Chapter 125 - Team Survival

Jien's father paused to let his words sink in for the children who had just been talking to each other or their family members. A look of puzzlement flashed across all of their faces but Jien's, even the stoic Barret had a certain flash in his grey eyes. To Jien however, this only brought back the points that Anuva had brought up to him about how the parents were planning something last night. Even if they were he couldn't say that he had expected them to make the announcement of that discussion today.Seeing that he had grabbed all of their attention Lord Losler continued his statement. "After seeing the results of the round robin yesterday we came to the conclusion that while you have all been trained well on your own and even when facing others by yourselves, you will be lacking when in a team-based environment." He paused here once again looking over the children, meeting their eyes to ensure his message was being understood. "This is okay given that you have only been training for yourselves but when you go to the academy you will have to lean on one another for support. As it stands now, you would likely all crumble under that pressure.""To shore this weakness up and ensure that you are all prepared for what is to come in a few years we have decided that you will all be joining in some survival training in the Warping Forest." This statement shocked each of the young nobles, Jien included, leaving their eyes wide open, their jaws slack and their throats dry. Even if Jien knew that they were planning something he would have never thought that they, the responsible Lords of varying territories would toss their own children into what could be considered one of the most harrowing death traps in the entire empire.Seeing their expressions Lord Losler quickly started speaking again, not wanting to fully destroy their morale before they even started. "You will of course have others watching over you throughout this experience." he added calmly. "Your teachers and other survival experts will be present, but they will only help you if you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own. Their will likewise be lessons built into the experience led by these very same individuals."He went silent here as if to allow for comments and questions but all he received was stunned silence. Even with others there to watch over them and teach them along the way the Warping Forest was known as a death trap for a reason. The forest didn't have anything too harrowing in terms of beasts or magical plants or anything. It was a death trap because those that stepped into it were known for never getting out. Those that did manage to leave were often more than a little insane when they would finally somehow escape its grasp.The forest itself was east of Silvios City and consumed a majority of the space along the shore of the sea up to Elker city. Even from the outside the forest was unnatural in nature as it was filled with a foggy mist that seemed to come from the forest center. Once one would step past the tree line into the forest itself it was said that your sense of direction would be turned on its head. Even if you were just barely inside you wouldn't be able to find your way back.Nobody had been able to solve the cause of the issue. Several had tried to analyze the fog with varying methods to find the reason but the fog itself appeared completely ordinary. Even if one was to use a compass or the stars to try and find their way out it would become utterly useless. This made the concern of the children obvious. How were they supposed to get out if they were sent in. Were their parents trying to kill them and if so, why do it in such a roundabout way.It was only after several minutes of astonished silence that the other parents decided to intervene so as to remove the obvious worry. It was Lady Griffith who spoke this time as she rubbed Rosalind's back comfortingly. "Not all of what you have learned about the forest is necessarily true. Yes, it has the properties that gave it its name but there are definite ways to leave that were found after the forest had already received its reputation. They just are obscure in nature and difficult to use, and thus not many would be able to escape. However, we know these methods and those that will be teaching you will be able to use them at any time in case of danger."Lady Romero spoke up after, her voice calm and firm "The reason we chose the Warping Forest is to remove you from the comforts of society, much like the fields of battle you will be a part of. There will be you, your teachers and the wild. Everything will depend on your teamwork from your comfort in terms of shelter to the food on your table." She smiled a cold smile as she faced the children. "This training will be hard, no doubt, but by the time you come back you will be more than ready for anything the academy throws at you."Lord Losler took back the reins of the conversation. "You will be allowed to bring certain supplies and items to start but the rest will depend on yourselves. This expedition we are sending you on will last four of your remaining five years before academy if nothing happens to interrupt it. The last year will be used to smooth out any rough edges prior to being sent off."