The hum of the Institution, once a low thrum of ancient power, became the relentless rhythm of their lives. For the next three years, the clanging of steel on steel, the whoosh of elemental energy, the silent thud of shifting gravity, and the sharp crackle of special magic replaced the mundane sounds of the outside world. Chapter 13 unfolds as a dynamic montage, a compressed chronicle of their transformation from nascent heroes to formidable guardians.
Phase 1: Individual Mastery (First Year)
The focus initially remained individual. Nitin, fuelled by his breakthrough, tirelessness practiced his sword forms in vast, simulated elemental chambers. His movements, initially stiff despite his knightly training, gradually became fluid and precise, his blue blade cutting through the air with increasing grace. He learned to project controlled bursts of fire, to conjure sharp gusts of wind, and to manipulate small tremors of earth, his connection to the elements deepening with each successful attempt. His personal struggle with the subtle influence of Isha's mark on his back was a constant undertone, forcing him to learn control not just of his external power, but his internal state.
Deva, in specialized zero-gravity chambers, spent hours mastering the spear. He learned to turn its reach and weight into an extension of his will, demonstrating how simple thrusts could carry immense gravitational force, crushing reinforced dummies or creating temporary spatial distortions in the air itself. Guru Brahman pushed Deva to create localized pockets of enhanced or reduced gravity, using it to disorient simulated foes or protect fragile targets. Deva's intuitive grasp of universal order allowed him to adapt quickly, finding an almost serene beauty in the chaotic interplay of forces.
Shakti, ever a whirlwind of motion, found his true calling in combat simulations. His dual daggers were a blur, his attacks a dizzying array of feints, illusions, and explosive close-quarters strikes. Guru Brahman challenged Shakti to refine the unpredictable energy bursts, turning chaotic discharges into devastating, targeted strikes. Shakti honed his teleportation, no longer just a desperate escape, but a precision tactical manoeuvre, allowing him to appear where least expected, turning the tide in desperate moments.
Phase 2: Forging the Unit (Second Year)
The second year shifted to combined training. The initial sessions were, predictably, clumsy. Nitin's eager elemental blasts sometimes clashed with Deva's precise gravity fields, creating unpredictable and often comical backfires. Shakti's unpredictable movements and spontaneous teleportation's could throw off both Nitin and Deva, leaving them vulnerable during simulated attacks. Laughter, frustration, and occasional injuries punctuated their efforts.
But through countless drills, complex combat scenarios against increasingly difficult automatons and simulated creatures of chaos, and a growing mutual respect born of shared hardship, the trio began to coalesce. They learned to anticipate each other's moves, to cover weaknesses, and to combine their unique powers in surprisingly effective ways. Nitin's elemental shields could now be reinforced by Deva's gravity wells, making them near-impenetrable. Shakti's quick, illusory attacks could draw an enemy's focus, leaving them open for Nitin's precise elemental strikes or Deva's crushing gravity blows. An unspoken bond, forged in sweat and shared purpose, began to solidify. They were no longer just individuals with powerful weapons; they were a unit, a well-oiled machine, each protecting the other's blind spots.
Phase 3: The Threat Beyond (Third Year & Interspersed Scenes)
As the third year drew to a close, the sense of urgency intensified. Short, ominous interspersed scenes throughout the montage provided a chilling backdrop to their training. News reports, relayed through the Institution's secure network, showed escalating chaos across Prithvi: more severe natural disasters, larger and more aggressive monster attacks, and whispers of growing despair among the populace. Distant flashes of dark energy, sometimes visible even from the Institution's highest towers, hinted at Kaband's growing influence. The sense of an impending storm built steadily, serving as a constant, grim reminder of the reason for their sacrifices.
Kapil, Arya, and Jack were shown fulfilling their critical roles within Gurudev's organization. Kapil, diligent and strategic, managed logistics and intelligence, ensuring resources flowed and vital information was processed. Arya, leading scouting parties, gathered firsthand data on corrupted zones, her intuition invaluable in identifying new threats. Jack, pragmatic and resourceful, established new safe havens or supply lines in ravaged areas, often engaging in skirmishes with smaller chaotic entities. Rishi, Arya's companion, became a more defined, diligent information gatherer, often seen analysing maps, dissecting arcane texts, or communicating with distant contacts, his quiet presence a testament to their widespread network. They were no longer just "finders" but integral members of the resistance against Isha's encroaching darkness, holding the line until the heroes were ready.
The episode concludes with the trio, now visibly older, stronger, and more confident, standing together on the main training ground. Their weapons hummed with a collective power, a beacon of defiance against the encroaching shadow. Their eyes, once filled with doubt or fear, now held a deep-seated resolve. They were no longer children of prophecy, but seasoned warriors, forged in the fires of discipline, ready for the next phase: the missions.