Vargus led the group to the expansive training ground that Elder Rosaline had previously introduced to him. As they arrived, the girls gathered closely, their anticipation palpable in the air around them. The space, vast and open, seemed to echo with the promise of new beginnings and challenges to overcome.
With everyone assembled and the surroundings set for transformation, the moment had arrived for Vargus's specialized training program to commence. The anticipation of what lay ahead brought a mixture of excitement and nervous energy among the girls, marking the dawn of their journey towards empowerment and resilience under Vargus's guidance.
Vargus cast a confident smile across the gathered girls and announced, "Shall we begin the training?" His question was met with puzzled glances from the girls, who looked around the empty space, wondering about the nature of the training that awaited them, given the apparent lack of equipment or beasts in the vicinity.
However, before their confusion could deepen, Vargus shifted the atmosphere dramatically. In an instant, he released his formidable aura, a palpable force that swept through the area like a chilling wind. This sudden display of power startled the girls, sending a wave of fear through the group as they experienced the intensity of Vargus's presence for the first time.
Overwhelmed by the intensity of Vargus's aura, the girls found themselves kneeling, their bodies drenched in sweat from the exertion of simply trying to withstand the pressure. The atmosphere was thick with the weight of Vargus's power, making it a tangible challenge for them to even remain upright.
Vargus, observing their struggle, explained the purpose behind this rigorous start. "The first phase of our training will focus on mental fortitude. You must learn to endure my aura," he declared, his voice firm yet encouraging.
Despite understanding the objective, the girls found the aura's overwhelming force a significant barrier. It pinned them down, rendering them incapable of standing, let alone moving.
As time passed under the oppressive weight of Vargus's aura, several of the girls succumbed to the strain and lost consciousness. However, amidst the challenging ordeal, a few remained awake, demonstrating a nascent resilience against the daunting force.
Observing their limits, Vargus decided it was time to halt the exercise. He retracted his aura, allowing the atmosphere to return to normalcy. "We'll pause the training here," he announced, his tone indicating both an end to their current ordeal and a promise of future challenges. "We will continue once you've all developed the strength to withstand my aura without faltering."
The girls who had managed to stay awake, though visibly exhausted, acknowledged his decision with nods of understanding. The moment Vargus withdrew his aura, a palpable sense of relief swept over them, and some, no longer sustained by the adrenaline of the moment, promptly succumbed to fatigue and joined their peers in unconsciousness.
In a sudden and unexpected move, Vargus took a deep breath and, with a powerful projection that resonated through the training ground, he bellowed, "AURIS!" His voice, booming and commanding, cut through the silence like a thunderclap.
The sheer volume and force of his shout had an instantaneous effect, jolting all the unconscious girls back to wakefulness. The shockwave of sound seemed to ripple through the air, reaching far beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings.
Remarkably, Vargus's call was so potent that it reached Auris, who was all the way back at their residence near the division's entrance. The sound pierced the tranquility of the location, prompting Auris to react swiftly.
Recognizing his name being summoned with such urgency, Auris wasted no time. With an instinctive understanding of the importance, he darted from the house, sprinting across the distance that separated them. His rapid movements were a blur, driven by the bond he shared with Vargus, as he raced to reunite with his guardian at the training ground.
As soon as Auris made his swift entrance onto the training ground, the atmosphere shifted. The girls, previously focused on recovering from the training's intensity, turned their attention to the new arrival. Their eyes widened in astonishment, not at the sight of a fearsome beast, but at an adorable creature whose cuteness was undeniable.
Whispers and murmurs spread rapidly among them, each echoing the same sentiment, "Oh, how incredibly cute!" The admiration was unanimous, with their gazes softening and smiles spreading across their faces as they beheld Auris's charming appearance.
However, Auris, sensing the sudden shift in attention towards him, picked up on the underlying intensity of their stares. Though their expressions were filled with delight and wonder, he couldn't shake off the feeling of being viewed as something precious and highly desirable, almost like prey.
Vargus, noticing the girls' immediate fascination with Auris, decided to make a formal introduction. Turning to face them, he announced, "Girls, meet Auris, my exceptionally cute tamed beast." His voice carried a blend of pride and affection as he gestured towards Auris, who stood by his side.
Seeking to lighten the mood after the intense aura training session, Vargus proposed a temporary shift in focus. "We'll resume our training later. For now, I invite you all to spend some time with Auris, to relax and ease your minds," he suggested, his tone encouraging a brief period of leisure and bonding.
The moment these words left Vargus's mouth, Auris, who had been the subject of sudden attention, felt a wave of apprehension. The thought of being swarmed by the eager girls filled him with a mix of shock and dismay. "How can you do this to me, Master?" Auris lamented inwardly, his mind racing as he braced himself for the enthusiastic affection about to be showered upon him by the group.
Immediately upon Vargus's invitation, the girls surged forward with an eagerness that transformed the training ground's atmosphere. The mental and emotional toll from enduring Vargus's aura had been substantial, leaving them in desperate need of respite.
The opportunity to interact with Auris presented the perfect diversion. Their actions, gentle hugging and patting of Auris, served as an instant balm to their strained spirits, offering them the much-needed comfort and mental rejuvenation they craved.
Vargus watched this unfold with a knowing smile. This scene reminded him of his own experiences, where, after enduring rigorous and mentally taxing training sessions, he found solace in embracing a cute doll. This simple act had a profound effect, significantly soothing his mind and enhancing his ability to tackle the challenges of training with renewed vigor and focus.
Observing the girls find similar relief with Auris, Vargus recognized the value of integrating such moments of light-hearted interaction into the rigorous regimen. It wasn't just about physical and mental fortitude; emotional well-being was equally crucial in shaping a well-rounded warrior.