Chapter 76: Flow
"Your training over the past weeks was just to help you adjust to your own bodies," Thalso said as he began pacing slowly in front of them, his tone shifting to that of a true instructor. "To build instinct. To form habits. To make the weapon feel like a limb. Because knowing your weapon and being comfortable with it can mean the difference between life and death."
He raised his hand, and the metal floor beneath them shuddered.
A circular ring glowed to life, enclosing them. Within the boundary, solid metal dummies rose from the floorz tall, faceless constructs forged for punishment. Their featureless heads stared at nothing. Their bodies gleamed like fresh-forged steel.
"This next phase of training will be tailored to each of you," Thalso said.
Kaedros, ever observant, had been studying the room’s architecture since they arrived. Knowing how the Castle worked, it wouldn’t surprise him if....
"Is this your room?" he asked.
Thalso turned, visibly surprised. "This training chamber? Yes. It’s part of my rooms."
"You have more than one room?" Kaedros raised a brow, genuinely impressed.
Chef grinned from her place on a low metal chair, legs tucked underneath her. "Lucky bastard," she said, sipping from her ever-present bottle. "He’s one of the few among us who has more than just a room."
"One of you?" Kaedros asked, glancing between her and Thalso. "I thought it was just... you three."
"You thought wrong," Thalso said curtly, but then cleared his throat and clapped his hands once. "Focus! This is training, not idle banter. All of you...sit."
Kaedros, Taria, and Rauk immediately lowered themselves to the floor, legs crossed.