"If both of you can follow me, we will be going to the next training area, once there I will introduce you both to your new training partners. Along the way, I will explain what it is the both of you will be doing along with the others.Because a bit of explanation is in order."
Alexandra led the way and we followed, I quickly noticed there were more people following us.
Ragnee and June both made their way towards the new training area together with us.Geo looked around to see who he recognized, but truthfully he was only ogling the girls.
It seemed the group began to grow bigger as there were a lot of unfamiliar faces.More women than men. The ratio was around 5 to 8, counting Alexandra, Ragnee and June there were a total of 15 people partic.i.p.ating in the same training as us.
"Now if I can have your attention, I will explain to you what the point will be of the training these following days. Since we have a lot of people needing to prepare for the expedition we sufficed a training schedule for the entire group.
Consisting of three parts;
Game of Tag,Combat,Mastery.
At the end of the training sessions, we will be choosing three-star pupils,one for each part of training who will join their party as second in command.As for the different parts of training. Let me explain briefly.
Geo got all fired up, knowing we had to fight the ones who joined our training. I too became excited having the chance to gain the opportunity to venture into the unknown.
A Game of Tag:
In this challenge we want each pupil to utilize the basic principle of shadows to gain understanding and experience in concealing one"s presence.
Each of you will be getting a crystal that corresponds with the darkness element, this is only to be used when someone finds themselves in a tough spot.
Using the crystal three times will lead to the breaking down of said crystal which will then expose the one in question. Allowing others to better pinpoint their opponents.
Each time one gets caught by the other they gain a point. In the end, only half of you will remain as well as the one with the most points who will become one of the representatives of our guild for the expedition.
During the game of tag one is allowed to use hand to hand combat for self-defense. If this is used deliberately to hurt the other we will deduct a point.
If in turn it is certainly used for self-defense allowing one to escape their predicament?That person will gain a point.
Now before I begin explaining about the 2nd part of the training, I like to mention losing in the first part of the training doesn"t necessarily mean anything as one is still allowed to continue their training.
If one chooses they too are allowed to take part in the 2nd training session as half who are deducted from the group are allowed to join in the 3rd session.Giving those another chance in training their mastery."
Geo turned to me trying to quietly whispering in my ear. At first, it went well, but after a few sentences, he began talking louder and louder.
"Man... that woman can talk on and on and on...Say, Michael, what do you think of all this? To me, it gives me tournament vibes.
Giving people the opportunity to gain experience as well as actual combat experience as they will simulate real combat. And... look at all the women, I can"t believe my eyes!!"
Before I could answer Alexandra turned to Geo as all pupils kept running forward following Sheila Ragnee.
"Are we paying attention sir Birchwood?"Being caught redhanded Geo got startled, jumping head first back in line, quickly replying to Alexandra her call."Yes Ma"am!!"
I do recommend doing so, seeing as how you need the experience more than others.And you, Michael Shadowfang... you are only here because the council deemed it necessary...
Don"t let our willingness to train you to be confused with kindness.For we, are first and foremost killers from the shadows!"
Continuing boys, so please stay focused haha."
Alexandra moving back to the front of the group and a.s.sumed command.The others laughed to themselves as Geo and I got a bit embarra.s.sed by Alexandra her actions.It was true... we had to pay attention... but the sheer ratio of males and females made us a bit itchy.
"For the 2nd part of the training we have Combat:
Combat is used in many ways, from self-defense to killing intent it is still a way of combat.
Once everyone has learned to conceal themselves properly like mentioned in A Game of Tag. One will have a complete understanding of the "hunter" aspect.
This, in turn, is what we use the Game of Tag for,seeing who is suited for becoming hunters, rangers, or even scouts. Not to mention actual a.s.sa.s.sins.
In "combat" we will conduct a series of battles first in 1 v 1 format which will quickly turn into an all-out battle giving the others the experience and understanding needed for combat in the outside world."
Alexandra held up her hand.
"For some, this may seem similar to the tournament of power,and to them, it will be, for we have defined the entirety of the tournament to find potential pupils who can withstand our ways of training.
Now, for the rules of the way of the Shadows:
Rule #01: Never tell others of what you have learnedRule #02: Never spread your knowledge to othersRule #03: Always engage in a fair fight.Rule #04: Hand-to-hand combat only!Rule #05: Operate from the ShadowsRule #06: Survival of The Fittest.Rule #07: In case of a mission, authority overrides all rules
The 3rd and 4th rule is for training while all the others correspond with being outside. One must never share what they have learned here and one always needs to conceal their presence."
Hearing about the rules gave me shivers down my spine as it became clear there would be times that everything was allowed. As all rules point to one"s own survival...
"As for the final part of training:
Mastery:
Everyone will come together once more to focus on what each individual was struggling with during the last two training sessions.
That will be all for now, we will be arriving shortly at our first training destination."
After the explanation and preparation of Alexandra, everyone began sizing each other up.
The tension could be felt in the air as everyone began putting up their guards. Unable to trust one another the tension only grew heavier.
Geo and I looked at each other not knowing what to expect.Trying to break the tension we both raised our fists into the air and shouted at the top of our lungs.
"Let"s give it our all everyone!!!"
Everyone around us got startled by the sheer volume quickly getting drawn into the positivity I was emitting. With honest and pure hot-bloodedness Geo shouted at the top of his lungs just before the large doors in front of us opened.
"Believe in the one who believes in you, to start a revolution with our strong feelings!I will promise you we will give it our all, to gain whatever we need for our future!!Are you with me?!"
The men quickly got drawn into his words.
Together everyone shouted at the top of their lungs as the gates slowly opened revealing an immensely huge room.
"Aye! We believe in you who believes in me fighting for our own progress we will give it our all!!"
Seeing that our sheer emotions and words inspired the others even the women joined our chant as we slowly entered the room of training.
Alexandra laughed inside herself knowing this would happen after trying to set the heavy tension.
When everyone had slowly entered the room the edges and center got dimly lid,signalling the beginning of the game of tag.