The next six months were dedicated to preparation.
Every supernatural being trained for combat against the entity. Vampires learned to weaponize their life force. Werewolves practiced coordinated pack tactics. Witches developed new defensive spells. Even demons contributed, teaching dimensional manipulation techniques.
Adrian trained alongside everyone, pushing his ancient blood abilities to new limits. He discovered he could create barriers of concentrated life force, shields that repelled the entity's hunger.
"You're getting stronger," Kieran observed during a training session. "Your ancient soul is fully awakening."
"Is that good?"
"That's incredible. You're becoming what Seth was—a bridge between species, a living weapon against existential threats."
But the training was exhausting. Adrian spent days working on barrier techniques, nights coordinating defensive positions, whatever time remained collapsed in exhausted sleep.
Kieran made sure Adrian rested, forcing breaks when Adrian pushed too hard.
"You can't save everyone if you burn yourself out," Kieran reminded him.
"I know. But there's so much to do, so little time."
"Then we work smarter, not just harder. Delegate. Trust others to handle parts of the preparation."
Adrian learned to let go, to trust his network of coordinators and specialists. It was difficult—his instinct was to control everything—but necessary.