We had joined the training late, since we needed some rest and food and by the time we arrived the men were already finished warming up.
" So here we go people. " - Zephyr spoke up once everyone was gathered. " Those not participating in the exercise please go and observe from a safe distance, thank you. "
Nifa, my mother and the kids took a seat on the tables, and munched on some salty snacks.
" First we need to talk about the exercise itself. I know most of you are well trained and don't need words of caution or most likely this training at all but, I feel like we need this done just to understand the severity of the HUNT. "
He talked to all of us with a grim expression and with an extremely serious tone.
" Once we arrived, our archers will join your newly selected man and stay in the town while us 6 will head towards the monster's location. " - he said pacing back and forth. " Our training will include some crucial scenarios that, I myself think will improve your chances in an actual fight. "
Too bad we didn't know a whole lot of information. Tori our first target was an Elephant beast. Large and powerful but also slow .. we hoped. Misao on the other hand was in the dark and will have to rely on the villagers and not much time to prepare.
Zephyr picked up a large bag from the ground and emptied it in front of us. They're were small brown balls.
" These little helpers will be the main attackers meaning, the balls will chucked at you at high speed and your ability to doge as many as possible will be evaluated .. In an ideal world you would all avoid them perfectly, but we will see. " - he finished with a big smile while he picked one up. " Who's first? "
It might be something he think we all need but even with his aim being garbage those balls looked solid. But still his captains wanted to prove themselves and ended up playing rock, paper, scissors, until Carlos won.
" Can I use my ability? " - he asked as taking his place about 30 feet or so from Zephyr.
" Of course you can, this is a real simulation meaning you all can use any weapon or tactic to avoid them all or deflect them .. " - he said.
As we waited how well or unwell he threw them .. nothing happened.
He smiled as two identical man from his right appeared with apologetic smiles.
"" Hello .. ""
Zephyr handed them a ball each and walked towards us.
Carlos now lost his previous light attitude and took it dead serious, the twins aim was impeccable.
" Well done. " - I said resting in his arms until it was my turn. " You couldn't hit anything so choose people who can't miss. "
He rested his chin on my head making me vibrate as he said. " I know my own weaknesses .. as any good leader would. "
" What are you two waiting for!? " - asked Carlos jumping around nervously in anticipation of a surprise hit.
Just then another set of sibling with incredible aim arrived.
" Sorry Zephyr, we were sleeping in. "
Aim and Mia Monroe run over in light clothing.
" Please .. it was perfect timing, grab those balls from the ground and let the test begin. It should be 10 for each of you .. good luck Em. " - he said with an evil smile.
Now we were all very nervous about our own turn. Those four with 40 balls?
" Alright then .. I won't shy away from a challenge as you all know. Let's all ..
( SWISH )
I brown blur was narrowly avoided by him, and the rest kept on coming. They did him a favour and those balls came one by one.
Carlos was nimble on his feet and managed to avoid the majority of them and only allowed 5 hits. Not just that but, he didn't use his water ability to deflect them, or cut them down. It was an overall an impressive showing.
He was out of breath when it ended but looked impressed with himself.
" Failed! "
I was a little shook when my husband suddenly announced his verdict above me.
" Why!? " - asked Carlos walking over.
" Well for one, they took it easy on you .. even though, I told them explicitly they can't do that. " - he answered looking at the four behind Carlos.
From their facial expression they're knew this was coming.
Carlos on the other hand took his words seriously.
" Don't worry this was the first round, in fact this little insubordination gave me an idea. We will raise the difficulty as we go along, the first round was demonstrated so that will give you an idea what to expect as we go on .. next? "
As Lucian took the stage we huddled together with the girls and reevaluated the need for this.
" We can't back down now .. can't we? " - asked Demelza whispering.
" No we can't, even though I wanted to do this as well and it might be useless for us, but we're here now non the less. " - I answered.
Cintia and Eli sadly nodded along with my thoughts. If we back down now Zephyr will lose some respect for us .. probably not .. but he wound make fun of us and that was unacceptable.
As the boys all succeded avoiding most of the first round, I took the initiative and took place.
The twins and sisters were also having some fun with this even if looked tired doing it.
" Ready Lylly!? "
" Yes, and don't hold back with me. " - I answered to Mia's question making sure they're didn't hold back with their attempts for any silly reason.
The balls came relentlessly but I did very well .. until one of Fipna's ball hit my left leg with such force, it made me lose my balance. Another 5 quickly followed and I ended up with a 30/ 40 score.
I was beyond disappointed, this was only the first level .. also these little shit balls hurt like hell.
I felt a familiar hand on my head. " Come, I'll help you. "
My husband was there with a ' I told you so' smile but his hand was appreciated.
" Just you wait, by the end of this training program I will be able to avoid them all on the highest difficulty .. " - I said and actually believed it.
However the task was difficult as is and honestly, I had no faith in my ability ...