Covered in scars, Ash slammed into one of Ursaval's bodies with a thunderous crash. Claws raked across his back, shredding his clothes as if he were being mauled alive. Gritting his teeth, he clung to the bear with everything he had, boots scraping and sliding across the ground as he fought to keep from being driven back.
Ursaval grinned wide.
"Good… goooood. You're not getting launched anymore. Still looks like it's taking everything you've got just to stay standing, though. You're doing much better than your friend over there."
Ash risked a glance aside and saw Korthok tumbling across the ground after colliding with the other Ursaval.
High above, Zaru sat on a tree branch, staring at the devastation below. Broken trees everywhere… the whole place looks like a battlefield. I don't know how they've kept this up for weeks.
Meanwhile, Ursaval strode toward Korthok, who was pushing himself up from the dirt.
"Don't be discouraged," Ursaval said. "You're doing quite well, despite how it looks. You're not even going airborne from the collisions anymore."
He noticed Korthok's eyes flick toward Ash, who was still locked in a brutal clash with the other bear.
"Don't compare yourself to him," Ursaval continued. "He's a summoned that gives him certain advantages. I've heard their physiology lets them grow and learn faster."
Korthok gave a crooked smile.
"Discouraged? Why would I be discouraged? I'm just seeing what I have to catch up to. I can't be left behind as his teacher, after all."
"Good," Ursaval said, turning away, satisfied.
"Back on your feet. We're not done yet."
The four of them continued trading blows, the clash of strikes echoing through the training grounds until two elven servants strolled into the clearing.
"The king wishes to see you both," one of them called out to Korthok and Ash.
The sparring stopped instantly.
Everyone straightened, catching their breath as the tension of battle gave way to formality.
"Zaru!" Ash shouted. "Get down here we have to go see the king!"
"On my way!" Zaru replied, leaping from branch to branch before dropping lightly to the ground beside them.
Ash and Korthok exchanged brief nods with the Ursavals before turning and following behind the servants. As they left the training area, Korthok glanced up at the sky.
"The king wants to see us, huh? I wonder how long we've been out here."
Ash kept his eyes forward as they walked. "It must've been a while. He probably wants to hear how the training's going."
Approaching the towering doors of the throne room, Ash and Korthok found Axel and Olorith already waiting.
Ash and Axel's eyes met instantly, each silently measuring the other searching for what had changed.
Axel studied Ash first. His once lean frame had hardened into solid muscle, every movement sharper, more deliberate. His hair now fell to his shoulders, and faint scars traced across his arms and collarbone. Even his clothes hung in tatters, torn and worn from relentless battle.
"What kind of training was he put through out there?" Axel wondered.
His gaze shifted to Korthok. Even he has scars I've never seen before…
Meanwhile, Ash took in Axel's appearance. Axel remained slender, composed, dressed in a robe nearly identical to Olorith's. His skin looked smooth, untouched by the brutality Ash had endured.
"He hasn't changed much…" Ash thought, then smirked slightly. "At least we ended up the same height."
Olorith frowned at the sight of Ash and Korthok, dragging a hand down his face before resting it in his palm.
"I take it Ursaval trained you both personally."
"Yeah," Ash replied with a wide grin. "He's actually a pretty good teacher."
"'Pretty good,' huh?" Olorith muttered, lifting his head. "Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't allow you to stand before the king in such a state. Unfortunately, we don't have that luxury. Let's go."
The great doors opened, and the group entered the throne room. The king awaited them at the far end, seated in quiet authority.
"Your Majesty," they said in unison, dropping to one knee. Only Olorith remained standing as he stepped to the king's side.
The king's gaze swept over them, lingering particularly on Ash and Axel. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully before a faint smile touched his lips.
"Hmmm… good. Very good. It seems you boys have been training well."