond, Raegan, Edgar, Elise, and Lilith.

Realizing the severity of the situation, the remaining students, Raegan and Lilith, exchanged glances before the girl sent a wave of chaos forward.

Michael's eyes narrowed as he raised his hand and slashed it with a knife. With one word, a jet of blood stemmed from his palm, forming a shield that blocked out the chaos.

"Blood sphere."

The two elements collided with utter destruction as the chaos energy was deflected back, causing the floor to slowly break apart like dust being swept by the wind. Meanwhile, the blood shield remained steadfast.

But much to Michael's surprise, Lilith smiled when she retracted the chaos wave without warning.

From behind the curtain of destruction, Raegan appeared behind Michael as he sent his fist forward. But Michael simply dove down and threw a back kick, sending the boy flying.

"That's enough," he said as Lilith exhaled.

"Your performance is... normal for beginners," he said.

"Now, don't be discouraged. What happened is a normal reaction when fighting stronger foes. But Lilith and Raegan, you two have done well to keep calm under pressure and team up," he praised.

"Now, while individual strength is important, it is also crucial to understand that you are not alone," he said.

"Now, Desmond," he called as the kid brushed back his hair and shook his head. Clearly, he was still shaken, as he had just woken up.

"Your use of the darkness element is great. However, there are parts that can be improved. One mistake you made was directly coming for me after deploying a veil. This allowed me to predict your attack as I already had an idea where you were earlier," he said. Desmond nodded in reply.

"Now, Elise, fear is a normal emotion we feel when facing an opponent. However, we must never freeze in the face of danger. That will cost you and everyone relying on you,' Michael said as the girl apologized.

"Edgar, while you were able to overcome fear and fight back, your display of bravery is flawed. You blindly attacked me without even being aware of your surroundings. What if you hit an ally?" Michael asked.

"Now, pick your weapons up; we'll continue," Michael said.

***

When the sky had turned orange and the wind had gotten colder, Lilith and the rest were finally given rest as Michael finally ended their lessons.

"Reflect on what I said. For now, rest," he said before shooting a glance at Samael.

"Your turn," he said.

Samael rose up as he approached the middle of the box.

"Now, I know you're extremely skilled in fighting monsters. I've heard of your feats and have done my research," he followed.

"I know you're extremely familiar with abominations and have had your fair share of them, so I'll spare you the trouble."

"However, the same does not apply for people," Michael said as he drew a long, slender blade.

"Arm yourself," he said, his demeanor sharp and focused, prompting the students to feel a shiver run down their spines.

Samael remained calm as he extended his arm and unsheathed Crimson Raven, rotating it in his hand as it landed on his shoulder. Following his instincts, Samael lowered his body as he fell to his stance.

"How unique," Michael said as he observed Samael's form.

In one breath, Samael grasped the earth as he shot forward. With the help of his hand dragging him ahead, Samael jetted through the wind.

Michael swiftly drew his blade forward as the sound of steel clashing against steel thundered in the box.

Massive shockwaves shook the place as Samael rotated and threw a high kick, prompting Michael to jerk his blade to the side.

Using his momentum, Samael threw his arm forward and chanted.

"Abyss spikes."

Michael's eyes narrowed as he disengaged and jumped back, narrowly avoiding the myriad of onyx-black spikes erupting from the earth.

However, he didn't idly stand by as he slashed multiple times, each slash sending a wave of blood towards Samael.

Reacting fast, Samael weaved and flipped back as he dodged the first two blood slashes before he threw multiple Void cleaves, evening the fight.

Now, there was distance once again.

"Your fighting style isn't bad. It is suited for killing beasts but also works well for humans," Michael praised.

"However, your ferocity is weak," he said as his figure vanished.

Samael's eyes widened as he ducked, barely avoiding the sharp edge of Michael's blade passing above him.

Clenching his jaw, Samael threw a swift slash back, forcing Michael to deflect the attack as Samael jumped back.

"That's what I mean. You're too defensive. It does not suit your unpredictability," Michael said.

Samael gritted his teeth as he looked at his axe.

"Remember, Samael, humans are different from beasts and yet the same," Michael said as he circled the kid.

"Unlike abominations, humans, most especially those you will face in the future, have the ability to think under pressure! They can find ways to exploit your weakness!" He said.

"So don't let them think! Fight!" Michael roared.

Samael tightened his grip as his hand morphed black. Crimson Raven slowly warped its appearance as red miasma filled the grounds.

Michael smiled as he looked at Samael's demeanor. He was improving yet again.

"Come!" Michael said as he raised his blade.

Samael swiftly dropped to his stance as he slung his axe on his shoulder and grasped the earth with his other hand, his body nearly hugging the ground.

With one breath, Samael's figure blasted forward, shattering the ground with his strength as he flashed forward.

Michael smirked as he grasped his blade and smeared it with blood.

"Blood flame!"

Before everyone's eyes, the surface of the weapon gleamed red.

As the two collided, an ear-shattering explosion shook the box as sparks rained down.

However, Michael took initiative as he redirected Samael's blade to the side before slashing multiple times with great speed.

Samael, reacting fast, dashed back as he blocked the incoming strikes.

"More! Be more aggressive! Can't you see?! I'm pushing you back!" Michael roared.

Channeling his strength, Samael stopped his feet in place as he went blow after blow with the saint. The sparks of their blade casting shadows on the wall of the training grounds.

Pushing further, Samael took a step forward as he increased his speed even more, forcing the man to take a step back.

However, Michael went ahead and completely disengaged, throwing Samael off as he bounced back and stabbed forward.

Samael halted his movements as he felt the cold steel of Michael's blade in his neck.

"While I urge you to be more aggressive, that doesn't mean to mindlessly attack. Think, Samael, think," he said as he drew and unsheathed his blade back.

"Nonetheless, good job," he said.