The first month of training was all about fundamentals. Dagrík handed Thanatos a worn-out iron sword—heavy, rough, and clearly aged by countless battles. It was with this blade that the boy would begin to learn the art of combat. They started with basic stances, simple strikes, and repetitive drills that left Thanatos completely drained by the end of each day.
"Grip the sword firmly, but don't tense your shoulders too much. Balance is everything," Dagrík would say as he constantly corrected the boy's posture.
Meanwhile, Kjetil took on the role of mentor and encourager. Whenever Thanatos grew tired or frustrated, Kjetil would appear with comforting words—and sometimes, a revitalizing potion he had brewed himself.
"Remember, kid," Kjetil would say with a warm smile, "even the greatest warriors needed time to grow. Don't push yourself too hard, too fast."
Einar, despite already having some experience as a thief, was also brought into the training sessions. He was assigned to learn hand-to-hand combat and the use of light weapons, like daggers and bows. Ever irreverent, Einar frequently cracked jokes during practice, easing the tension with his antics.
"You've gotta swing your hips like this, Thanatos," he'd say, exaggerating the movement with a theatrical shimmy, like a belly dancer, provoking bursts of laughter from everyone around.
Despite his playful nature, Einar proved to be a valuable training partner. He helped Thanatos improve his speed and reflexes through improvised challenges—dodging fast attacks or racing to touch marked points on tree trunks.
Over time, their training became more dynamic. Dagrík began taking Thanatos and Einar into the field to face harmless creatures like Porings and Drops. These gelatinous beings, brightly colored with glimmering eyes, posed no real threat, but were ideal targets to practice accuracy and control.
They also began hunting Lunatics—small, snowy-white rabbits with surprising speed and a bit of aggression when cornered.
During one such session, Dagrík raised the difficulty by luring a Rocker into the training area. Rockers were oversized green grasshoppers who loved playing melodies on their violins. However, when provoked, they used those very violins as weapons, striking with powerful blows. Their erratic hops made their movements unpredictable, forcing the trainees to react quickly and work together.
"Stay sharp!" Dagrík shouted as the monster charged. "This one's no joke. Work together and look for openings!"
"You can't be warriors of brute strength alone," he said. "We need agility, precision, and endurance. Let's see how long you can last."
Thanatos drew the Rocker's attention by taunting it, dodging its violin strikes. Meanwhile, Einar flanked it, landing swift blows until the creature was finally brought down. Though exhausted, both boys felt stronger and more synchronized after each fight.
Thanatos was making real progress. By the end of the third month, he could execute simple attack combos and defend against basic strikes. His determination didn't go unnoticed. Other clan members no longer saw him as a helpless child, but as a young man truly striving to become a warrior.
The fourth month brought new challenges. Kjetil began teaching Thanatos how to use Orange Potions mid-combat to quickly recover energy. Dagrík, in turn, introduced a Chain Mail—a lightweight armor that allowed for movement but required Thanatos to absorb blows without losing balance.
"This armor's a gift," said Dagrík. "But it won't protect you from recklessness. Remember: fighting isn't just about attacking—it's about surviving."
Thanatos also began practicing with shields, learning basic blocking techniques with a Buckler. Einar, on the other hand, used a Vembrassa, a bracer-style shield that complemented his speed and stealthy combat style.
In the eleventh month, Dagrík took the trainees deep into the forests of Mt. Mjolnir—a dense and dangerous terrain teeming with real threats. There, their trials became life-threatening. The boys were tasked with hunting stronger and more aggressive monsters, such as Wolves—known for their cunning and pack tactics—and the dreaded Savages, massive boars with razor-sharp tusks that charged with brutal force.
They also encountered treacherous Mandragoras—carnivorous plants that hid underground roots and lashed out with thorny vines—and even an Argiope, a giant centipede whose tough carapace and venom made it a true test of courage and skill.
Under Dagrík's constant watch, the trainees were guided to rely on teamwork. Thanatos, using his strength and stamina, lured monsters out of hiding while Einar targeted weak spots with precise, agile attacks. Each battle tested not only their combat abilities but their adaptability and coordination.
"Mt. Mjolnir is unforgiving," Dagrík warned. "You have to outthink the monsters. Trust each other, and remember—survival comes before victory."
They quickly learned that each creature was a living lesson, and the forest offered no forgiveness for mistakes. Despite the dangers, their time on Mt. Mjolnir became the pinnacle of their training, shaping them into warriors ready to face the harshness of the real world.
Kjetil tended to their wounds after every encounter, ensuring the trainees could continue. He also taught them about the dangers of the wild—how to identify deadly monsters and distinguish poisonous from healing herbs.
By the end of the year, Thanatos was no longer just a hesitant apprentice. He still had a long road ahead, but he carried himself like a young swordsman in training. In a simple ceremony, Dagrík presented him with a two-handed Katana.
"You've earned this, kid," Dagrík said, placing a heavy hand on Thanatos' shoulder. "But remember—the road to becoming a true warrior never ends."
Thanatos looked at Einar and Kjetil—his training partners, his closest friends. For the first time since Liv's death, he felt he was becoming someone she would be proud to call her son. The Skuggulfr clan hadn't just raised him; they had forged him into something greater—a swordsman beginning to walk his own path.