As usual, there should be a parent-child meeting after the final exam. Yes, that's usually the case, if it weren't for Master Merlin and her usual antics. "Here is the signature of your most beloved family member telling me to do whatever I want". Well, not exactly whatever she wanted. She specifically mentioned to our family member that she wanted to do a camp, as a sort of preparation for the projects specifically for the students, as we have a lot of mistakes during our practical exam.
During our practical exam, which simulates what will happen if we are attacked, some students freeze up, unable to do anything, but after a while they find their footing. Some overreact, whether it's panic or just thinking it's a joke, which isn't good either. Some are just weak, so through her observation, she actually informed every family member who allowed their child to participate in this project. When or how she does this is a mystery to most. To most, as I'm sure she just controls her Marionettes and goes from house to house.
Master Merlin says that mine and Dana's practical exam is almost perfect. The only thing for us to improve is our skill, that, as well as our way of thinking. Since we're both pretty good at combat and magic, through her and other teachers observation, we tend to overprotect our allies, which creates an unconscious rift as the protected thing that they're dead weight, thus lowering their morale. That's definitely a bad thing. Another problem is that the students will also rely on us excessively if things go wrong, and that can spell disaster.
"I'm not saying don't protect your friends, far from it, but get close to each other and learn everything about them. Communication goes both ways. That way, each side benefits from the other" [Merlin].
Basically, she wanted us to trust each other. For them to trust us and not think of themselves as useless, and for us to trust fully capable of protecting themselves from danger.
Unlike the other camps she's done before, there's no fighting involved. At least not yet (that's what we all subconsciously thought). She really just wanted us to get along. So the logical first step is
"As usual. Space Magic: Steal. Now, my dearest, most wonderful, beautiful, handsome sweetie, survive! Goodbye and trust each other. I'm going to set up a very powerful space barrier to prevent entry and exit. See you all in two weeks" [Merlin].
"WHAT!!!" [All]
And just like that, she left all of us students without anyone else. It's literally just us. No knights. No teachers. No adventurers. No one. Just us and us, students from different years, all stuck together inside a big, powerful barrier.
Judging by the structure of the barrier, I'm sure she's prepared for this beforehand. It's not just her magic power alone. It was a combination of her mana, various magic items, and a complex magic circle that she had prepared in advance. I wanted to try to break it right away, and all the others, knowing that I can do it, looked at me in anticipation, but Master Merlin thought one step further. The moment I do, a message appears in their space mana
"If Diana breaks this barrier before the aforementioned time, all students will fail and would be subjected to even more rigorous training. That, and more extra classes next year."
This massage alone stops my progress. She really is one step ahead of us. Honestly, no one is sighing because they half expected something like this. Even I feel the same way. It's just too good for Master Merlin if there is no consequence for me breaking this barrier of hers.
"Alright, first step. Assign a leader and a task. I'm sure we're all familiar with this, but not as a group of students from different years. Is there any objection to me being the leader for now?" [Kara]
None. In fact, almost all of us were expecting her to step up and become one.
Assigning the task and the leader of each group is really easy. Since the older ones have more experience, they volunteered right away. We also know each other's strengths and weaknesses, so we naturally grouped ourselves where needed. It's almost natural, but a little slower because some of us aren't used to each other.
"Did Master Merlin tell you and your parents about your mistake when she came to your house? Because Diana and I definitely got one" [Dana].
"She does" [Mara]
"Same here. She told my parents that I was weak and probably not able to protect myself in case of danger" [Neloufa].
"Same here"
"Mine harder. Basically telling me to take things seriously and not be a clown"
"I see. In that case, shouldn't we rearrange the group a bit? Knowing Teacher Merlin, I'm sure that's her real goal" [Liya].
"I agree. If we don't overcome our weaknesses as she mentioned, we will probably fail anyway" [Marianne].
"There is no one here to monitor us, so we are all on our own discreet is what I assumed. We can cheat a little, but considering her status as a legendary witch, I'm sure it's pointless" [Veronica].
"Yes. She can only pry through your soul to judge if necessary, so cheating is out of the question" [Diana].
While we're doing a bit of reshuffling, it doesn't mean we've left those unfamiliar with the task alone. No, we still help each other. For example, Neloufa really doesn't know or has minimal knowledge of hunting, so Adnan and I guide her. For those who are in charge of collecting and making sure our food and water supplies are stored properly, Veronica gives them a few tips on how to store things properly.
It's slower, but we felt it was necessary. More than failing this camp set up by Master Merlin, we remind ourselves that this is necessary for the upcoming project. Fail here and we will be in shambles in about a month.
When all is said and done and we have some free time, Dana calls us all out and starts a sparring session. In fact, she insisted on it. She herself will be our opponent and as such
"Diana. You're against me first. The others, pay attention and when your name is called, step forward" [Dana].
"Ooh! Interesting!"
"The two sisters are going to fight? That should be interesting."
"Shouldn't I be by your side and help you?" [Diana]
"I think so at first, but sometimes tough love is needed." [Dana]
"That sounds like Sister Khamisah, but very well!" [Diana]
This should be interesting.