Chapter 26: Training

Sienna said, "There wasn't any retaliation from our side, was there?"

Sylvia wanted to say something, but Sienna interrupted her, "I know that you're shocked, but you need to leave. The kids are about to wake up."

Sylvia hesitated. She still had questions, but with one look at Sienna, she could tell that she would not get any answers. So, she did the only thing she could do: leave.

After she had left, Sienna waited for the boys to wake up. About ten minutes later, their eyelids fluttered as they groggily opened their eyes. They sat up while holding their heads.

Sienna said, "Drink some water. The headache will go away soon."

The boys nodded and took the water bottles that she handed them. They sat down in silence and waited for the headache to subside. Soon, they were feeling alright.

Seeing this, Sienna said, "I'm sorry you had to experience that, but it was the fastest and most effective way for you to learn these Arts. Each of you has received a Valexis Art perfect for you. I'll give a brief introduction.

"Noah, the Valexis Art that I've given you is the Berserk Titan's Mind Sutra. It was created by a powerhouse with the Innate Talent, Heart of the Berserk Giant. He later evolved it into Heart of the Berserk Titan. It will help you control the rage-filled trance that you will enter once you activate your Innate Talent. I was very close to the creator of this Art, so it is very special to me. I even practiced it myself for some time before I found something more suitable for me. I'm very happy to have found an inheritor for it.

"Lucas, I've given you the Celestial Visualization. It is the foundational part of a stronger Valexis Art that you can only practice once you have completed this.

"Finally, Derek. I've already told you this, but the name of the Valexis Art that I've given you is the Howl of the Lykaios Archis. It is something that your ancestors created specifically for your Innate Talent. I hope that you'll honor them by practicing it well. Your Aunt will be able to give you a more detailed explanation."

Derek had a lot of questions but no answers. If the Valexis Art was something created by his ancestors, then why did Sienna have it? Was she connected to that incident? But that made no sense. If she was indeed connected, then why did she return the Art to him? It seemed that he needed to talk to Sylvia.

Sienna then continued to train them. Although it was just normal training, the boys were utterly exhausted. Every muscle in their bodies hurt. They somehow carried themselves to the car, and Sienna drove them back to the Zenith residence.

The boys took a hot bath and wearily made their way to the dining table. They wanted to sleep right away, but Sienna told them they needed to eat. They had their dinner, and Sienna gave them a potion each. It was very bitter, but they figured that it must have been something important for the Zaldrīzes Art that they were going to practice.

The next day was the same as well. Sienna trained them until they were completely exhausted, and then after they had had dinner, she gave them the unnamed potion. Then she drove them to the Academy.

After they got out of the car, she looked at them and said, "I will give the three of you a jar with a dry concoction. You will add ten spoons inside a hot bath every day and soak in it. It will sting, itch, and might even hurt. Endure it.

"You will not get out of the water until the sensation stops. The jar will last you a week, and I'll refill it during the weekend. And trust me, I will know if you don't. I will not be teaching the Zaldrīzes Art to whoever gets out before the intended time. Am I clear?"

The boys replied, "Yes, Mom/Auntie Sienna."

Sienna smiled and said, "Good. Now don't forget your physical training and practice the Zaldrīzes Arts regularly."

The boys nodded. Sienna hugged them and kissed their cheeks before sending them inside. The boys met Vivienne on the way.

Vivienne said, "Hey, guys."

The boys said, "Hi, Vivienne."

She asked, "What happened? You guys look exhausted."

Lucas said, "That's because we are. We've been training with my mom."

Vivienne had an excited look on her face as she asked, "By your mom, do you mean Sienna Zenith?"

Lucas said, "Um… yeah."

Vivienne had a weird expression on her face.

Lucas whispered to Derek, "What's going on?"

Derek asked, "You don't know?"

Lucas shook his head and asked, "What?"

Derek replied, "Vivienne practically idolizes Auntie Sienna. How do you not know this?"

Lucas scratched his head and said, "Well, I didn't even know that my mother was famous until recently."

Noah joined in and said, "You know, you are pretty dumb for a smart guy."

Lucas smiled and said, "And yet, I'm still on top of the Honor List."

Derek and Noah just stared at his arrogant face and shook their heads. No matter what they said, Lucas ensured that he had the last word.

Vivienne came out of her reverie and said, "Wait, you're all training under her?"

The boys nodded.

Derek said, "Of course we are. I mean, Auntie Sienna is Lucas's mother. I practically stay at the Zenith residence, and Noah, well, he and Lucas have been friends since they were in diapers."

Vivienne said, "No fair. I'm his friend too. I want her to train me as well."

Derek smirked and said, "Just a friend, huh?"

Then he and Noah looked at each other and started singing at the same time, "Lucas and Vivi sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G."

Vivienne's face turned bright red while Lucas smacked them both on their heads.

He said, "Guys, cut it out. You're embarrassing us."

Derek said, "But that was our goal, wasn't it, Noah?"

Noah nodded. Then they both started running.

Lucas yelled from behind, "Don't let me catch you!"