The heavy door of the training chamber hissed shut behind Silax, plunging him into the cool, dimly lit space. In the center, a red-veined dummy stood sentinel, its smooth surface glinting faintly.
Silax focused his will, a ripple of energy emanated from him, and with a sudden burst of black flames, the magnificent birdlike Animus materialized.
Its feathers, the color of polished obsidian, shimmered with an inner fire, casting flickering shadows across the room. The tips of its wings and the end of its long tail blazed with a constant, black glow.
Silax didn't need words. He simply thought, and the Animus understood. It dipped its head in acknowledgement, wings beating softly as it circled the chamber.
Then, the display began, its fiery appendages whoosed past him with a soft hiss.