Judin's voice broke the silence that hung heavy in the room. "That's... a lot at once," he remarked, his tone reflecting the weight of recent events.
"Yeah, and this random dude had taken Ryoshi," Hiyoku confirmed, his expression troubled.
"So Ryoshi got abducted... Was the abductor part of M.A.G.I.C?" Judin inquired, his brow furrowed in concern.
"I don't think so," Hiyoku replied, shaking his head.
"Interestingly, you guys seem really outclassed. I know we can't train you before your next exam, but we have no other option. Us, Purotekuta, will train you guys... or at least some of you," Judin explained, his gaze sweeping over the group.
"SICK!" Hiyoku exclaimed with excitement, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.
"Go tell your fellow Mamoru that we are accepting pupils at the Sanctuary," Judin instructed, his voice firm with resolve.
"Ok, Judin!" Hiyoku responded eagerly, determination evident in his tone.
Thirty minutes later, the group gathered in a dimly lit room, anticipation coursing through the air.
"This is the place they said we should meet them in," Hiyoku remarked, his voice echoing in the darkness.
"I can't see in here. Let's light the place up a bit. Explosive Magic: Flash Bangs," Shimisu suggested, his hands emitting a soft glow as he conjured two glowing balls and dropped them on the ground.
The balls exploded with a brilliant flash of light, illuminating the room and revealing Judin, Shuno, Vant, and two other figures standing around the group of Mamoru. One of them was a female elf with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a light blue cloak draped around her shoulders. The other was a large orc clad only in a loincloth.
Vant stood among them, now wearing a green poncho and the same straw hat as before, his demeanor calm yet watchful as he surveyed the group before him.
As Shimisu, Ryoshi, Toruri, and Arasu recoiled with a collective squeal, Hiyoku couldn't help but scoff. "You guys are a bunch of cowards," he remarked, his voice laced with teasing amusement.
"I came here for training. Are you guys going to train us?" Enerida's voice cut through the tension, her tone resolute and eager.
"We sure are. But not all at once. We'll train you guys individually," Shuno explained, his demeanor firm yet encouraging.
"YEAH, I CAN TAKE YOU ALL ON AT ONCE!!!" Hiyoku interjected boldly, his confidence unwavering.
"Uh... What he means is that we will be taking one or more students each," the Elf Woman clarified, her voice gentle yet authoritative.
"To put it in better words, personal mentors," Enerida summarized, her tone thoughtful as she grasped the concept.
"Yes. Some of you have not met us yet," Judin confirmed, his voice steady as he addressed the group.
"We're not talking to you, Hiyoku. Anyways, I'm Judin Dok, member of the hitman team," Judin introduced himself, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students.
"Shuno Zeru, also a member of the hitman team," Shuno added, his expression serious as he nodded in acknowledgment.
"I am Vant, teacher of the Sanctuary students," Vant announced, his voice carrying an air of authority.
"I'm Verte Haricot, I'm a Purotekuta," the Elf Woman introduced herself, her demeanor warm and welcoming.
"My name is Thom Baitang. I train Ofensu," the Orc declared, his presence imposing yet approachable.
"Today, we'll be splitting you guys off into groups, usually one-on-one," Shuno explained, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Why do that? Wouldn't it be better if we all trained together?" Enerida questioned, her curiosity evident.
"Some people need to learn things that others can't do," Shuno replied, his gaze flickering towards Toruri with a hint of reproach.
"Adding to what he said, some of you guys need to learn certain things that some of you already know," Judin elaborated, his tone patient as he clarified.
"Yeah, so let's get started! Toruri, you'll be training with me. I need to show you a few things," Shuno directed, his attention turning to Toruri.
"Psh, okay," Toruri responded nonchalantly, though there was a flicker of anticipation in his eyes.
"Kuroshi, you'll be with me," Judin announced, his voice firm yet supportive as he addressed Kuroshi.
Kuroshi nodded in acknowledgment, her expression determined as she prepared for the training ahead.
"Hiyoku, I'll train you," Verte declared, her tone firm yet kind as she took charge of Hiyoku's training.
"Ugh, what," Hiyoku grumbled, his reluctance evident in his response.
"Arasu, I'll take you," Thom offered, his voice calm yet authoritative as he addressed Arasu.
"Okay, is this training, or a freaking draft?" Enerida remarked wryly, her tone tinged with amusement and disbelief.
"No, these people just suck at saying things. Oh yeah, I've got you and Shimisu," Vant chimed in, his tone casual yet assured as he clarified the assignments.
"Now then, now that that's all settled, let's get to work! Follow behind your mentor, children," Shuno directed, his tone firm as he ushered the group into action.
With a sense of purpose and determination, everyone dispersed, following their mentors into their respective training sessions, ready to embark on their individual paths of growth and development.