The five friends were given a new higher status in the administration as well as were assigned new roles accordingly. Danish and Turan were assigned to accompany the trading caravan to Brookside town. Kaito wanted to train so he was assigned to look after the core troop of the village training on the island. As for Malik and Leila, they were interested in studying the formation provided to them by Lili, also they planned to help with administration and other miscellaneous activities.
"I heard that the elders are going to escort the caravan to the town," a recruit spoke in a hushed voice to his friend.
"Really? For how long?"
" Two weeks, I guess."
"That's a long period. what about our training in the meantime?"
Another recruit joined their circle, "I heard someone new is going to train us from today onwards, any news on that."
"I don't know, just heard from him."
"What? You know something?" the newcomer asked.
"No that's all."
"let's ask Aniya, she must know one or two things about the developments."
Aniya was the daughter of Elder Amina, she was very popular among her circle due to her ranking among the recruits and for her knowledge of all the affairs related to the village.
A large group surrounded her listening to her silently, some even nodded while she explained the new developments.
"They will be away for more than a week in the meantime, Kaito will be our trainee," she explained.
"Is he even able to? If I don't remember wrong, a few months back we trained alongside him. So what qualifies him to be better than us?" said one of the men from the crowd.
"That is true," another added.
"What do you know," Aniya smirked at the two men. " My mother told me that Kaito, Danish, Malik, Turan, and Leila are given status equal to elders, which proves how qualified they are."
"Hell if I will believe a word of that," the man responded in anger, " this is clearly favoritism, how in the world, noobs like them can have such status."
"My mom is an elder too, yet here I am with you. Does that not prove something."
"I don't care." The man replied.
Away from the soldiers' camp and away from all the activities on the island, Malik and Laila observed Kaito as he trained in the formation. Large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead as he sat in the formation.
When the time hit twenty-five minutes, Kaito opened his eyes, lightly gasping, "I don't think we are anywhere near clearing the first level of the formation." He had a dejected look on his face.
"That's fine too. Our improvements are not any little, let's take it slow."
"Yes, Malik is right. Also, hurry up, there are some people we have to meet. Don't tell me forgot about it."
"Oh! I almost forgot that. Let's hurry."
The three friends readied themselves to meet the recruits.
On the mainland, Danish and Turan sat alongside the elders watching the caravan as it was finally ready to leave for the town.
"How is it, Elder?"
"Everything has been loaded, Chief."
"Good to hear that, Abdul" Kamal Khan turned towards the approaching elders. "And what about you guys?"
"We are good to go," replied Elder Jeremiah.
'Hmmm!' responded Kamal Khan. He turned towards Danish and Turan and blessed them. "Good luck boys! And enjoy the trip." They smiled at each other.
A total of twenty-two huge wagons set out fully loaded with all sorts of precious materials on it. A large troop of soldiers accompanied it as the caravan moved down the road.
....
"A lot has changed ever since the day we were attacked by the wolves. Many lost dear ones, some are still haunted by the nightmares, but we should not lose our hopes." Malik spoke to the hundred-and-fifty core troop that stood in an organized manner listening very attentively. "We should carry the wills of those who sacrificed their lives for us, for our future. And that is why we have to work hard, and not just for our sake but for the future of those who will come after us." Malik took a long pause.
Leila took the stage after getting a signal from Malik, " Is there anything you want to ask?" she asked.
After a long silence, a man spoke out his thoughts, "I have respect for all my brothers here, but I ask you what qualifies you to lead us and teach us. A few months back, we trained alongside so how... or what is there for to learn from you."
"That...." Before Leila could answer that question, Kaito stepped in, "Since you mentioned the training from before, does that mean you are asking how are we better than you? Do you want us to exhibit our skills to get recognition?"
"Yes..., no. I mean, I respect the elder's decision but I want to know what is there to learn...." The man got confused as to whether he might be doubting the elder's judgment and offending him meanwhile unable to accept someone with no skills.
"I like your courage. Why don't we exchange a few hands, what do you say?
"I would love to."
Inside a battle arena stood the man on one side and Kaito on the other. The man unsheathed his wooden sword taking on an offensive stance, he charged at Kaito who stood still in his place.
The man pounced at Kaito, once he found him within range, he swung his sword horizontally, targeting his ribcage, only to find his sword fly an inch away from the target. Thinking that he might have misjudged the attacking range, the man attacked again after closing the distance by a few inches, only to find missing the target again. He tried attacking from all angles but the outcome remained the same. He missed every single time.
"My time, now." With a single swing of his arm, taking advantage of the momentum the attacker had built, Kaito hauled him far in the distance.
The man stood up, realizing the difference, he bowed and accepted defeat. Everyone was amazed at the small exchange, their hearts raced, seeing Kaito exhibit skills with such mastery. Everyone recognized Kaito as able to teach them at that moment.
The curtain fell on the scene as the recruits went back standing in an organized manner on their old positions.
"I am very happy to announce that you have been promoted as the official member of the army of Saltmarsh. But, there is still a lot to learn. And before we commence our true training, you guys need to know something." Kaito announced to the recruits.
There were gasps and whispers in the ranks as the recruits had not expected such a turn of events.
"We talked with elders and the chief that we would disclose some of the very core secrets regarding our village to you guys, and we got the permission. As for the secrets, you will find it out once we take you around our secret base." With a smile and mystery, Malik informed the core army of the village.