The following day, Haizen and Urilo made their way to the training area to begin their new journey with the Brotherhood. When they arrived, they noticed a small group of other new recruits, bringing their total number to ten.
Vorenus was at the front, his authoritative presence dominating the area. As they took their places, he began. "From today, we will mold you into soldiers who can be useful to the Brotherhood. We will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for our operations. You have been selected from various parts of the country, and we believe many of you have the potential to become strong soldiers of the Brotherhood, and carve out your place here."
His gaze swept over the recruits, ensuring he had their full attention. "First, we will test your abilities and determine what skills you possess. After the recruitment process, you will be sent on a mission. Until you complete that mission, you cannot become an official member of the Brotherhood. Do you understand?"
A chorus of 'Yes, sir!' echoed through the training area. Vorenus nodded, satisfied with their response. "Everyone, form a line and come one by one for your combat test. Give it your all. Your opponent will be me. Don't think twice about unleashing your full power. I will measure how strong you are."
With that, the training began. Each recruit stepped forward in turn, showcasing their skills and abilities against Vorenus. Haizen and Urilo watched, their determination to succeed growing with each passing moment. They were ready to prove their worth and earn their place in the Brotherhood.
The first to step forward was a muscular man who towered above the others. Even without a weapon, he looked formidable as he approached Vorenus. Unleashing a series of martial arts moves, he attacked Vorenus directly. However, Vorenus effortlessly blocked his attack with one hand, acknowledging, "Not bad." Yet the giant man didn't give up. He attacked faster and faster, creating a cloud of dust around them.
All the recruits could see was a shadowy figure and dust. Many believed Vorenus must have taken some damage from the relentless onslaught. But as the dust cleared, Vorenus stood tall, undeterred. "Good, very good," he praised, and gestured for the next recruit.
The next recruit was a spiky-haired man wielding two curved swords. He looked somewhat maniacal as he lunged at Vorenus, aiming for his neck. His attack was relentless, but Vorenus seemed to enjoy the challenge. He evaded every attack and then swiftly landed a kick that sent the man flying back. A small amount of blood spurted out from the man's mouth as he hit the ground. "Next," Vorenus called out, unfazed.
The next to step forward was a blonde-haired boy. As he faced Vorenus, he suddenly ascended, resembling a wizard from ancient books. Just as he prepared to attack, Vorenus stopped him with a single word. "Stop," he commanded. The boy immediately halted his attack and descended.
"All the mages, come to this side," Vorenus instructed. Urilo, after a glance at Haizen, moved to the other side alongside the boy and another recruit. Of the ten recruits, three were accustomed to magical battles and separated from the group, while Haizen remained with the other seven. The training was becoming an intriguing showcase of diverse abilities, and Haizen was ready for his turn.
Vorenus gestured to the remaining recruits. "Continue," he commanded. The next recruit to step forward was a gloomy-looking man who gave off an aura of melancholy. As soon as he faced Vorenus, he vanished, only to reappear behind Vorenus in a blink. He attempted to stab Vorenus, but Vorenus swiftly retaliated. However, unlike the previous recruits, the gloomy man managed to counter Vorenus's attack.
In the blink of an eye, the gloomy man vanished again, reappearing periodically as if he were darting around Vorenus. Haizen observed with awe. The man's skill was far superior to his own. Vorenus, however, remained calm, waiting for the right moment before striking back. As soon as the gloomy man reappeared, Vorenus landed a decisive blow, knocking him down. "Good, actually better," Vorenus commended before calling for the next recruit.
There were only four recruits left now, including Haizen. The next to step forward was a man with a cold-blooded look and not a hint of emotion in his face. He exuded a sense of danger that made Haizen wary. Reminding him of a ruthless assassin, the man carried two daggers as he launched his attack on Vorenus. Initially, he attacked with both his daggers, but suddenly, he put one away and began attacking with just one.
He moved so swiftly it seemed like he was teleporting. Haizen couldn't identify the specific skill he was using, but it was clear he was highly skilled. However, even against his impressive display of power, Vorenus emerged victorious. As he had done with the previous recruits, he acknowledged the man's skill, "Next!" he called, ready to assess the remaining recruits.