Early the next morning, the palace training grounds were completely empty.
The sun had just begun to rise over the royal capital.
Soft golden light covered the field.
Saksham stood in the center of the training ground, waiting.
He had barely slept that night.
His mind kept thinking about the Void Guardian, the cult leader, and the system warnings.
If those enemies became stronger…
then he had to become stronger faster.
Just then—
a familiar calm voice spoke behind him.
"You're early."
Saksham turned around.
Orion was standing near the entrance of the training field with his usual relaxed expression.
"You said my real training begins today," Saksham replied.
Orion smiled slightly.
"Good attitude."
He walked slowly toward the center of the field.
"Before we start, I want to see your current level."
Saksham nodded.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Show me your elements."
Saksham raised both hands.
A sphere of golden light appeared above his right hand.
A small black sphere formed above his left.
The two energies slowly began circling each other.
Perfectly balanced.
Orion watched carefully.
"Balance Control Level 3… impressive."
Saksham blinked.
"You can see that?"
Orion tapped his temple.
"Experience."
Then he suddenly raised one finger.
"Now attack me."
Saksham froze.
"Attack you?"
"Yes."
"Use your light magic."
Saksham didn't hesitate.
A spear of light quickly formed in the air.
"Light Spear!"
The glowing weapon shot forward like lightning.
But Orion simply moved one step to the side.
The spear missed completely.
It exploded against the far wall.
Orion sighed.
"Too predictable."
Before Saksham could react—
Orion suddenly appeared right in front of him.
His speed was unbelievable.
He lightly tapped Saksham's forehead.
The young prince fell backward onto the ground.
"What…?"
Orion crossed his arms.
"That was your biggest weakness."
"Power without combat awareness."
Saksham slowly stood up again.
"So you're going to teach me how to fight?"
Orion nodded.
"Exactly."
"Magic alone is not enough."
He walked back several steps.
"Again."
Saksham prepared another light spell.
But this time—
Orion moved first.
In a single second he appeared behind Saksham.
"If this were a real battle…"
Orion gently placed a hand on Saksham's shoulder.
"You would already be dead."
Saksham clenched his fists.
"I see…"
Orion finally smiled.
"Good."
"That frustration means you're learning."
Then his expression became serious again.
"Now let's try something different."
He pointed toward Saksham's hands.
"Combine your elements."
Saksham hesitated.
"Fusion is still locked."
"I know."
Orion replied calmly.
"But we can still prepare your control."
Saksham slowly summoned both elements again.
Light.
Darkness.
They began circling each other like twin stars.
Orion watched carefully.
"Focus on the balance."
"Don't let either side dominate."
Saksham concentrated deeply.
The energy between his hands slowly began to glow silver again.
For a moment—
it looked like the fusion from before.
Orion's eyes narrowed.
"Interesting…"
Inside Saksham's mind—
the system suddenly activated again.
SYSTEM MESSAGE
Training Progress Detected
Balance Control Efficiency Increased
Hidden Skill Progress:
Element Fusion
Unlock Requirement Reduced
Balance Control Required:
Level 4
Saksham's eyes widened slightly.
"One level closer…"
Orion noticed his reaction.
"Something changed?"
Saksham nodded.
"My control improved."
Orion smiled.
"Good."
"Because your enemies won't wait for you to grow slowly."
Far away in the hidden temple of the Void Cult—
the cult leader opened his glowing eyes again.
The dark crystal in front of him pulsed with energy.
"The second ritual preparation is complete."
He slowly whispered.
"And soon…"
"The prince will take his first step toward destiny."
To be continued…