Shaping the Shadow

The Ember Shadow's training began under starlight, far from prying eyes. Lyrus led them to a secret glen surrounded by old oaks and hidden ravines. Here, no echoes would carry back to the camps, and no stray scout would stumble upon their drills.

Training was unlike anything they had experienced. Lyrus combined techniques from various units: The stealth and silence of the Wings, the endurance and teamwork of the Shields, the discipline and combat prowess of the Flames and Sparks, and the strategic cunning the generals prized.

They practiced infiltration: dropping from branches without a sound, disguising their footprints, and using natural scents to mask their presence. They honed combat in cramped conditions, defending against multiple attackers in flickering torchlight, learning to strike swiftly and withdraw without leaving a trace.

Lyrus tested their resolve with moral dilemmas—a staged scenario where they had to choose between capturing a key enemy courier or saving a family from a rigged trap. The Ember Shadow members learned that sometimes their duty required hard choices, and their moral compass must remain true.

Each member found strengths they hadn't known they possessed. The archer pair discovered ways to coordinate silent arrow volleys with flawless timing. The code-breaker scout uncovered subtle means to communicate urgent messages without words. The shield-bearer mastered holding narrow passages against superior numbers long enough for allies to complete secret objectives. The swordswoman refined her ability to disable foes without killing, if possible, preserving the Circle's moral edge.

Under Lyrus' quiet guidance, they bonded. Though they rarely spoke of personal matters, trust and mutual respect grew. They shared a dedication beyond ordinary ranks: an understanding that their mission was to safeguard the Ember Circle's soul.

As dawn broke one morning, Lyrus surveyed them as they stood in a circle, eyes reflecting flickers of hidden torches. He nodded once, satisfaction deep in his chest. The Ember Shadow was taking shape—an invisible hand that could protect the Circle's future. Its existence would remain a secret even within their ranks, known only to the generals who had helped form it and to Lyrus himself.