The improvised training ground looked more like a gathering of lunatics.

  Lys was striking a rock with murderous focus.

  Tann tried to mimic her and nearly fell flat on his face.

  Syra punched the air like she was mid-bar brawl.

  Velan was stretching like he was about to cast an advanced yoga spell.

  Kael watched them with arms crossed and the face of a man already tired just by being there.

  “This looks like a survival contest for people who live by accident,” the ghost muttered.

  Kael let out a deep sigh.

  “It’s official. I’m outsourcing this problem.”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  ---

  A few minutes later, Kael called the three over.

  “Tann. Syra. Velan.”

  The trio lined up like they were expecting punishment.

  “You have... some potential.

  But you won’t be traveling with me.”

  “What?!” — Tann’s eyes widened.

  “Knew it,” Velan said, adjusting his cane like a sword.

  “Am I being rejected from disciple auditions or what?” Syra asked, annoyed.

  Kael raised a hand.

  “Listen. I have a mission for you. A very important mission.”

  (dramatic pause)

  “You’ll travel together and grow as a group. Live, learn, survive.

  When you’re actually strong... maybe then you’ll be ready to train with me for real.”

  The ghost whispered:

  “That was a beautiful excuse to cover up your pure laziness.”

  Kael answered mentally:

  “That’s exactly why it worked.”

  Tann smiled awkwardly.

  “Like... a secret mission?”

  “Yes. A vital journey of growth.”

  “With a map?”

  “No map. And no return until you’re decent.”

  Syra folded her arms.

  “Fine. We’ll get strong and rub it in your face later.”

  Velan took one step forward, gave a slow bow, and said:

  “When we return, the world will be different.”

  “Or you’ll all be dead,” Kael replied.

  ---

  Later, with only Lys by his side, they walked along the trail in silence.

  “Why’d you really send them away?” the ghost asked.

  “Because they’re not ready.

  And training three at once is more exhausting than fighting a cheese-scented dragon.”

  Lys, walking ahead, didn’t look back.

  “They’ll come back one day.”

  Kael smiled.

  “Or explode along the way.”

  (pause)

  “But if they return… they’ll be more useful than they are now.”