Caleb noticed with excitement that six of them would be joining the Frontier Corps together. He had seen how hard these teenagers have worked in the past three years, and he knew the academy would give them a bigger stage to shine. Tobias and Asher shared the same sentiment.
Three groups were formed quickly as they gathered with those who would be attending their academies. A leader was quickly chosen among the group going to the Defence Institute and the War Seeker Academy. This person was to monitor the progress of the others and continue to push for progress.
On the other side of the square, Caleb glanced at the familiar faces of the six individuals lined up in front of him. Among them was Trojan, the sole body cultivator among the group who had achieved the breakthrough to the Human Rank after achieving Unity in Mortal Rank. Agor and Nala were both Earth cultivators at Disciple Rank and Mortal Rank. They were well known for their robust physical constitutions. Ashley was a fire cultivator, while Phoebe and Hector were water cultivators, also at Disciple Rank for faith cultivation and Mortal Rank for body cultivation.
"Everyone has already achieved the qualifications of applying to the academy. I hope we can now increase the level of our training to make sure we break past our limits. In the last year, you all made your weapon choices and have been working on weapon arcs provided by the clan. But you haven't fully mastered how to use those weapons in a real fight," Caleb announced.
"From now on, we all will engage in a sparring match every three days. We don't need to work on cultivation for now; we need to increase our battle awareness. Trojan, you have been training with axes in the past. Head to the clan and get a full set of heavy armour along with two heavy axes. Train with them daily to enhance your strength.
Asher, your archery skills are already figured out, but your speed is still lacking. You should focus on improving your archery speed.
Ashley, Phoebe, and Hector, you three chose the spear, which is also the weapon I use. So we can share knowledge to improve. Your task now is to continue to brush up on your understanding of the Levi Six Stance Spear Art with the aim of incorporating your blessing skills, making it your unique technique.
Tobias, can you switch your weapon from an axe to a sword? You've been using the axe like a sword anyway, so there shouldn't be much of a difference. I am sure your father can help you arrange for a good sword and accompanying water sword art.
Agor and Nala, accompany Trojan to acquire a full set of heavy armour. Although you both are still in the Mortal Rank, your earth blessing plus your robust physique makes you both ideal tanks. I think you both should practice using a heavy door shield. Weapon-wise, I think you should continue with your choices from last year," Caleb advised while looking at the two maces in both Agor and Nala's hands.
"With three months remaining until we depart for the academies, let's make the most of our time," Caleb concluded.
The nine of them trained with unparalleled intensity, even causing concern among the clan's elders. They couldn't understand how these youngsters could push themselves so hard just a few months before enrollment. Although none of them experienced any breakthroughs during those three months, their skills advanced to another level. "It's time for us to make our way to the academies," Tobias declared confidently, a long sword strapped to his back.
"Gather around, children!" Elder Faith, dressed elegantly, stood at the forefront next to the clan leader. "The clan has done everything in its power to nurture you. You'll be heading to academies where the competition is fiercer than anything you've experienced. Those of you who attended the training camp in Silvermoon City will understand what I mean. You've heard their stories, so learn from them."
"Cultivate diligently and return to us in one piece. Take care of each other in the academies. You'll find some seniors from the clan who had already enrolled there, and they'll look after you," she continued.
Elder Rock had prepared a carriage for those planning to attend the War Seeker Academy. Elder Ironback had arranged a number of horses for those interested in the Defense Institute. Elder Sam would oversee those who would be joining the Frontier Corps.
Six out of the nine going to the academy were taken aback. "Does that mean we won't get a carriage? Perhaps we'll have to travel on horseback," Agor speculated. Asher smiled knowingly and replied, "No, we'll be going on foot." Tobias chuckled lightly, knowing he would be running the entire way with all their equipment; it was another form of training.
Soon, the children bid farewell to each other and their parents. The entire clan gathered at the gates to see them off. Caleb's mother stood alongside, and an elder behind her said, "Sister Faith, your son will undoubtedly achieve great things." She smiled, fighting back tears.
Elder Rock signalled for the journey to the West Mountains on the border of Moonlight Country and Fireblaze Country to commence. As the carriage disappeared, Elder Ironback led the children on horseback to the East City, known as the largest city of mankind.
Elder Sam glanced at the nine children. "Normally, it would take us five days by horse to reach the Frontier Corps camp in the South Desert. Since you all prefer to train, we are departing 15 days before enrollment. Your goal will be to arrive at the academy's gate in ten days. This will allow you five days of rest before enrolling."
Observing the children in front of him, some clad in heavy armour with heavy weapons and bags, while others wore customized weighted bangles on their hands and legs, Elder Sam couldn't help but think, 'Will ten days be enough with all this heavy equipment?'
"We will run there; don't fall behind the group!" he declared.
Silently, the children followed Elder Sam, running without uttering any complaints or questions. No matter how hard the journey was, they persevered, encouraging each other to fight on. Elder Sam also kept an eye on the pace of the group. He pushed them but also gave their bodies enough rest to continue.
On the eleventh day after leaving the clan, a bedraggled group of nine children arrived at the academy's gate. Elder Sam pointed at the door and said, "This is as far as I can go. Your futures are now in your own hands." With a whoosh, he swiftly retreated in the direction of the clan.
Exhausted, the nine children collapsed to the ground, desperately trying to catch their breath. Their bags and weapons were discarded around them, they looked like fishes out of water as they fought for air in their lungs. Caleb, who had refined his physical body more than the others, had been wearing twice as much weighted equipment as the others. He lay on the ground with his face in the dirt, panting along with the others.
"What is this?" The staff sergeant who had come to receive them could only watch the children lying on the floor. He had seen them running and had heard the words of Elder Sam, so he knew they were students and not troublemakers.
Approaching Trojan, who was nearest to him, the staff sergeant inquired, "Where are you all from?"
"We're from the Levi Clan," Trojan managed to reply between gasps for air.
"You mean you ran all the way from Free City with all that equipment?"
"Yes, we did!" Trojan responded with a sad, disappointed look. "Our elder set us a goal of ten days, but we fell short. It took us eleven days," he added.