The training ground beneath Kael's shop, carved deep into the earth and fortified with barriers to withstand immense power, hummed with energy. The group stood in a semicircle, their expressions ranging from determination to nervous anticipation. Kael stood before them, his arms crossed and his crimson eyes scanning each of them.
"This is your next stage of training," Kael began, his voice firm and unyielding. "You've all shown progress, but there's only so much you can learn from practice alone. To truly grow, you need to face real combat."
Rias furrowed her brow. "Real combat? You mean sparring with each other?"
Kael shook his head. "No. You'll be facing me."
A collective silence fell over the group. Akeno's eyes widened slightly, Kiba's hand instinctively moved to his sword, and Issei looked between Kael and Rias, confusion etched on his face.
"You're joking, right?" Issei asked, his voice tinged with nervous laughter. "You're, like, an ultimate-class devil. How are we supposed to fight you?"
Kael's gaze hardened. "I'll restrict myself to a high-class devil's power, but I won't go easy on you. This isn't about winning. It's about survival. I will break bones, cause injuries, and push you past your limits. Asia will be here to heal you after every round, but make no mistake—this will hurt."
Asia gasped, clutching her hands together. "B-break bones? Injure them? Kael-san, isn't that too much?"
Kael's expression softened slightly as he looked at her. "Asia, they need this. Riser and his peerage won't hold back. Neither will I. This is the only way they'll learn to adapt under pressure and overcome their limits. Your role is crucial—healing them so they can keep going."
Asia hesitated but nodded, her resolve firming. "I understand. I'll do my best."
Setting the Stage
Kael stepped back, motioning for the group to spread out. "You'll face me one-on-one at first, then as a group. Each of you will have a chance to test your skills and strategies. Remember, this isn't about defeating me. It's about enduring, learning, and improving."
Rias stepped forward, her crimson hair swaying as her eyes burned with determination. "We're ready. Let's begin."
Kael smirked faintly, his aura flaring to life. The sheer pressure of it made the air feel heavy, forcing the group to steady themselves. Even restricted, his power was overwhelming, a reminder of the gap between them.
"Let's see if you are."
The First Round: Rias vs. Kael
Rias summoned her Power of Destruction, the crimson energy swirling around her hands. She launched a barrage of attacks, each one aimed with precision. Kael dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and calculated.
"Your control has improved," Kael remarked, sidestepping another blast. "But you're too predictable."
Before Rias could react, Kael closed the distance, delivering a swift strike to her abdomen. She stumbled back, gasping for air.
"Focus. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment," Kael instructed, stepping back to allow her to recover.
Rias gritted her teeth, determination flaring in her eyes. She pushed herself to her feet, her energy surging as she prepared for another round.
The Others Step In
Kiba was next. His speed and swordsmanship were impressive, but Kael's experience and precision were unmatched. With a single, well-timed counter, Kael disarmed him, sending his sword skidding across the ground.
"Your speed is good," Kael noted, "but you rely too much on it. Anticipate your opponent's moves, or you'll always be a step behind."
Akeno followed, her lightning crackling as she unleashed a flurry of attacks. Kael deflected them with ease, closing the distance and forcing her to retreat. Her composure faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained control, her violet eyes narrowing as she adjusted her strategy.
Issei stepped forward reluctantly, summoning his Boosted Gear. Despite his lack of experience, his determination was evident. Kael tested him, pushing him to his limits while offering advice between blows.
"You have potential," Kael said, dodging a clumsy punch. "But you need to trust your instincts and stop second-guessing yourself."
Koneko's turn was brief but intense. Her physical strength was remarkable, but Kael's technique outmatched her. He guided her, pointing out openings in her defense and helping her refine her movements.
Group Combat: The Real Test
After each of them had faced him individually, Kael called them together. "Now, you'll fight me as a group. Work together, cover each other's weaknesses, and use your strengths to your advantage."
The group nodded, their resolve unwavering despite their injuries and exhaustion. Asia stood by, her Sacred Gear glowing as she prepared to heal them as needed.
The battle was chaotic yet focused. Rias coordinated their attacks, using her Power of Destruction to create openings. Kiba and Koneko worked in tandem, their speed and strength complementing each other. Akeno provided support from a distance, her lightning strikes aimed with precision. Issei, though inexperienced, threw himself into the fray with unwavering determination.
Kael tested them relentlessly, pushing them to their limits while offering guidance. He knocked them down, only for them to rise again, their resolve growing stronger with each round.
The Aftermath
By the end of the session, the group was battered, bruised, and exhausted. Asia's hands glowed as she moved between them, healing their injuries with care and precision.
Kael stood before them, his expression calm but serious. "You've made progress, but there's still a long way to go. Riser won't hold back, and neither will his peerage. If you want to win, you need to be prepared for anything."
Rias stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "We won't let you down. We'll keep training, no matter how hard it gets."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. Rest for now. Tomorrow, we push harder."
As the group dispersed, Kael remained in the training ground, his gaze thoughtful. He had resolved to push them to their limits, but he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of responsibility. They were more than just students—they were a family, fighting for each other.
And for the first time in centuries, Kael felt like he was part of something greater than himself.