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The training field, in the distant clearing, was quiet, except for the sound of wooden swords cutting through the air and the impact of blades meeting.

Both were focused, their movements fast and fluid, without the playful banter that had marked their previous sessions. Now, it seemed every strike had a clear purpose.

Strax was sweating, but his eyes gleamed with determination.

His body was sharper, more agile, each movement more precise.

He no longer seemed like the unprepared man who had entered the fight days ago, but someone who had learned to adapt, someone who understood how to use his own body efficiently.

Cassandra was on the same level, her eyes watching every move with the attention of an experienced warrior. She was impressed, though she didn't show it. Her own body moved with the grace and strength of someone who knew exactly what they were doing, but her gaze never stopped evaluating Strax's progress.

"You've improved," she said in a direct tone, striking a blow he had to block quickly. He managed, the impact of the swords echoing through the field. He held his ground, not stumbling. "Now, you really know how to use your body."

He smiled, still breathing heavily, and took a step back. "I'm starting to believe you actually know what you're doing, Cassandra."

She gave a small smile but quickly composed herself. "This is more than just technique, Strax. It's about knowing how to harness your energy, understanding the right moments to act. The way you move now shows you've learned to trust your instincts."

He shook his head, still focused. "I thought you were going to teach me how to fight. Not how to... be more me."

Cassandra paused for a moment, studying him more intensely. "That's exactly it, Strax. When you learn to fight effectively, you stop thinking about what you're doing and start being what the fight demands. You start using your body naturally, without overexerting yourself. Now, you get that."

He let out a brief laugh, but didn't stop moving, keeping pace with her every step. "Sounds like you're complimenting me. Something wrong with you, Cassandra?"

She raised an eyebrow, but her tone was softer than usual. "Don't get used to it. You still have a lot to learn."

He advanced, more confidently now, attacking with a series of quick strikes. His movements were smoother, more controlled. He used his body weight intelligently, not wasting energy. Cassandra blocked with ease but noticed the difference.

"I'm not underestimating you anymore," she said as she pushed him back with a quick strike, her gaze still evaluating him. "You've learned to use your body, Strax. Now, what you need to learn is how to adapt that to different opponents."

He shuddered from the force of the blow but quickly regained his stance, smiling. "I think I'm starting to like the sound of that."

Cassandra watched him for a moment more, studying his movements with relentless precision. When he advanced again, she didn't hesitate. He moved for a direct strike, trying to surprise her, but she already knew what he would do. With a quick motion, she dodged and spun, locking his sword with hers, then, in a calculated move, made him lose his balance.

Strax fell flat on his back, but didn't seem defeated. He looked at her with an approving smile, breathing heavily.

"So, what do you think? Did I pass the test?"

Cassandra bent down, extending a hand to help him up. "Yes. You passed. But that doesn't mean you're ready for what's coming."

He accepted her help and stood, still smiling. "I know. But at least now I have the confidence that I know what I'm doing."

Cassandra watched him for a moment longer than necessary, her expression softer than he was used to. "Now you have the foundation, Strax. What you do with it is up to you."

He stood completely, shaking the dirt from his clothes, and looked at her, now more serious. "I'll use this the best way I can. And I hope, in the end, you won't regret teaching me."

She turned, walking toward the center of the clearing, her steps firm. "Don't worry about that. My concern now is what you'll do with that newfound confidence."

"I can't stand watching you two flirt!" Bela shouted, interrupting the moment.

Cassandra and Strax turned to her, both with surprised expressions.

"Why are you here?" Cassandra asked, visibly irritated. She wanted to continue the fight, the tension still lingering in the air.

"Mom sent me. It's time for him to train with me. I have a lot to teach, since it's her order," Bela replied with a mischievous grin, not caring about Cassandra's discomfort.

Cassandra huffed in frustration but didn't have time to argue. Strax looked from her to Bela, realizing that the situation was beyond his control now. Read latest chapters at empire

Cassandra took a step forward, her eyes sending a searing glare toward Bela. "You have no idea what you're doing, do you?" she asked, her voice filled with frustration. "This training isn't about being a distraction. I... I was about to teach him something serious."

Bela gave a sarcastic smile and crossed her arms. "Oh, of course, you two were 'teaching' something, right? Looks more like a bunch of glances and provocations than anything productive." She couldn't hide her satisfaction at seeing Cassandra's anger. "But who am I to interrupt, right?"

Strax, who was already getting used to the tensions between the sisters, sighed, trying to calm things down. "Okay, okay, let's take a break. Cassandra, you've taught me a lot so far, but... if Scarlet sent me, I need to go with Bela."

"Are you really falling for this, Strax?" Cassandra asked, now more irritated than ever. "She just wants to take advantage of your weakness!"

"It's not about weakness, Cassandra. I'm learning, and that's what matters. If Bela has something to teach me, then I'll listen. But I won't forget what you've taught me," Strax replied, trying to keep calm. He was beginning to realize that this dynamic between the sisters and him was becoming more complicated than he had imagined.

Bela gave a victorious smile. "Come on, Strax. I know you're going to like what I have to offer." She turned to Cassandra, throwing her a challenging look. "After all, there's so much more he needs to learn."

Cassandra looked at Strax with a mix of frustration and something else—something she wasn't ready to admit. She wanted more time with him, more opportunity to shape him her way. But now, she would have to settle for this, for now. She simply nodded, her eyes narrowed. "I don't expect you to be so easy to manipulate."

Strax smiled slightly, unsure of how to handle the tension. "I know what I'm doing, Cassandra. And still, I'm going to need a bit more time with you... but for now, let's see what Bela has to offer." He paused, as if pondering the situation. "Just know, I'll be back for your training in the end."

Bela winked, satisfied with his response. "That's what I wanted to hear. Let's go, Strax. We have plenty to do." She turned, starting to walk toward the clearing where she planned to continue the training.

Cassandra stood watching them, the anger still boiling inside her. She knew this wouldn't be easy. But maybe it was what he needed. A sad smile formed on her lips. She turned, deciding that, for now, she needed to walk away.

"Good luck, Strax," she murmured, more to herself than to him.

~~~~

Scarlet was rummaging through the room, searching for something... her eyes inspecting every corner with precision.

The space was silent, except for the faint creaking of the wood beneath her feet as she moved between shelves filled with books and artifacts. She wasn't someone who typically kept things, in fact, she barely cared for artifacts. She was a Spartan; she didn't need artifacts or anything like that—she fought with real weapons, without magic.

Her gaze fixed on a wooden box, carefully perched in the darkest corner of the shelf. Something about it caught her attention. She approached it and opened the box, feeling the smell of aged wood and the cool touch of humidity still lingering in the air. Inside, there were only a few pieces of clothing, an old letter, and at the bottom, a small red velvet pouch.

She pulled it out, and the pouch felt as light as a feather. Scarlet opened it carefully, and her eyes immediately locked onto the small jewel it contained. A ring. Small, but incredibly detailed. The ring seemed simple at first glance, but when her fingers touched the red gem in the center, she felt a faint pulse, almost as if the ring had a life of its own.

"So you've awakened... it seems I'll have to deliver this to him soon," she murmured, slipping the ring into the pocket of her tight pants.

"Well, he should be training with Bela for another week, and his wives will be arriving in the Vampire Kingdom in two weeks at most..." she whispered.