The instructors also survived and were extremely angry that most heroes had died. Bu Li gave a long lecture with double heavy packs on the way to the next battle.
Seriously? Fight, rest, hike to the next battle became their life.
After each battle Bu Li measured their growth rates. The other heroes got stronger, leaner and leveled up. However, Konigsdottir was still at her initial level. Her gift when coming to this world hid her status from others. This gift was utterly useless.
If it hadn't been for her Sylvan heritage giving her a enormous amount of mana she would have died several times over. Konigsdottir had gained half a level in the same time the other heroes gained twenty levels.
In addition, to prevent another catastrophe the heroes were split into multiple three person squads. Ranked by power from A to Z squads. Konigsdottir, Astrid and Bobby formed Z squad. Bobby's large shield and Konigsdottir's spear protecting Astrid's magical attacks.
Looking at her status panel Konigsdottir noticed gaining another zero caused the first digit to drop to one. Anyone checking her status panel would believe her mana was just one instead of one hundred million thanks to her gift. Her numerous lacerations, punctures and broken bones over the years healed without a trace. She tried several times to manipulate her mana in various ways and succeeded once with Astrid's help to produce a spark.
At morning assembly Bu Li announced, "We have observed your increased levels and will each give you a sacred Qi scroll for mana enhancement. You will learn to concentrate your mana into your attacks. A squad come and receive your scrolls."
Shiela continued,"We feel that some of you have actually had a reduction in mana or are slow to increase levels." She pointedly looked to Bobby, now at level nineteen and equal to Astrid. Other squads had levels averaging high twenties or thirties.
Konigsdottir was still level one. So of course Z squad provided support by running errands. For Bobby it hurt his pride not to have higher levels.
They were in the field again with Konigsdottir on night watch. Her sensitive ears picking up the low moans coming from Z squad's tent though she was well away and patrolled near the perimeter.
"Again?" She thought. Three times every night this month. Paired Qi training Astrid called it. If this continues they might be adding a forth member to Z squad soon.
Creak.
Snap.
A twig broke to the left. Spinning Konigsdottir instantly assumed the spearman's fighting crouch. She sniffed the air. A sweet yet sulfurous waft passed nearby. "Demon beast?" She thought.
Konigsdottir advanced slowly. She would first check before sounding the alarm. As she approached her keen night vision revealed another girl heavily wounded. She looked human about her own age.
"Hey there. Do you need help?" Konigsdottir asked.
"Help. Yes help us. Orcs coming." Replied the girl before collapsing. Konigsdottir blew her whistle to raise the alarm.