THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The training compound beneath the De Gror manor hummed with controlled violence. In one corner, a woman moved through a complex sequence with her rapier, the blade leaving faint purple afterimages as it cut through the air with impossible speed. Nearby, another demonstrated sword forms to a group of wide-eyed recruits, her crimson hair flowing like liquid fire as she executed perfect strikes against reinforced practice dummies.

Across the expansive underground chamber, a third woman hovered six inches above the floor, magical formulas spiraling around her as she channeled arcane power through complex gestures. The air around her crackled with barely contained energy, small discharges occasionally sparking from her fingertips to scorch the stone floor beneath.

Seraphina, for it was indeed she who had orchestrated Rina's rescue, temporarily adopting the moniker of Death, moved through this controlled chaos with precise steps, the azure-haired girl following close behind, golden eyes wide as she absorbed the display of superhuman abilities surrounding them.

"Is this... normal?" Rina whispered, watching as the floating mage casually manipulated forces that would have exhausted three imperial battle mages working in concert.

"For us, yes," Seraphina replied. "Each woman you see has received personal training and enhancement from our patron. What they've achieved represents only a fraction of their potential, and yours."

They approached a section where the Wheel, now revealed as Angelica, supervised combat training for newer recruits, including Valeria Crimsonhelm, whose copper hair was now damp with exertion. Despite having arrived only two days prior, the former Crimson Knight was already demonstrating exceptional aptitude, adapting her formal military training to the shadow techniques Angelica demanded.

"Again," Angelica instructed as Valeria completed a complex evasion sequence. "Faster this time. Shadow movement isn't about strength or even conventional speed, it's about understanding the places between moments, the gaps in perception that others can't see."

Valeria nodded once before repeating the maneuver, her movements noticeably quicker than before. Not yet at the supernatural level of Angelica's demonstration, but showing remarkable improvement for such limited training time.

"How long before we can do that?" Rina asked, gesturing toward the woman with the rapier, who had graduated from practice forms to active combat against three automated training constructs simultaneously.

"That depends on many factors," Seraphina answered honestly. "Natural aptitude, dedication to the training regimen, and eventually, personal instruction from our patron himself."

At the mention of their mysterious leader, several nearby recruits straightened noticeably, their attention momentarily drawn despite Angelica's demanding exercises. Seraphina noted the reaction with quiet satisfaction, the mystique surrounding their master had developed precisely as intended, a mixture of reverence and anticipation that motivated each woman to exceed her previous limitations.

"You mentioned enhancement," Rina said carefully. "What exactly does that entail?"

Seraphina's lips curved in a knowing smile. "That's a privilege earned through dedication and loyalty, not something freely discussed with new recruits. What I can tell you is that our patron possesses methods of accelerating development beyond conventional training. Shay, Vivian, Katrina, they were common servants, ladies-in-waiting with minimal combat experience before meeting him. Look at them now."

Rina followed her gaze to where the woman with the rapier, Shay, was completing her training sequence, three mechanical constructs lying dismantled around her. Despite the physical exertion, she appeared barely winded, her movements flowing with inhuman grace as she sheathed her weapon.

"And we could become like them?" Rina asked, unable to fully mask the hunger in her voice.

"In time," Seraphina confirmed. "Though I should note that not all shadows serve in combat roles. Some, like those currently stationed along Lysora County's borders, function primarily as observers and intelligence gatherers. Your particular talents might be better utilized in different capacities."

She gestured for Rina to follow as they moved toward a large tactical display showing the empire's eastern territories, with particular emphasis on Lysora County. Small lights pulsed at various points along the borders, each representing a positioned shadow operative.

"For now, you'll train here under Angelica's supervision," Seraphina explained. "If you demonstrate sufficient progress, you'll eventually be assigned to field operations. Those who excel may earn the opportunity for direct enhancement from our patron himself."

Rina studied the tactical display, her golden eyes reflecting the blinking lights of deployed operatives. "And what exactly does your master want with all of us? What's the purpose behind this network?"

Seraphina's expression revealed nothing beyond polite interest. "That's a question better asked of him directly, should you earn the privilege of his attention. For now, focus on your training and proving your value to Eden."

As if summoned by her words, the armoured giant, Draven, appeared at the training area's entrance, his massive form immediately drawing all eyes. Though unable to speak, his presence alone communicated urgency as he made a series of precise hand gestures toward Seraphina.

"It seems our patron has accelerated his timeline," Seraphina announced, her voice carrying throughout the chamber. "Shay, Vivian, Katrina, prepare for immediate deployment. The rest of you will continue training under Angelica's supervision."

As the named women moved with practiced efficiency toward the preparation rooms, Rina watched with undisguised curiosity. "Something important is happening, isn't it?"

"Indeed," Seraphina confirmed, already moving to follow Draven toward the manor's upper levels. "The next phase of our master's plan has begun. If you apply yourself diligently, perhaps you'll play a role in what follows."

Left behind with the other recruits, Rina turned to find Valeria standing beside her, amber eyes narrowed in thought.

"Who is he really?" the former knight asked quietly. "This patron they all serve with such devotion?"

Rina shook her head, azure hair catching the light. "I don't know. But I intend to find out."

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Back at Castrum Belli Et Ignis, David leaned over the map of Lysora County, fingers tracing potential routes toward Valemir's capital as Elara watched with increasing interest. David hoped Seraphina wasn't having a hard time following his instructions. The shadow operative had shown remarkable adaptability thus far, but even she had limits. Luna stood behind him, her delicate fingers working methodically through his hair, applying just enough pressure to ease the tension that had built at the base of his skull. The familiar sensation helped him focus as he contemplated the journey ahead.

The Archon remained silent, her crimson eyes following his movements across the map, occasionally narrowing when his finger lingered over particularly treacherous terrain. They would need to depart soon if they wanted to reach the capital before news of the dungeon's collapse spread through official channels. David considered their options carefully, weighing the risks of imperial roads against the less predictable wilderness paths, all while Luna's soothing touch anchored his racing thoughts to the present moment.