The Imperial Training Grounds floated above a sea of starlight.
Silent today.
Even the wind felt like it was waiting to see what would happen.Kael Veyris stood at the center of the arena with a wooden training sword.
In front of him stood his daughters.
Kaelignis Veyris and Lyra's Kaelry
Nearby, observing carefully, stood Umbrythra Veyliss and Elyrion Veythera
Kael raised the sword slightly.
Attack me.
Both daughters rushed forward.
Fast.
Precise.
Full of confidence.
Ten seconds passed.
Then twenty.
Then.
they both stopped at the same time.
Breathing slightly heavier.
Kael had not moved from his position.
Kaelignis narrowed her eyes.
We didn't even land a single hit again.
Lyra frowned.
That was worse than last time.
Kael lowered the sword.
You understand approximately zero point eight percent.
Silence.
Umbrythra tilted her head.
That is considered improvement?
Kael nodded once.
Yes.A familiar presence entered the arena.
Ignisia
She stretched her shoulders slightly.
Alright.
I'll take him.
Kaelignis immediately stepped back.
Mom, don't.
Lyra nodded quickly.
That sounds like a bad idea.
Ignisia smirked.
You two need to see what real pressure looks like.
Kael finally turned toward her.
You are certain?
Ignisia pointed her spear.
I always am.The atmosphere changed instantly.
Not violently.
But seriously.
Even the floating air currents became still.
Kael lifted his training sword.
Ignisia tightened her grip.
Then they moved.
It was not flashy.
Not destructive.
Just precise.
Each movement erased space between intention and action.
Steel met steel without sound at times.
Footwork overlapped like mirrored instincts.
For a brief moment.
Ignisia actually smiled.
Good.
Kael answered calmly.
You've improved.
Then.
the pressure shifted.
Kael adjusted his stance.
Only slightly.
Five percent.
That was all.
The moment he increased output.
the entire training field folded inward like reality had been gently pressed.
Ignisia's spear slipped.
Her stance broke.
One final controlled strike landed at her side.
not hurting her.
Just ending the exchange.
Silence.
Ignisia exhaled.
Then laughed softly.
Yeah.
That's unfair.
She dropped her weapon.
Defeated.
Cleanly.Kael stepped forward immediately.
He offered his hand.
Ignisia looked at it for a moment.
Then grabbed it.
He pulled her up easily.
You hesitated for a fraction, Kael said calmly.
Ignisia wiped her shoulder.
Yeah.
That fraction hurt.
Kael nodded.
That is why it matters.
Behind them, Kaelignis stared.
Dad was only using five percent?
Lyra slowly turned.
We are cooked.
Umbrythra blinked once.
Five percent is the minimum threshold for combat efficiency?
Elyrion tilted her head.
I require additional data.
Ignisia laughed.
Welcome to your father.
Kael looked at all of them quietly.
Then spoke.
Training continues tomorrow.
Collective silence.
Tomorrow again? Lyra whispered.
Yes, Kael replied.
Kaelignis sighed.
We are never winning.
Kael paused.
Then corrected.
You are improving.
Winning is secondary.
Ignisia smirked.
That's his version of encouragement.
And for once
all of them accepted it.