Elijah returned home to get some rest before his next assignment. He didn't bother to unpack his hunting gear from the previous mission. He knew that Steven would want to join him again if he found out. He decided that he was going to lie to him or would not allow Steven to find out. Besides, Steven only had a month left before he would go to the academy with the other recruits. He should focus on his training for the academy instead of risking his life.
Elijah lay down on his bed and closed his eyes. He fell into a deep sleep.
Steven was in the training hall, sparring with Jake. He had just visited Liam, who was recovering in the infirmary. They had all received the news that they would be heading to the academy in a month if they passed the entrance exam. They would start a new year and train there to officially become a beast hunter.
Damn, we are going to the academy in a month, and I still feel so weak. I need to master the second stage of the sword technique, or I won't stand a chance at the academy. Steven thought as he swung his sword at Jake. Jake easily blocked his attack and countered with a swift kick. Steven barely dodged it and retreated.
"You are too slow, Steven. You need to be more agile and flexible. Your sword technique is too rigid and predictable. You won't be able to compete with the other students at the academy if you don't improve." Jake said, taunting him.
"Come on Jake. You should at least pity me in this situation and stop taunting me. You only have the advantage over me because you were well-trained by your father and were blessed with more Ki energy. And the fact that you love to use your bare hand to fight and be able to infuse your Ki energy around your hand to reduce the damage caused by my blade is annoying" Steven said, annoyed.
"Ha, you are just jealous of my skills. Why don't you admit it? You wish you could move like me. You wish you could learn more good techniques. But you can't, because you lack talent and determination. You are just a coward who hides behind Elijah. You don't deserve to go to the academy." Jake said, provoking him.
Steven glared at Jake, feeling a surge of anger and frustration. He hated how Jake always acted like he knew better, like he was superior to him. He wanted to show him that he was not a coward and that he had what it took to be a beast hunter.
"What, what are you saying Jake? I am more talented than most and have more determination. I train hard every day so that I can be the best beast hunter Jake. And please I am not a coward who hides behind Elijah", he snapped.
He clenched his sword with a white-knuckled grip and sprinted toward Jake with a primal scream. He unleashed a flurry of slashes and stabs, hoping to overwhelm him. Jake was surprised by his sudden aggression, but he quickly regained his composure. He parried and dodged his attacks, looking for an opening. He saw one when Steven overextended his arm and left his chest exposed.
Steven realized his mistake too late. He tried to block, but he was too slow. He felt a sharp pain in his chest, followed by a warm sensation. He looked down and saw blood gushing out of his wound. He staggered back, dropping his sword. He collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.
Jake rushed to his side, to see what had happened. He knelt and pressed his hand on Steven's chest, trying to make him breathe. He felt a pang of guilt and regret. He didn't mean to hurt him so badly. He only wanted to teach him a lesson, to make him see reason.
"Steven, Steven, can you hear me? Stay with me, buddy. You're going to be okay. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do this. You're my friend, Steven. Shit, shit, shit. I was only trying to encourage you to train harder, to be more careful. You don't have to prove anything to me, or Elijah. He's not your enemy. He's your friend and mentor. He cares about you, Steven. We all do. Please, don't die on me, Steven. Please…", he pleaded, tears streaming down his face.
"Die? I can't die from this, I am stronger than I look Jake and it is just a punch on the chest nothing serious" Steven said as he stood up from the ground.
"You made me scared for a second Steven and you know it was also a punch in the chest that got Liam to the infirmary," Jake said relived
"Are you making fun of me now"
Both Steven and Jake looked back as they recognized the voice of the person speaking. "Oh, looks like they let you go. And you look more gentle than you used to" Jake said as Steven ran towards Liam to see his injuries.
Your injuries have healed up a beat, So have you heard we are going to the academy in a month? "'Wait we are," Liam asked confused
"Yes, we are, so that means we have to ..."
"Even better, now I will have to show them that I Liam Lockwood, will be the best beast hunter in the world," Liam said as he didn't allow Steven to finish his sentence.
"Well, I guess we all have to grow stronger in a month then so that we will not be left behind in the beast hunters academy," Jake said
You're right, Jake. We have to train hard. And we will. We'll help each other out. We'll motivate each other. We'll push each other to the limit. We'll become the best beast hunters we can be." Steven said, determined.
"Exactly. We'll do that. And we'll do it together. As a team. As friends. As brothers." Liam said, passionate.
They looked at each other and smiled. They felt a bond of friendship and trust that was stronger than ever. They knew they had a common goal and a common dream. They knew they had each other's back. They knew they were ready for the academy. And they knew they were ready for anything.
The day was over and Steven was feeling nervous and excited about the academy, he was going to meet recruits like him, stronger ones.
"Wow this is getting exciting" Steven said as he head home