The Ascendants spread out across the vast training ground, moving in and around the various sections as they absorbed the scope of what Ethan had provided for them.
The equipment was impressive. It was divided into strength, speed, and endurance areas. Each section had multiple stations, ten varieties of machines and weights in each area, and around a hundred pieces of equipment in each category.
Every item seemed tailored for versatility, allowing them to push their limits and explore their skills in ways few training grounds could offer.
The Iron Vanguards led the way, their expressions a mixture of intrigue and appreciation as they examined the stations. They hadn’t anticipated this level of quality and attention to detail in a facility meant purely for training.
Thorne was the first to approach the strength section, which held everything from weighted sleds to massive barbells, adjustable dumbbells, and resistance machines. He ran his hand over one of the barbells, inspecting the polish and balance of the equipment.
“Whoever stocked this place knew what they were doing,” he muttered, lifting the barbell swiftly and feeling its weight and balance. “You don’t see quality like this just anywhere.”
Seraph joined him, her eyes sweeping over various weights and resistance machines. “Agreed,” she replied, moving to a nearby weight bench. She positioned herself and lifted a set of dumbbells, testing the balance. “With equipment like this, even a strategist like me might find new uses for her muscles.”
Nearby, Rhea observed the strength area thoughtfully. Though her work centered more on healing, she also saw the value in conditioning her body. She picked up a set of resistance bands and tested them with a few simple stretches, her movements precise as she gauged the quality.
Jessica looked satisfied as she leaned toward Ethan, her voice low but filled with approval. “They’re impressed. You can see it in the way they’re moving around. They didn’t expect anything like this.”
Ethan nodded, his gaze following the group. “Good. I wanted to give them something they could rely on. The details matter.”
The speed section was equally impressive. Treadmills with advanced settings, agility ladders, quick-step platforms, and balance beams lined the area with enough equipment to accommodate every Ascendant without a wait.
Calder, his typically calm demeanor momentarily replaced by a look of mild curiosity, stepped onto a treadmill. He nodded approvingly as he adjusted the settings and began a light jog.
“Not bad,” he remarked, increasing the speed gradually until he was at a full sprint. “Responsive controls, too.”
Axel was beside him, testing an agility ladder. Moving with practiced speed, he darted from one square to the next, the familiar motions coming naturally to him. Thorne smirked as he watched Axel nudging Calder.
“Think we’ll get a race out of him eventually?” he joked, eyeing Axel’s quick footwork.
Calder chuckled, maintaining his steady sprint. “I wouldn’t put money on it—unless you plan to lose.”
Axel overheard them and flashed a quick grin as he skipped through the ladder, his speed undeniable. “Careful what you wish for, Thorne. I might just make you eat those words,” he replied, challenging Thorne with a quick, confident look.
A series of rowing machines, punching bags, and weighted vests lined the floor in the endurance section. The Iron Vanguards took to them with enthusiasm. Lucan strapped on a weighted vest and moved to a rower, the motion steady and powerful.
The hum of machinery and the steady rhythm of the exercises filled the space as others joined him, some strapping on the weighted vests, others challenging themselves with the machines.
The Ascendants pushed themselves, testing their stamina and strength in the organized chaos of focused training.
Flint, visibly excited, moved over to a punching bag. He tested the bag with a few light jabs, then ramped up to heavier punches, each landing with a satisfying thud.
His expression lit up as he threw combinations, his punches hitting with a speed and precision that drew a few nods of appreciation from those around him.
“This setup’s built to last,” he commented between strikes, shaking his fists with a grin. “I like it. No better way to work off steam than punching something that doesn’t punch back.”
Beyond the primary sections was a battle simulator—a large, open room with adjustable holographic projections and tactile feedback—that allowed the Ascendants to simulate real combat scenarios. The Iron Vanguards were immediately drawn to it, gathering around as they inspected the controls.
Jessica explained, “The simulator can adapt to different levels, so you can train at any required intensity. It uses holographic projections, so the scenarios are as realistic as possible without causing injury.”
Lucan nodded in approval, and Seraph’s eyes gleamed with interest. “A true battle simulation—this alone makes it worth being here,” she commented, already envisioning how she might refine her strategies against the virtual opponents.
Sparring rings were set up to one side with reinforced flooring and padding, surrounded by sturdy barriers. Still wearing his weighted vest, Thorne climbed into one of the rings and glanced at Calder, who had finished his sprint.
“Feel like sparring?” he asked, a hint of competitive fire in his eyes.
Calder smiled, rolling his shoulders as he stepped into the ring. “If you’re up for it. But don’t cry when you lose,” he replied smoothly, settling into a ready stance.
Their friendly rivalry immediately drew attention, and some of the other Ascendants gathered around the ring, eager to watch the seasoned fighters go head-to-head. Thorne and Calder exchanged a few preliminary jabs, each feeling out the other’s rhythm, their movements quick and controlled.
Jessica watched the ring with a grin. “Looks like we’ll get a show today,” she said, nudging Lena.
Lena gave a faint smile, her eyes flicking between the fighters and then to Ethan. “It’s good for them to unwind like this. They need a place where they’re not always fighting for their lives. You’ve provided that.”
Ethan didn’t respond immediately, watching the Iron Vanguards and Ascendants engage with the equipment, the sparring, the simulator. There was something satisfying about seeing them at ease, finding their way around the facility, and engaging with one another. It reminded him why he’d put so much care into this training ground.
Thorne and Calder circled each other in the sparring ring, their eyes locked with a focus that left no room for anything else. A faint shimmer radiated from both—an unmistakable aura, almost like a heatwave emanating from their skin. It was subtle, a glimmer of their power restrained but palpable, filling the air with heavy, electric tension.
“What’s that?” Ethan felt a thrill of surprise at the sight of it, something primal telling him this was no ordinary sparring match.
“That’s how higher-ranked Ascendants fight. What you’re seeing now… it’s barely a taste of their true power,” said Lena.
Ethan looked back at the ring, a flicker of awe in his gaze. He opened his mouth to ask more, but Lena’s steady look silenced him. Clearly, she wasn’t going to elaborate further. He returned his attention to the ring, observing the way Thorne and Calder prepared, each charged with a quiet power that felt anything but restrained.
Then, as if on cue, they launched into motion.
Thorne’s fists moved like hammers, each blow cutting through the air with a low, resonant hum that spoke of immense force. His aura shimmered with a reddish glow, subtle but visible, enhancing the weight behind every swing.
Calder’s silver aura, barely discernible around him, matched Thorne’s speed. He sidestepped with fluid precision, the faint sheen of his own energy leaving trails in the air as he moved.
Calder’s counterattack came quickly, a rapid series of jabs that sliced through the air toward Thorne’s ribs. Thorne blocked them, his forearms glowing faintly with energy as he absorbed the hits without flinching. The two clashed and separated, forming a blur of speed and raw force, each movement more calculated and intense than the last.
Ethan’s pulse quickened as he watched, fascinated. Every punch and dodge seemed amplified beyond the capabilities of normal humans, as if the air was being pushed and pulled by their movements.
The faint glimmer around them—these aura traces—seemed to enhance their strikes, almost like a barely controlled storm surrounding them.
The crowd of Ascendants watched in rapt silence. Even those who had seen battles before were transfixed, aware they were witnessing something extraordinary.
The power behind each blow made the ring tremble, the floor quivering beneath their feet. Thorne stepped forward, delivering a strike that whistled through the air. He narrowly missed Calder, who ducked under it, smoothly rolling back to his feet.
With a grin, Calder lunged, his aura flaring brighter as he delivered a powerful kick aimed at Thorne’s shoulder. Thorne managed to block it, but the impact sent him back a step, his foot skidding along the floor as he grunted in surprise.
“You’re holding back, Thorne,” Calder taunted, his voice low but carrying an edge of challenge. “Afraid of what I can dish out?”
Thorne chuckled, the red shimmer of his aura flaring slightly. “Just warming up. Let’s see what you’ve got, old friend.”
With a renewed intensity, Thorne surged forward, each punch reverberating through the ring, forcing Calder to dodge and counter with increasing speed.
Their movements became a blur of red and silver glows, the energy around them pulsing with each strike, like embers sparking before a flame.
Then, with a final exchange of blows, they both drew back, breathing heavily, their auras flickering before subsiding. Thorne’s aura dimmed as he lowered his fists, a grin spreading across his face.
Calder mirrored his expression, each of them clearly pleased by the encounter. They stepped out of the ring, laughing, breathing hard but measured, both visibly exhilarated by the challenge.
The other Ascendants clapped and cheered, laughter breaking out as they nudged each other, caught up in the moment’s energy. It was rare to see their leaders fight with such fervor, and the display of power had left an unmistakable impression.
Ethan stepped forward, his curiosity barely restrained as he looked at Lena. Still, she only smiled, her gaze holding a knowing glint. Whatever he’d just witnessed was only a fraction of their capabilities; he knew that much. These Ascendants were more than fighters—they were something else entirely.
“Take your time with the equipment,” Ethan said, his voice carrying over the group as he collected himself. “Get familiar with everything. We have everything you need to train—and reach your potential.”
Lucan nodded approvingly, a rare, genuine smile crossing his face. “We’ll make good use of it, Ethan. You’ve given us more than a training ground… this is a place we can prepare. Not just survive.”
Ethan returned his nod, his eyes scanning the room. The Ascendants were talking excitedly now, exchanging plans for their sparring sessions, discussing the simulators, and setting challenges to test their limits.
