Irene understand her brother's dilema and noded her head in agreement.
Today, even she had witnessed the capabilities of Ben and Bob, who always seemed to take the back seat when it comes to showcasing their skills.
But then... Irene realized something.
But then, most of the times they had worked only in the healing hall. Where they were not as good as the other four. Still they had out performed all of the seasoned healers when it comes to concocting potions, human anatomy and herb lore. Their knowledge about herbs and medicinal plants were matched only by the other four and Helen. Even though they did not possesse healing magic, they had guided many healers and even her about human anatomy, herbs, medicinal plants and concoctions. Now Irene began to understand the depth of knowledge these six possess.
Without further discussion, both of them went to their rooms, lost deeply in their own thoughts and came to the dining hall after sometime and met with other family members.
Fredrick observed that both his Son and daughter were having their meal silently that night. Both looked to be contemplating something deeply.
Fredrick cleared his throat and asked."What happened today? Why are you both looking lost in thoughts?"
Both Irene and Roderick looked at each other and then Roderick started explaining everything that had transpired at the academy. Simon, Lillian and Fredrick listened to the story with wrapped attention.
"As I said, don't judge the young men by their simplicity my son. The abilities those six possesses are far... far beyond our grasp my son."
"Its a blessing in disguise that Irene is considered one amongst them. If not for that, she would not have been alive today or even had not gained this level of knowledge.
"And when it comes to the boys, I had heard and collected few rumors and information about their training with Master Harry. If even a fraction of it is true, then, their prowess, knowledge and strength are unimaginable." Fredrick shreddered visibly, leaving a trace of fear in everyone's heart.
"What are the rumors father? Can you let us know about it?" Irene's curiosity peaked and asked her father.
Fredrick smiled bitterly. " I will tell you one method of training, but first let us finish our dinner."
After the dinner, everyone got together in the reading room, chatting happily for a few minutes before Roderick broached the subject again. " Father, can you tell us about that training method?"
" Have you heard about Iron body technique?" Fredrick asked his two childern, Irene noded, "I believe Dave was saying that they had underwent the training on that day when he took thoses arrows right?" Fredrick noded but asked again, " do you know what it is or any other detail?" He asked her again.
Roderick looked thoughtful and noded slowly, "I think I had read something about it somewhere once." He seems to be thinking hard..... "It seems to be one of the harshest training method and the success rate is less than 0.1 %."
"You are partly right son. It means if a thousand men with body enhancement abilty went through the Iron body technique training, the success rate of survival, let alone having a successful result is not even a single person ."
Both Irene and Roderick gaped in horror at this news.
"You mean all the six had undergone and survived the Iron body technique's training father!!!?" Irene asked shock clear on her face.
"If what Dave told is true, and after seeing with my own eyes on that day. I believe he is telling the truth and yes they had survived that training." Fredrick said solemnly.
"What makes the training for that technique so hard father?" Roderick asked.
Its not hard son, its cruel. Unimaginably cruel. To make your body as hard as Iron, one's bone, tendons and muscles needs to be broken down inch, by inch.
What!!? Irene, Lillian and Roderick looked pale, paler than anyone could imagin, as if they were going to be sick.
Fredrick continued "And then they had to be submerged themselves in a pond, having natural healing and strengthening properties for many days."
"Do you know where the known location of this pond in our Kingdom is? Its in the depth of the Misty Mountains. A place which is a death trap for humans." He gave them a few seconds for the news to sink in.
Tears started falling down Irene's eyes. Roderick shivered in horror. Lillian ran up covering her mouth, she was about to throw up everything she had for dinner. Samuel looked solem and deep in thought.
Don't cry dear, Fredrick consoled Irene.
"I didn't.... her breath caught, she cleared her throat again. I didn't knew they were put under such cruel tests."
Lillian came back wiping her mouth with her handkerchief looking terribly shaken.
Fredrick shook his head with sad smile, "You are wrong there my child. I don't thing those guys were forced to do it. I feel... and I think I am certain in saying that, they volunteerd themselves after knowing the pros and cons of the Iron Body Technique."
Silence followed for a long time after Fredrick's spoke. His words sinking in their mind...