For the first half of the day, Thalso had them sit and practice the Flow, drawing mana in, strengthening their cores. It was grueling in its stillness. Then, without warning, he stood.
"Up. Drop your weapons."
The command surprised them, but they obeyed, though not without hesitation. Kaedros in particular narrowed his eyes.
"You'll be using these from now on."
A dark portal tore the air open beside Thalso. From its swirling depths, three weapons floated out, mirrored in length and shape to their previous ones, but stamped with intricate white patterns etched into the surface like glowing tattoos.
Taria's spear, Rauk's greatsword, and Kaedros's short sword, all hovered, menacingly still.
"Why are we switching?" Rauk asked.
Thalso gave no answer, only motioned for them to take the weapons.
They reached up, each grabbing their respective weapon with one hand.
That was a mistake.
