Morning light sifted through the pines as Squad Four helped reinforce the outer perimeter. Towers of logs had grown taller overnight, and traps were set sharper than ever. Lina and Hilda lined up stakes at the furthest wall, while Fendril and Jassa checked the tension on snares. Liam and Tomlin unwound a coil of rope between two oak trees. The village felt alive with purpose — a spark of hope among nervous faces.
Nearby, a training yard had been set up. A crowd of rookies gathered to spar and practice their Essences. Intrigued, Squad Four paused to watch.
Across the open ground, two young soldiers faced off. One was utterly wreathed in heat: flames danced along the blade of his sword in a flickering sheath of orange light. The other was a stocky fellow whose muscles bulged unnaturally; with a roar he lunged at his opponent and crashed him to the ground in a single blow. Cheers erupted from the onlookers.
"That one's got Beast Strength Essence," Lina murmured. "He didn't even break a sweat.""Look at the fire," Jassa said, eyes wide. "That's dangerous." He crossed himself under his breath.
Suddenly a third figure stepped forward: a wiry soldier who vanished and reappeared behind the lumbering man, flickering like a shadow. A dull 'thunk' showed he had landed a blow, but by then he was gone, blending back into the darkness of a nearby tent. A hushed awe swept the crowd.
"Shadowstep Essence," Lina said low. "He's fast." Tomlin whistled appreciatively.
Liam watched, heart thrumming. He felt the magic crackle in the air like static. The flame-wreathed swordsman swung his burning blade through the air with a whoosh; sparks snapped from it. The Beast-strength warrior roared and barreled forward, smashing a wooden dummy with one fist. The shadowy fighter flickered at will, landing pinprick attacks as he reappeared. It was dazzling and terrifying — and, strangely, beautiful in its rawness.
As the demonstration ended, the crowd clapped and cheered. Even Fendril let out a low whistle.
Tomlin elbowed Liam. "Why does it always seem like the other guys get the flashy stuff?" he grumbled, glancing between the smoking blade and the strongman. "I mean, we've been carrying ropes and hammers since sunrise."
Liam half-smiled. "Maybe we're saving our essence for the surprise round," he said quietly. He scanned the scene. Every eye was on the sparring men and their brilliant displays of power.
A red-haired soldier with embers swirling around his sword strode over, a broad grin on his face. "Nice knot work," he called to Lina, nodding at the rope she'd coiled. Lina blushed, wrapping her fingers around the leather end. The embers in the other man's eyes glinted like stars.
Liam exhaled. He felt something churn inside him — the same strange hunger that had woken on the march. His stomach lurched, but he swallowed it down. He steeled his face into a grin.
Sir Merek's voice echoed through the yard: "Settle down, rookies." The training officers began pairing everyone up for drills again. Squad Four joined the next exercise circle. Liam caught Tomlin's eye and winked. The siege was coming, and it was time for them to be ready.