After the spar, the iron trainees were finally shown the sheer extent of the gap that existed between them and Zephyrion.
In the brutal training that followed, none of them dared to speak against Garrick again. Instead, each of them felt deep shame that they hadn't even managed to land a single hit on Zephyrion.
But that shame soon transformed into determination, fueling them to train harder and grow stronger.
Seeing this, Zephyrion had thrown Garrick a knowing glance. Clearly, this had been the man's intention from the very beginning, which was why he suggested the spar in the first place.
Garrick seemed crude and blunt, but there was no doubt he was an exceptional trainer.
Time passed in a blur. Until finally, the long awaited event arrived.
The Proving.
From all across the reaches of the South, the powers, the high, mid, and lesser houses that ruled the region flooded toward the capital city, Dunewall.
