Morning sunlight spilled across the training grounds, glinting against the steel edges of practice blades. Rogan was already up, sweat tracing the curve of his jaw as he swung his longsword in slow, measured arcs. His movements carried rhythm now—controlled, calm, almost musical.
Hunnt stood nearby, watching quietly before stepping forward.
"You're getting the hang of it," he said.
Rogan straightened, panting but steady. "I've been working on my control—just like you said."
Hunnt nodded. "Good. But for today, I want you to train by yourself. Depend on your own judgment. If you run into questions, ask me tomorrow."
Rogan frowned. "Where are you going, Hunnt?"
"I need to see how the twins and Lyssara are doing," Hunnt said, tightening his gloves. "Keep at it, and trust your instincts."
He left Rogan at the training ground and headed toward the forest, his steps soundless. Using Observation Haki, he searched for Kael's presence—a faint, steady pulse through the trees. Once he located it, he made his way through the undergrowth until the sound of arrows cutting through air reached his ears.
Kael stood near a clearing, arms crossed, watching Will and Lyssara train. Lyssara's strikes were sharp, calculated, but light. Will's arrows hissed through the air with steady rhythm, hitting clustered targets set among swaying wooden logs.
Hunnt stepped out of the shadows. "How are they doing?"
Kael turned, half-smiling. "They're learning fast. Lyssara's getting stronger—still lacks the force to break scales, but she's compensating. I told her to study weak points: eyes, joints, underbelly, tongue, tail. She's focused, but…" He sighed. "It's still not enough."
Hunnt crossed his arms. "I might have a few things to teach her—but only after she's earned it."
Kael chuckled. "You're cruel, Hunnt."
Hunnt only smirked. "Truth's a better teacher than kindness." He nodded toward Will. "And the boy?"
Kael's eyes softened with amusement. "Will's a different case. He's got that natural aim of a born gunner, but he freezes after every shot—like he's waiting for applause."
Hunnt raised an eyebrow.
"So," Kael continued, "I made him train with those swinging logs. He shoots while moving, dodging, adjusting his position. It's clumsy, but he's improving."
Hunnt nodded. "That sounds right. He picked up those charge shots and side steps from me."
Kael laughed. "I figured. He called it guild-standard training. But not all guilds teach that way."
"Where's he from?" Kael asked.
"Vaelstorm," Hunnt said simply.
"Ah." Kael's expression shifted with understanding. "A city that fights water monsters. Gunners there just wait for the beasts to come ashore. No need to reposition when you're shooting fish on land."
Hunnt chuckled softly. "Now it makes sense. Thanks, Kael."
Kael waved him off. "Go on. You'll want to see the girl's progress too."
---
Following another faint pulse through his Haki, Hunnt found Seren and Willa sparring in the open field. Willa's shield clanged as she parried, her counterstrikes smooth and deliberate. Seren met every move with calm precision, but even she was starting to breathe heavier.
When Hunnt approached, both stopped and turned to him.
"Hunnt?" Seren blinked in surprise. "You're here already?"
"Still as direct as ever, Seren," Hunnt said with a small grin. "I came to check Willa's progress."
Seren smiled proudly. "She's better than I expected. Uses her shield like a weapon—her moves are balanced, calm. I barely have to correct her anymore."
Willa flushed, lowering her weapon. "I'm still learning…"
Hunnt nodded approvingly, then turned to Seren. "You've done well."
Seren tilted her head slightly, then smirked. "Since you're here—teach me something new. A move, a breathing style, anything."
Hunnt chuckled under his breath. "Always impatient. Not now, Seren. Another time."
She crossed her arms, half pouting, half grinning. "You always say that."
Hunnt's tone softened. "When the time comes, you'll know why."
Seren rolled her eyes, but smiled.
---
Hunnt turned to look at Willa again. "Her composure?"
Seren exhaled. "She figured it out on her own. The breathing rhythm you taught her—the Balance Breath—it's second nature to her now."
Hunnt gave a slow nod, genuinely impressed. "Good. She's ready."
He paused, gazing across the field where the sunlight shimmered over the training posts. "I think it's time."
Seren blinked. "Time for what?"
"The next step," Hunnt said. "Monster training."
Seren's face went pale. "Monster training? Isn't it too early for them?"
Hunnt's eyes glinted with resolve. "No. It's the perfect time. They've trained long enough. It's time to see what they've learned when it counts."
Seren looked hesitant but trusted him. "...Alright. I'll tell Kael."
Hunnt nodded. "Good. Tomorrow morning, bring everyone here. I'll speak to Maerin tonight about their trials."
As Hunnt turned to leave, Willa called after him. "Monster training? What's that?"
Seren smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."
Willa swallowed hard. "That doesn't sound comforting…"
---
By dusk, Hunnt reached the longhouse. The scent of herbal tea filled the room. Chief Maerin sat by the window, her eyes half-lidded in thought.
"Hunnt," she said softly. "What brings you?"
Hunnt sat across from her. "The trainees are ready. I want to begin their trials."
Maerin's expression grew serious. "You're sure?"
He nodded. "Yes. It's time they learn what it means to stand as Eternal."
Maerin folded her hands. "Then you remember the three trials?"
Hunnt nodded again. "They'll face them all."
She spoke slowly, her voice low and steady.
"First — to prove loyalty and selflessness. They must act for others, not themselves."
"Second — they must show they fight not for glory, gold, or recognition, but for the defense of others."
"And third…" Maerin's tone deepened. "They must be willing to die for the sake of the village."
Hunnt's eyes hardened. "Rogan and Lyssara will take the first and second. All four — the twins included — will face the last."
Maerin nodded in approval. "You plan to group them together?"
"Yes. Treat them like a newly formed hunting team. Give them their first real mission."
Maerin leaned back in her chair. "That shouldn't be hard. They are new hunters, after all."
Hunnt chuckled. "Then it'll be the perfect lesson. I want Rogan to lead."
"Rogan?" Maerin raised an eyebrow. "A bold choice."
"He needs to learn responsibility," Hunnt said. "And trust."
"When will they start?"
"In a month time," Hunnt answered.
Maerin smiled faintly. "Then I'll make the arrangements. Monsters, timing, and location — I'll handle it."
Hunnt stood, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, Maerin."
He left the longhouse just as the last light of day faded into dusk.
---
Back at the training ground, Rogan was still there—alone—his blade cutting through the air with precision and rhythm. The sound was like a song, low and strong.
Hunnt watched for a moment, arms crossed. "You're still at it, huh?"
Rogan turned, smiling faintly. "I thought we'd meet tomorrow."
"Change of plans," Hunnt said. "Tomorrow, meet me at the field."
"What kind of training?" Rogan asked cautiously.
Hunnt's grin was sharp, almost teasing. "The faster, rougher kind I warned you about."
For the first time, Rogan felt an instinctive chill run down his spine.
"Get some sleep," Hunnt said, walking past him. "You'll need it."
Rogan exhaled slowly, tightening his grip on his sword. Whatever was coming next, it wouldn't be easy.
The wind shifted through the quiet village — the calm before the storm of the monster trials.