They walked on foot through the pine forest. Sloane remembered that one of the squads of the Valentino residence would attack them even before they reached their territory.
Even though she didn't participate in the test, since everyone deemed her worthy of being the commander judging by her extraordinary combat skills.
This was the major mistake she made in her past life. The twin assassins had returned to their side within six minutes.
"Lady, the paths clear. We've knocked four of them unconscious before they attempted an attack on us."
—"It was less than ten minutes! Are they monsters?"Sloane thought turning blue as she nodded.
—"We've already started to encounter our foes even before we reach there. This is unfair. They changed the rules at the last moment."
Sloane was practically annoyed by the decision made by the higher-ups.
Tristan signaled them to move forward. Before they could resume their match, the siblings nodded communicating through signs that we're well understood by twelve-year-old Sloane.
"There!" Nine leaped shooting an arrow on the tree. The shot was accurate enough to make the hidden opponent fall from the tree.
"I think we're done with group four." Twelve said.
"No there are two left." Jack cautioned.
"Jack's right. The assassin twins knocked four of them while Nine targeted the fifth one. There are two left."
"This is getting troublesome." Nine sulked.
"Keep your guard up."
Everyone agreed.
As they walked farther, the canopy fat thicker than before.
Tristan cut down thick branches making way for the rest.
They could hear eerie voices from either side.
The rustling of the leaves grew louder at a certain distance. Jack looked back. He had an unsettling feeling of them being followed by someone.
He narrowed his eyes with suspicion but turned away as normally as he could.
"Milady, a wolf is stalking us." He whispered.
Sloane nodded. She signaled him to attack upon her command. Sloane taught him sign language during his training.
"Milady, there might be a short cut to our destination through this forest."
"Hold it, Tristan," Sloane called out to them.
"We'll attack them from here."She said in a lower voice.
"But milady the post-"
"Forget about the and for now do what I'm telling you." she looked at him without a hint of doubt.
"I...will do as you command." he gave in to her.
"Thank you for believing me." She smiled.
" Put your stuff down."
She went where the boy stood tightly holding his sword preparing to unsheathe it.
"Jack be prepared. We're going to attack those sly wolves."
"Hahh!I'm busted!" Nine slumped on the ground.
"Brother you mustn't let your guard down." Twelve warned him as she sat down to drink some water.
Of course, this kind of act was pulled up to lure those wolves into their trap.
Twelve got the flag out that they were supposed to display on their territory.
Suddenly two men leaped from the bushes drawing out their weapons.
"Jack!"
"On it!" Jack who was prepared to attack leaped up towards them. Sloane simultaneously followed him.
SPLASH*
There went the other.
Jack was able to knock the other unconscious.
"Milady!Gasp*"
Sloane's blade was covered in blood.
"The rules...were not to kill them." Jack stammered.
"The rules only said about new soldiers. Not imposters. Am I wrong Jack?"