Hero Training Chamber — Forest Terrain
Towering trees pulsed with vitality, winding rivers breathed with nature's rhythm, and animals darted through the undergrowth—every detail so real it felt less like a training facility and more like a sealed world of its own.
"You two—already tired at this level?!"
A stern voice rang out. "Show me your resolve to become stronger!"
"Yes, Instructor!"
"Understood!"
The severe commands of Seraphina Dawnshield echoed through the woods.
The group pushed through the trees and reached a wide clearing.
A white oak cross of radiant holy light stood embedded in the soil. Leaning against it while drinking freely, Seraphina Dawnshield was in the middle of teaching the Divine-Forged Fist.
"Raven Blackwell!" she barked. "How many times do I have to tell you—stop relying on your eye-copying tricks! The Divine-Forged Fist is about conviction. You pour belief into your strike to reach god-slaying power. Copying form alone only mimics the shell!"
"And you—Unlicensed Rider! What's with that limp punch?! You're weaker than a thirteen-year-old!"
Like a merciless drill instructor, Seraphina spared no one.
Raven Blackwell tried to rely on ocular replication, but it was exposed instantly. That method could refine technique—but it could never trigger the deeper effects of the Divine-Forged Fist.
Effects like knockback, stun, aerial launch, binding impact…
As for Unlicensed Rider, though he trained earnestly and possessed unwavering justice, his limited physical foundation made his strikes feel soft and powerless to her.
"This is…"
Thor's expression stiffened.
"The instructor teaching Divine-Forged Fist—Seraphina Dawnshield," Aiden Cross explained. "Master this art to its peak, and it can slay gods."
"Slay… gods?"
"Yes. The technique's creator was Michael, and it carries apostolic power. God-slaying is trivial to him."
"But wouldn't that require extreme physical conditioning?"
"True. But it will definitely raise your combat ability. Do you want to learn?"
"Yes."
Thor nodded without hesitation.
Without divine power, if he wanted to protect the one he loved, he had to grow stronger—no matter the cost.
"Alright, Seraphina!"
"Oh? Chairman."
"New student—legendary God of Thunder."
"The God of Thunder?"
Seraphina eyed Thor skeptically. "He's weaker than Unlicensed Rider. That's embarrassing."
"He's sealed—mortal right now."
"Hmph. Fine. But don't expect mercy."
"Exactly what I want."
"Perfect timing. We're about to enter live combat."
"Live combat?! I haven't even started learning!"
"The body remembers best through impact."
She tossed aside her wine flask and wiped her lips. The drunken haze vanished instantly, replaced by cold clarity.
Thor felt a creeping sense of doom.
Nearby, Raven Blackwell and Unlicensed Rider—fresh from training—watched him with pity.
Seraphina spoke kindly, but this was clearly about finding a punching bag.
They took their positions.
"Hey," Thor warned, "I won't hold back just because you're a woman."
"Show me what you've got, little thunder."
"Charge!"
Thor roared and rushed forward—
Only to be read completely.
Even while suppressing her power to mortal levels, Seraphina struck first, smashing a fist into Thor's jaw. He was launched into the air, then slammed hard into the ground.
"That was awful. Full of openings. Don't tell me you used to just flail around with thunder and call it fighting."
"Shut up! Again!"
Thor wiped blood from his mouth and stood.
He had to admit it—he had never truly fought equals.
Either his father crushed him instantly, or he bulldozed enemies with raw divine force.
"Your technique is garbage. Physical strength: 0.3 Unlicensed Riders. Slightly durable—that's it."
"…"
Unlicensed Rider quietly celebrated.
For once, he wasn't the weakest.
"Alright," Aiden said calmly. "He's yours now."
"Don't worry. I'll beat him to the brink of death—then heal him with holy arts."
"W—WHAT?!"
Thor froze. "To the brink of death?! Can I call a timeout?!"
"You think?"
Seraphina cracked her knuckles. "Beating a god is new for me. I'm excited."
"..."
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