It's a story as long as time. It's a long time ago, but I remember it very well. Five days ago to be exact, when we were all deciding on our group members. Master Merlin allows 6-8 members per group, and of course Kara, Mara, Neloufa, Marianne, Tio, Adnan and I will be together, or were supposed to be together, when the boys mocked Adnan for being in the all-girls team, which resulted in him hastily changing his group and now
"Too bad, different groups aren't allowed to share their stuff" [Diana].
"Tchh..." [Adnan]
"Ahh... This wonderful John's bread is delicious. With meat and cheese melting together, so tasty" [Diana]
"Diana, stop it" [Marianne]
"But it is fun to watch his face of pain" [Diana].
"You really share my taste for fun" [Linda].
(You will look back on this and regret your decision not to join them, dear Adnan) [Randy]
We just arrived at the field where we will be tasked with various tests. From how we set up our camp, to gathering material, to leadership and so on. After Master Merlin told us the purpose of this one day trip, which is to prepare us for the worst case scenario in war, where no one will help us.
We are all given a short time to rest. The six of us take a spot under a lush green tree. Noon is approaching and none of us wanted the sun under our skin
"I hope the test isn't too hard" [Marianne].
"True. This is actually my first time sleeping outside a building" [Kara].
"Sounds fun and nerve-wracking at the same time" [Mara]
"Have you done this before, Neloufa?" [Tio]
"Camping? I have, but that was a long time ago. I didn't help them much back then, I just helped them get ingredients for cooking here and there" [Neloufa].
"I guess I shouldn't ask you this, but have you done anything similar in the past?" [Kara]
"Several times. I remember having to hunt wild animals and skin them for meat. Pretty rough back then, but it can be fun" [Diana]
Time passes and we get the last of our belongings out of the carriage. Kat wanted to help us a little, but Randy and Linda forbid her. I wonder why, but I can see that Kat is making the "Ahh... That's right" face. I wonder if they got some other instructions?
After all the groups have finished unpacking, we are told to gather in front of Master Merlin and Ms. Tiara. The other knight and adventure stand behind them, and Master Merlin makes a surprise announcement
"All knights, maids and staff are hereby forbidden to help them at all. And don't think I won't notice" [Merlin].
Except for Neloufa and me, the others are clearly showing signs of panic. It's fun to watch them suffer. Feeling our anger at having to catch up with you in your study, secretly crosses my mind.
"And did I say a day and a night? That's a lie. I specifically told your parents it would be three days and two nights" [Merlin].
Master Merlin is making it worse and worse. Now even Neloufa and I feel the panic. Well, just a little, because compared to my time in Aru Village, this is nothing.
"And I will be taking all your equipment with me, so do your best to survive, my dear, wonderful, beautiful, sweetest, smartest, bravest, wisest students. Steal Space" [Merlin]
Using advanced space magic, she stole all our equipment from our side, from the wagons, even some from my item box magic to her side. In return, she quickly used her puppet magic and labeled each item as belonging to whom. She did this in just a few minutes, leaving us all to stare at her in awe. I wonder how much training I should do to reach her level. Is it even possible to reach her level?
"Now, without any guidance, begin!" [Merlin]
"WHAT!"
All of us, all of us are stunned by her actions. Master Merlin, you really are full of surprises.