"Are you prepared?"
Early in the morning, the Marshal questioned.
This was the time for Kael's Physical Conditioning Training; however, from today onwards, till the time this test concludes, Kael will not follow the same training regime since the test required him to leave the Capital.
"I am."
Kael nodded with a determined look on his face.
Right now, he wasn't in the training hall but in a strategy room where Marshal Therian would be providing the details of his test.
The Marshal stared at Kael, pleased to see his confidence. Then, after a satisfied nod, he turned towards the map of Drakthar that was placed on the big table and pointed at a certain town that was near the borders.
"This is the site of your test, Kael."
Therian informed.
Kael walked forward, looking at the map, and read the name of the town the Marshal had pointed at.
"Estwyn Town."
He muttered.
Therian nodded.
"That is correct."
Then, the Marshal brought out another map. This was the detailed map of Estwyn Town and its surroundings.
Kael observed it calmly and the Marshal continued.
"For a few months now, Estwyn and its people have constantly been harassed by wild beasts that once protected them."
"Corrupted Beasts."
Kael spoke in a solemn tone.
Beasts who had lost all their reasoning and were attacking the humans they once protected and lived together with.
Therian nodded grimly.
"While at first, the town's soldiers were able to take care of it, the scouts have reported that the beasts are now gathering and are estimated to launch a major attack on the town within three days—an attack the town's forces will be unable to resist.
For this test, you will be sent to this town as the leader of their troops and lead them to victory against the beast tide. This test will measure your ability to lead, strategize, and adapt under pressure."
The Marshal then handed over a stack of neatly organized papers and,
"These are the details of the test. Everything you need to know is mentioned here. These also contain some sensitive information, so make sure others do not see it. Always be wary of the people around you."
He said, his voice steady.
Kael nodded with a solemn look on his face.
"You'll be departing in an hour together with your troops. By carriage pulled by our Magic Beasts, it will take around thirty hours to get there.
I suggest you read all the details and come up with a plan of attack while you are in the carriage. When you get there and see the terrain yourself, tweak your plans, gain the townsfolks' trust, and lead them to victory.
Those 500 lives are in your hands."
Therian spoke with a solemn look on his face, and Kael turned silent.
The responsibility was too big for an orphan like him who had done nothing but fend for himself all his life.
Yes, he knew what this meant when he was told to become a Hero. He knew saving the world was no laughing matter. But now, when the responsibility was finally upon him, he was nervous.
Therian noticed that. The Marshal, however, decided not to say anything.
After all, this was a test.
He just gave one last warning to the Hero standing in front of him.
"Keep this in mind. Other than the three soldiers sent with you, you will be getting no assistance from the Kingdom whatsoever.
As much as we would like to pamper you and keep you protected, the Hero cannot be born in a shielded environment."
The Marshal then stared right into Kael's eyes and,
"So if something does go wrong during the test or if your life is threatened,
There will be no one there to protect you."
The Marshal warned with a strict look on his face, and it was now that Kael realized it, all this while, when he had been calling all his instructors crazy while thanking god for getting one normal instructor in the form of the Marshal, he was wrong.
The Marshal was the worst of them all!
The others were only beating him up. This man was sending him straight to his death, and he was doing it so calmly as well!
"I hope that is clear."
The Marshal spoke, and while he could curse all he wanted in his heart, in the end, Kael could only nod.
"Good. The meeting's adjourned."
Therian nodded, signaling Kael to leave. Kael turned around, and just as he was about to walk out of the room,
"I wish you luck, Hero Kael."
The Marshal spoke in a grim tone.
"Thank you, Marshal Therian."
Kael paused for a moment as he then walked away without turning around.
…
After Kael walked out of the strategy room and was going towards his room, two people appeared in front of him.
They were the Stormhold siblings.
"Kael…"
Elira called out with a worried look on her face. Obviously, she knew about the test. Even Arlan seemed worried, something that was quite out of character for both of them.
Kael chuckled as he stared at the siblings.
"Don't take it the wrong way, but I still get surprised every time I see you two together. I always wonder how you two haven't killed each other yet."
"Is it not clear? It's because the difference between our strengths is too big for her to kill me."
Arlan's answer was quick.
"Yes, I am way stronger, so I pity the fool."
Elira snorted.
"Heh, we all know you would be on the ground before you can even cast any of those spells you are so proud of."
"You will be burned before you get close to me."
"I am close to you now."
"Oh yeah? Why don't you try…"
And... the bickering started.
Kael couldn't help but chuckle. It was so easy to trigger the two siblings that it had become a game for him now.
Soon, however, as if recalling something, Elira shouted,
"Shut it, you fool! We will settle this later. I came here to say something important."
Arlan blinked as he heard those words. Then, he nodded and turned silent.
Elira glanced at Kael and,
"You don't have to take this test."