The portal opens and the gang travel into an open realm. Because there was no feasible ground to walk upon, Scruffles, Matthew, and Sonia began to fall while the goddess simply floated within the air. Feliferi simply waved her crystal staff, catching the falling trio and creating a mystic garden right before their eyes. Their eyes widen as they view the garden of majestic trees with pink leaves flowing within the sky, an elderly banzai tree sitting at the center, pillars, rare and unknown fish swimming within the garden’s different ponds, and everything else placed together similar to an Asian garden and a training ground. Sonia and her pets are floated down gently to the ground before Feliferi as she sets the stage for Sonia’s training.

“Welcome to the training ground,” Feliferi spoke in determination, “Here, I will train you to master your sword and become a true warrior. Each session will enhance your vision, strength, skill, and courage to fight. You must be strong not only physically, but also stay pure, or else you will become an easy target for demons.” Scruffles stands and salutes as she listens to Feliferi. The goddess tells Sonia that the challenge will be excruciating, but reassures that she will give Sonia full guidance and protection.

“The first test will be easy and simple,” Feliferi noted as she rummaged through her pocket and pulled out a leaf, “Grab this leaf.” Sonia raised her eyebrow, confused if the goddess was being serious or just messing with her.

“Grab the leaf, Sonia. I promise this is not a joke,” Feliferi noted. Sonia looked away but had her eyes narrowed and staring at her while her lips curved in the shape of a duck’s bill, and then attempts to grab the leaf fast to which it breaks in half with only half of it being in Sonia’s hand and the other in the palm of the goddess. Feliferi noted that Sonia has failed the first challenge, to where Sonia’s eyes opened in confusion. The goddess slowly put the broken leaf away and explained why she failed.

“You were too harsh when grabbing,” Feliferi explained, “The key to being a warrior is to be swift and unknown. Leaving marks will make your enemies suspicious.” Sonia looked down at her feet because of her failure. But Feliferi gently held the girl’s chin and looked into her eyes and gave her a heartfelt smile.

“Do not worry, my child. This is why it is called training. It’s ok to fail because it helps to learn, and when we learn, we achieve, and when we achieve, we thrive and teach others,” the goddess noted, “Come. We have much to learn.” She then gently rubs Sonia’s head and brings her to the next available training area. The next area for training was a set of pillars.

“Here you are going to learn to jump,” the goddess stated.

“Jump? But anyone can jump,” Sonia stated.

“Not that kind of jump, child,” Feliferi giggled, “I mean the kind where you can smoothly careen through the air like the wind. A kind where even in the toughest of dangers, you’ll be able to find cover without having to worry about being too slow or too loud.” Feliferi suddenly disappeared and reappeared right behind Sonia, making the girl jump onto a lone, nearby wooden pole and tried to keep her balance.

“So you’re saying that we’re learning to be ninjas?” Scruffles commented and Feliferi nodded with a smile.

“Sweet,” Scruffles replied enthusiastic.

“Let us begin,” Feliferi spoke as she clapped her hands and an intense montage of flames, holographic warriors, obstacle courses, and skyscraping pillars had ensued.

“Oh this is gonna be a looong… looooong… night…” Sonia whined in her thoughts.