Earlier that day during the meeting...
"Take them to the west range?"
"Yes. It's part of their training to get themselves accustomed to any kind of environment."
"But it's a bit too early for them my lord."
"Pushing them to their limits and thinking out of the box will increase their chances of survival in battlefield Laurentius. Atlanta lives up to its name for the strongest army it controls in the continent. But our equally greatest threat is Nethiloria which rivals us in every aspect. They should learn to survive every dire consequence in front of them. The country does not need those who cower in fear of their enemies."
"..."
"You understand better than anyone else." Sebastian passed a smile.
"I will carry out your command. Please allow me."
Sebastian nodded in agreement and concluded their meeting.
"So you will take them away by tomorrow?" Patricia looked concerned about their well-being.
"You worry too much. It's just a regular training camp." He gave her a light pat on her head.
-"He always says that...I can't help but worry."
"Alright, you guys. End today's training by running five laps and don't forget your stretching."
"Yes Sir!"
-"I am exhausted. The commander won't let us off. Moreover, I witnessed the worst possible side of Patricia. It gave me chills."
Sloane shuddered while pouring cold water over her body.
"Baths are always refreshing."
She dried her hair with a towel.
"And we are to leave for a training camp in west range. I hope we don't run into those Net 'Nethilorian thugs' unlike last time."
She felt something warm around her neck.
"It glowing again?"
"Sloane."
"Yes, ma'am!" Sloane startled by Patricia's voice hid her amulet with her hands.
"You why are you not in your bed." She asked drowsily as she got up from her bed.
"I just came out of the bath. I'm going to sleep. I apologize for disturbing your sleep."
"No, it's not your fault. I wanted to have a drink. mmm~"
"I will pour it for you." Sloane picked up the jug from the table and poured water into the glass.
"Here ma'am...?"
-"And she is fast asleep."
She saw Patricia who was fast asleep moaning in her dreams.
"She can be like an innocent child sometimes. I wonder what she's dreaming about."
"You!"
"Me?"Sloane asked alarmed.
-" Did she catch me staring at her? No calm down she's fast asleep."
"Get down on your knees you imbecile trash!"
"Y-YES MA'AM!"
-----------------
"Alright, you lazy heads today we set off for the West Range. You will walk there on foot there will be no carriage nor a horse to take you there. In addition, you will be carrying this luggage with you. Each of you. We will inspect the borders first then your test will begin. Now get out there."
"Yes Sir!"
"I have a feeling that this might be the same as last time." Jack looked uneasy as if he were sensing danger beforehand.
"We barely managed to escape last time. If it weren't for Lord Sebastian and Sir Lucas."
"Ahem! It was one of the assassin twins who delivered the message with their life on the line." Sloane corrected them.
They looked awkwardly at the twins trying to figure out who it was.
-"These two will never learn."
"Enough. With you two being like this we will be dead if the commander finds out that you were slacking off."
"Sorry."
"But the commander's assistant was even scarier than him yesterday."
"I did not see that coming. My heart barely survived an attack."
-"Even the rest of them were equally shocked.No less expected from the owner of the Academy."
She recalled why he was called names like a 'crazy war beast' and 'a demon.'
"By the way my lady I received approval from Lord Valentino."
"Approval? What are you talking about Nine?"
" He said that he will take care of the paperwork for the family registry for the two of us."
"I see your names will be put on the Günter family register. Congratulations!"
"I appreciate the sentiment but it seems that the banquet for the age of coming will be postponed until we officially become knights."
"Until then I might be reaching the age of coming as well."
Jack looked straight ahead blankly.
"We have been marching for more than two hours and there is no sign of reaching the foot of the West Range."
"Are you alright Leonhard?"
"Don't worry I'm getting used to it brother."
"You always say that. It can't be helped since we are used to running on trees and rooftops."
-"Why are they exposing their secrets?"
The sun was above the head when they saw the faint projections, of the mountain peaks in distance.
"There I see them!" One of them excitedly called out.
"I thought it would take us forever to reach there."
"It's my hometown, my fellow mates."
"Oh~so you are from here? It means we are neighbors."
"Neighbors?"
"l live in the small town Edwin on southwest a little further from here."
"Cool, maybe we can visit each other sometimes."
They reached the town in half an hour to take a few minute's rests.
"I see many of them come from towns governed by the aristocratic factions. Isn't that right Orlellian Von Anderton, Ernesto Von Anderton of Anderton County?"