When the morning light hit the camp's training grounds, the children had already taken their positions. Today's lesson was about target and technique training with wooden swords before moving on to real ones.
> Alrik: "You'll learn to hit your targets, maintain balance, and improve your reflexes. Every strike must have a purpose."
As Darius picked up his wooden sword, Lyven and Ralen approached him.
> Lyven: "Kid, I'm going to push you a bit today. But don't worry, we'll learn together."
Darius: (smiling) "I'm ready. But you'd better watch out—you move fast."
Ralen: "I'll focus on strategy. Even with wooden swords, your reflexes will be tested."
They began with strikes and accuracy drills on target boards. Darius swung his sword with controlled breaths, while Lyven moved swiftly, studying his motions and refining her own.
> Lyven: "Shift slightly to the left… yes, that's better."
Darius: "Nice. I'll try to predict your quick moves."
Ralen: "Darius, your swings are too calm. Sometimes, sudden changes work better."
Next, they paired up for sparring exercises. Darius faced Lyven. Her rapid attacks put him under pressure, but he stayed calm, countering with precise timing.
> Lyven: "Wow, kid! I saw that strike coming, but you still got me."
Darius: "I need to keep improving my moves against you. Every time, I'll get better."
Lyven: "I think we both got faster. This is actually fun!"
Meanwhile, Ralen and Seris tested their skills on the other side. Ralen tried to block Seris's path with calculated strikes, while Seris moved silently and deliberately.
> Ralen: "You may be quiet, but I can still predict your moves."
Seris: "Silence can be an advantage. But I can read your movements too."
As Darius and Lyven returned to the target boards, Darius had a brief inner thought:
> "A wooden sword isn't real… but this is where discipline and timing are learned. Lyven's speed shows me my limits. Every day, I'll take one step forward."
Alrik observed them carefully, giving short notes:
> Alrik: "Darius, your focus is improving. Lyven, your reflexes are sharper. Ralen, your strategy is solid. Seris, you work silently but effectively. Remember, strength alone isn't everything—intelligence and awareness matter too."
By the end of the day, the children were exhausted but satisfied. Darius once again appreciated his friends' talents.
> Darius: "We're all different, but we work well together. This camp teaches me more than strength—it teaches friendship."
Lyven: "And we're all striving to get better."
Ralen: "As long as we support each other, we'll keep getting stronger."
Seris: (quietly) "Yes… together."
That night, as they sat around the campfire sharing the day's experiences, Darius lay down later, thinking about the lessons from the wooden sword and his companions.
> "Here, I'm learning not just to protect myself, but my friends too. This camp is my second home… and each day, I'll become stronger."