The week starts with Bishop Howl putting Aurora in charge of the training regimate, both Bishop Howl and Stark participated as Pawns not as Officers, while they waited for the next Pawn graduies to arrive Friday.
By the end of the week, Aurora had successfully gained the Pawns to use their magical weapons properly, while building their teamwork on the obstacle courses and different group exercises in the arena, focusing on Ghoul training to strengthen small group thinking. Stark and Aurora were getting comfortable as Rooks and their members.
By the time Friday came around their squad of eleven each had doubled to twenty-four Pawns each.
The weekend arrives with the Pawns were eager to have the re-battle for the chores, Bishop Howl had made it known they'd be doing a Ghoul run and they'll be separated into teams, the group to survive all five rounds or has the most kills wins the game.
"So I've decided to mix things up. For this pairing, you all get to pick the group you want to be in, size does not matter. The group or groups to have the highest score or survive all five rounds win are exempt from all chores for the week," he looks at the group once more before smiling, hoping things get interesting.
"Also rank doesn't matter and you're at your liberty," Aurora smiles at his words and calls out to Stark.
Stark smiles at Aurora, "team of two?" Auroura nods, Bishop Howl holds his excitement inside, he gets to see both his Pawns in action.
"Alright ladies and gents get to your places," Aurora and Stark lead the way to the amory and Aurora sticks a long bow and different types of practice arrows. Stark preferred close combat weapons so he fills his pockets and settles for a purifying sword as his main weapon.
"Lets go," Stark and Aurora head for high ground as they look for a hold out spot. Half way up a hill to a tall church when the siren signaling the start of the match.
"Incoming," Aurora alerts as she pulls an arrow into firing position. A pack of ghouls rush them into a corner. They use their swords to cut down the pack.
"Get the ones to the right, I'll take the incoming," Stark turns on his heels and attacks the small pack rounding the corner, while Aurora notches arrows and takes down the four incoming ghouls.
They quickly move to find a safe place before the next round starts. They come across a group of pawns.
"Rooks!"Stark nods impress they've decided to form one large group.
"Figured numbers would give us the best advantage," Pawn Itly speaks up and Aurora nods in approval.
It was then she decided she needed to train their individual survival skills immediately. Aurora goes into planning mode as Stark gives a few tips and they part ways. The Pawns were reluctant to see them go.
"What are you thinking?" Stark questions a quiet Aurora.
"They're teamwork is great," he chuckles at her tone.
"Isn't that what you wanted? Its only been a week of physical hell and teambonding," he gives her a look, "catered by you. And the forest floor you been making us sleep on."
Aurora nods, "not liking being out with nature? Also a group needs followers and leaders."
"But?" The second round alarm rings.
"If they all act like sheep and huddle together when no leader is present, then our Pawns will be up for slaughter," Aurora shoots down three ghouls jumping from a store roof right above them as Stark fights off the two rushing down the street towards them.
"So what do you wanna do?" Both Stark and Aurora jump as Bishop Howl face appears in the shop window.
"Everything is magical in here, anything can be communicator in here," He explains to a very confused Stark.
"So Helie what idea do you have cooking in there?" Bishop Howl asks her once more.
"A solo surivival trip, but in here. We can control the situation in here," Aurora points out.
Stark nods, "isn't individual training going to far? We don't have a lot of time before the unit is filled and we're still missing at least half of our own squad."
"Its because we have the time till the unit fills up that we should use it. Having a small group individually trained will help when we have a squad too big to do this.
"When the time comes we can use them to help with the training," Bishop Howl muses and Aurora tells him not to get to ahead of himself.
"But them knowing what they're doing as individuals will help us when we can't be around to lead them. Especially with a unit full of newly graduated Pawns and Rooks individual structure is important," Aurora counters and Stark mulles it over.
"You really think we can get these guys there in less than a month?" Stark questions as every failed training replays in his head.
"No but if we can get a few to step up above the rest we'll be to a good start. Leaders among the same rank will be beneficial to us - to the two of you especially if you can lead without being present," Bishop Howl agrees and lets them know he'll begin the preparations to get the arena for four days and three nights so they can begin immediately.
The third round siren goes off and within seconds both Stark and Aurora our swarmed, they rush to find a dead end to avoid any attacks from behind or above. Aurora trailing behind a few feet, taking down those that get to close while Stark looks for a good place to attack.
"I swear he did this intentionally," Stark mutters as they cut down the hoard. The alarm goes off three times ending the match.
"Everyone else die?" Stark asks in general.
"Congratulations Stark and Heeli you two are the winners. Only ones to make it to round four," Bishop Howl announces, "eveyone else must divide the chores amongst themselves."