The cold morning wind rustled through the trees of the clearing, carrying the damp scent of earth.
Draven was alone. Before him, the three shadow monsters—Kryphid, Gorefang, and Torrak—stood motionless, attentive to his every move.
"Today we're going to test limits," he murmured, extending his hand.
"And it's not just physical strength. I want to see if you can act with more precision and coordination."
The shadows moved, ready, but still slow and only partially obedient. Draven immediately realized that constant practice was essential.
First exercise: individual attack.
He pointed to the Kryphid and murmured: "Direct attack."
The monster advanced, using tentacles to strike a tree trunk as a test target.
Each movement was calculated, but Draven realized he needed to refine verbal and gestural commands for greater efficiency.
Next, coordinated attack:
"Gorefang, Torrak, flank to the left and right." The shadows obeyed, but with slight hesitation.
Draven adjusted small hand signals and posture, and they finally attacked in sync, hitting imaginary targets in sequence.
Third test: combined defense.
Draven simulated attacks coming from multiple directions.
"Protect me!" he ordered.
The shadows moved, creating a defensive perimeter, reacting quickly to the simulated threats.
He realized that each complex command required maximum concentration and that his body and mind were still tiring from the intense coordination.
After a few hours, Draven tried something new: simultaneous attack and defense.
Kryphid attacked the target while Gorefang covered the flanks and Torrak protected Draven.
Each shadow reacted independently, but still obeyed the basic guidelines.
It was the first time Draven felt true autonomy in the shadows, even if limited.
"Well… that's enough for today," he said, taking a deep breath.
"Tomorrow, we'll try something even more advanced."
He looked at the surrounding forest, remembering Zayra, who was training elsewhere.
"One day, you two will be able to fight side by side," he thought. "But for now, the focus was on mastering my shadow soldiers and making them truly efficient."
The Great Sage commented mentally:
Progress detected:
- Improved command of multiple shadows
- Basic attack and defense coordination completed
- Beginning of limited shadow autonomy detected
- Concentration and mental resistance still developing
Draven took a deep breath. Each shadow behind him now seemed more alive, more aware, ready to become something much greater with training and experience.
"We will grow together," he murmured, looking at the forest horizon.
"And no one will be able to stop us."