In mere few months of training, Marcus and Leon were seeing changes in themselves. Their bodies were getting stronger and their senses as well. Weapons were yet to be introduced but their overall awareness and reflexes have improved. Their survivability has multiplied. Marco was as strict as ever he worked them to death. But, due to Baron not being stingy and provided them with the most nutritious magical beast meat and other magical fruits and roots their body was always in a state of constant energy.
Leon and Marcus were labelled as natural geniuses. It is indeed true for Leon, but for Marcus, it is due to Chaos energy acting its part in strengthening his body and mind.
Today's was training regarding suppression of their presence they were tasked to catch a snow rabbit which has extraordinary senses for its rather poor stage of 0 it is one of the common animal found in outskirts of the forest but normal humans can never catch up to it either in speed or awareness. it can spot a predator from their movements but it can also sense someone's killing intent so it has always been a rare prey for humans and animals alike but its only constant predator is the shadow panther. The silent, stealthy and swift predator. But now Marcus and Leon were drinking three ponds of water just to locate this thing.
"god what does this rabbit eat, it doesn't even get tired from all the running around the barracks".
Marcus was complaining from impatience. Leon was also visibly exhausted after half a day of running around without rest.
Both of them stopped in a hallway and leaned over a wall panting wildly.
When Marco gave them the task they thought it would be easier compared to those arduous exercises
in the past few months but who would have thought this little task would become such a hard biscuit to bite. But suddenly Marcus's eyes lit up, due to them underestimating the rabbit they failed to catch it in the first part but an idea presented itself in his mind he thought
'if chasing is difficult how about luring?'.
He immediately shared his idea with Leon.
"Leon from now on chase the rabbit alone and lead it to this hallway I will lay in an ambush this damn rabbit has wasted enough of our time already".
Leon nodded at his words he did not need any further briefing after taking a breather he was contemplating the layout of the building and the hall was there was a connection between two Barracks. So if he can chase the rabbit in this way Marcus can lay in ambush at the other side of the hallway and jump at it and if their timing is right they can catch the rabbit.
This was a simple but solid plan. Leon went in search of the rabbit they were certain that the rabbit was in the other part of the building. So, Marcus crouched at the side of the entrance he steadied his breath he knew that the Rabbit is sensitive to even small disturbances. He stayed there like that for many minutes he was observing the small sounds of soldiers talking and the minute noises coming from the Market and occasionally the wind passing through the hallway. Amidst these peaceful disturbances, his ears picked up the sound of running he got prepared. The sound increased he was certain that it was Leon leading the rabbit his blood started to race this was the do or die moment of their little plan if he fails to catch it the Marco said they would not get food at barracks they would have to eat only when they are home at the keep and they would have to continue the hunt the next day until they succeed. Marcus prepared for the moment of truth. he was able to catch on the faint sounds of the rabbit's pads touching the granite beneath their feet. Leon suddenly shouted "NOW!"
Marcus jumped from his position and covered the exit of the hallway. The rabbit's pupils dilated faint energy emanated from its body it was almost invisible to the naked eye it leapt to an unimaginable height for a fleeing rabbit. Marcus's reflexes kicked in he spread his hands in the air in an attempt to catch the rabbit. But, it was too swift for its good it passed right through the gap between his hands and its feet landed on his face and once again jumped. But its trajectory did not last long a hand caught it in mid-air. When Leon saw what conspired he tried his best to not let a laugh out but he betrayed his expectations. He could not stop laughing at Marcus for the failure.
Then another laugh erupted behind Marcus the two were startled especially Marcus he never sensed anybody but now he was hearing someone laugh behind his ass.
"wow, boys I never expected you to be this incompetent Ahh what should I do. Once the task is taken it should be complete". Marco stepped into the Hallway.
Marcus was shocked "when have you come here, boss?"
Marco snorted and said, "I have been watching you for five minutes kiddo. You were crouching like a tiger but you never noticed me crouching over you. you would have been dead meat if this was a forest".
"come on no food until you catch him properly".
After saying this he left the bunny on the floor it ran away from them without even hesitating.
At the rest of the day, their attempts at catching the rabbit were futile. As both of them did not have either enough speed or stealth to completely catch the rabbit off guard.
Finally after seven days of improving they were able to catch the rabbit. Although Marcus would have been successful if he used the chaos energy to improve his overall strength and reflexes for a few seconds he was afraid of getting caught by using the energy if Marco ever stalked him like the last time. So, after successfully controlling his emotions and reaching a still sensation both he and Leon were able to succeed in the test. After both of them succeeded in the test they were in a mood to party. They went straight to their squad leader's room in the castle walls
Meanwhile, Peter and Marco were having a serious discussion.
Peter was saying "they are the talented boss. Who would have thought both of them would learn how to control their emotions and feelings to this extent they are both naturals at the art boss if we guide them correctly then they would surpass us".
Just then hurried footsteps were coming towards the room.
He simply said, "it's them".
They both entered the room in ragged breaths.
Marcus said in excitement "boss we both caught it in turns".
The surprise was visible on peter's face 'even boss took ten days in this test but these pipsqueaks...'.
Marco replied as if nothing interesting happened
"leave the rabbit here and leave rest of the day is a holiday".
Marcus was keen on roasting this god damned rabbit that tormented them for a whole week. But the boss was saying leave it here?
He was unable to contain his thoughts "but boss I was planning on roasting it ..."
Marco looked at the dejected boys with a weird expression. he took a cane and stood up "you squirt it is like an alarm for our unit when we leave to the wild it saved our lives countless times by alerting us before any beast attack and you have plans to eat it?". He raised his cane and started thrashing the dumb squirts that were almost ready to gobble up his squad's treasure.
Marcus shouted for forgiveness" boss! Please I won't say that again". The rabbit jumped from Marcus's arms and ran towards the door. But Marco sped to the door before the rabbit and closed it.
A devilish smile appeared on his face "you useless son of a rabbit you can't even evade them for at least ten days". He took it in his arms and scolded the boys "scram!"
Marcus and Leon sped past the door and left the walls to the keep.
But soon a smile crept up on Marco's face "indeed peter, these squirts are devils and did I forget to mention this snow rabbit is a Mutant".
Peter's mouth opened wide.