The training hall was massive.

  Aiden had expected a normal sparring area—but instead, he was met with rows of reinforced combat cages, each filled with Protectors sparring against each other.

  Leon gestured at the nearest cage. “These training rooms are designed to withstand any kind of attack. No matter how destructive someone’s ability is, the walls won’t break.”

  Aiden stared at the walls. They didn’t look particurly special, but if Leon said so…

  “Also,” Leon continued, “they’re completely soundproof. No matter what happens inside, no one outside will hear a thing.”

  Aiden swallowed. That felt… ominous.

  Leon led him to an empty cage and stepped inside. Aiden followed, already feeling a sense of unease.

  Then Leon turned to him with a serious expression.

  “I know you already had a mentor.”

  Aiden stiffened.

  Leon crossed his arms. “You killed that monster too easily for a complete amateur. There was no way the interview papers just ‘forgot’ to mention your trainer.”

  Aiden opened his mouth, but Leon kept talking.

  “I’m guessing your mentor asked you to keep it a secret. If that’s the case, I won’t ask.”

  Aiden hesitated. Then, slowly, he nodded.

  Leon smirked. “Alright. But I still need to see what you’ve learned. So let’s start with the basics—show me what you can do.”

  Aiden took a deep breath.

  This was it.

  His real training was about to begin.