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After finishing their first class, all the students headed toward the castle's vast training grounds. There, several individuals awaited them, carefully selected and hired by the kingdom, each an expert in their respective field.
Numerous guards were also present, ensuring the safety and logistics of the session. They had brought with them a large number of mysterious boxes, neatly aligned on the ground. As the students observed the scene with curiosity and a hint of apprehension, Moses stepped forward. Finally, he spoke, his strong, clear voice resonating across the field:
"Good morning, heroes. Your first training session begins today, and it will be a relatively calm one. We'll simply be assessing your combat abilities. Afterwards, we'll train you intensively, and for that, we've hired the best experts from the adventurers' guild and the kingdom," Moses announced with confident authority.
The individuals in front of them stepped forward to introduce themselves. Each exuded an imposing presence, their reputation preceding their appearance.
"I am Maximus, a great warrior of A-rank, affiliated with the Purple Lightning Clan," proclaimed a bare-chested man, his broad, muscular frame testifying to his power and battle experience.
"I am Peney, an S-rank magic swordsman, also known as the Golden Blade," declared a tall man, his imposing aura radiating from his magnificent yellow eyes and shimmering hair of the same hue.
"I am Jean, a priest in the service of the Church and the Goddess I represent," said a man dressed in a white, blue, and gold tunic, holding a staff adorned with precious stones that glittered in the sunlight.
"I am Zem, the commander of Sigma Kingdom's army, nicknamed the Invincible Paladin," announced a man wearing a large, sturdy blue armor and carrying a shield as imposing as it was protective.
"I am Eric, an S-rank alchemist affiliated with the Alchemists' Guild," said a man clad in a black and purple robe, his eyes shining with sharp intelligence and insatiable curiosity.
Moses resumed speaking:
"As for me, you already know me: I am Moses, the king's magician, the most powerful mage in the kingdom."
The freshly summoned heroes glanced at one another, impressed by the assembly of mentors before them. The kingdom had gathered an elite team to train them experts whose skills and experiences would guide them for some time.
"We will teach you the specifics of your profession as well as the basics of combat for several months. But for now, we will evaluate you," Moses announced with calm confidence.
"And how exactly are you going to evaluate us?" Shawn asked.
"Well, it's very simple. Please each take a weapon," Moses replied, pointing toward a stall filled with all sorts of weapons.
The heroes headed toward the stall, which contained a wide variety of weapons: swords, axes, bows, spears, mage staves, steel gauntlets, and shields. Each chose the weapon that seemed most appropriate; most opted for swords, attracted by their simplicity and versatility. There was a palpable mix of nervousness and excitement in the air as they handled the weapons, getting used to their weight and balance.
"Well, now that that's done, guards, you may release the monsters," Moses ordered calmly.
The guards obeyed and opened the boxes, unleashing a horde of monsters. Snarling goblins and low-level wild wolves surged forth, their eyes gleaming with a predatory light. Although these creatures were not among the most powerful, their large numbers represented a daunting challenge for beginners.
"Well then, it's time to show us what you're capable of," Moses declared.
Suddenly, a wall of earth erupted from the ground, encircling the heroes and the monsters, trapping them together in an improvised arena. The instructors watched from atop the wall, their piercing gazes scrutinizing every move of the young heroes. They would be evaluated not only on their ability to wield weapons but also on their capacity to work together and maintain composure under pressure.
The heroes readied themselves for battle, their hearts pounding. They were now thrown directly into the thick of it, facing their first real trial. The monsters growled and charged toward them.
"Hey, what's this?! Some of us don't even have combat-oriented professions!" Eva exclaimed, casting a worried glance toward Max and Dan, who had received the Superior Alchemist and Elite Blacksmith classes.
"Well, in that case, you'll just have to protect them," Moses replied nonchalantly, as if the solution were obvious.
"Maïli, what do we do?" Eva asked, desperation in her voice.
"The only choice we have we fight!" Maïli answered with determination.
Without wasting a second, a blade of wind shot from Maïli's hands, cleaving a goblin in half under the astonished eyes of Shawn, the other heroes, and even the instructors. The precision and power of the attack clearly demonstrated Maïli's skill, the result of her relentless training, instantly boosting her comrades' morale.
"Oh, that girl already knows how to use that kind of attack! What's her profession?" Peney asked, astonished by Maïli's display.
"Her attacks are still incomplete, but they're effective. And to answer your question, she has the Paladin profession," Moses replied.
"Looks like I'll be the one teaching her," Zem said, visibly intrigued by Maïli's potential.
While she eliminated monsters with ease, some of her comrades found themselves surrounded by creatures, paralyzed by indecision.
"What do we do, Shawn?" Méverick asked, panic in his voice.
"Well, we fight too!" Shawn replied, trying to muster his courage.
"But how do we fight? They haven't taught us anything!" Méverick protested.
"Yeah, how can Maïli already be that strong?" Maël added, visibly frustrated.
"I don't know, damn it! Let's just charge in—these monsters are weak, this is just a test!"
Shawn then hurled multiple fireballs, but his attacks lacked power, speed, and precision, allowing the monsters to dodge with ease.
"Damn it!" he yelled, frustrated by his failure.
"Well, that's rather disappointing, coming from the one supposed to be the hero," Moses remarked with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"What, that's him? He'll need proper training and more time," Maximus said, observing Shawn critically.
"Too bad he's not like her; it would have saved us time," Moses added.
Maïli, after killing several goblins, passed near Shawn and his disoriented group. She offered a quick piece of advice:
"Instead of throwing magic into thin air, use your sword it'll be easier."
"Tch! That girl's getting on my nerves!" Shawn grumbled, annoyed.
"But she's right," Jay said as he attacked a goblin in close combat.
The goblin, being fairly weak, suffered a mortal wound as Jay slashed its torso.
"Méverick."
"Yeah?"
"Let's go!" Shawn ordered, determined to prove what he could do.
The two of them charged at the goblins and wolves, accompanied by Jay. Even though their attack was uncoordinated, they covered each other, compensating for their shortcomings with improvised teamwork. Shawn's sword strikes, Méverick's parries, and Jay's precise attacks created an unexpected synergy, allowing them to hold their ground against the creatures.
Meanwhile, Maïli, Eva, Dan, and Max despite two of them having non-combat classes had no trouble killing monsters. Maïli, with her mastery and strategy, filled in all their gaps. She issued attack and defense orders to coordinate her group with surprising efficiency.
"Eva, go help Dan on his right flank more monsters are gathering there," Maïli ordered with natural authority.
"Okay, I'm on it!" Eva replied, rushing to Dan's side to support him.
"Max, don't advance too far and stay centered in the formation. Don't worry, I'll draw the monsters' attention," she said, her commanding tone cutting through the din of battle.
"She's leading her group like a true master," Zem said, impressed by Maïli's skill.
"The hero's group, on the other hand, is just going full brute force, charging in headfirst," Peney observed with a note of criticism.
"We'll see if their strategy holds up during the final stage of this training," Moses murmured stoically, his piercing eyes following Shawn's chaotic movements.
Meanwhile, other students were struggling against the monsters and in serious difficulty. Some, unable to handle the pressure, fled the fight entirely. Others were already trapped, surrounded by creatures, and several had sustained injuries. Screams of pain and panic echoed across the field, highlighting the gravity of their situation.
"Marine, what do we do?!" cried a panicked girl named Beth, her face marked with fear.
"I don't know! I don't even know how to use a sword properly, let alone magic!" Marine replied in despair.
"Eléonore!" Marine called out, seeking comfort and answers.
"There's only one solution left: join a group and ally with them," Eléonore declared with determination in her voice.
"But there are only two groups managing to fight the monsters," Beth pointed out.
"And there's no way I'm teaming up with Shawn," Marine added, clearly irritated.
"Don't worry, me neither. Besides, there's someone stronger than him, and she's also smart and kind," Eléonore said with a smile.
"Maïli."
"Exactly, with her group: Eva, Dan, and Max."
"And how do we get to them?" Beth asked, anxiety still in her voice.
"I've mastered a skill. Follow me!" Eléonore replied, her confidence inspiring trust.
The two girls followed Eléonore, who, with fierce determination, charged toward the monsters. In one fluid and powerful motion, she summoned a strong gust from her magic. The roaring wind rose, sweeping the monsters into a chaotic storm, violently hurling them in all directions.
Among the creatures swept away, a wolf was lifted by the storm and hurled directly toward Peney. In an instant almost imperceptible he drew his sword. With a blinding flash of speed, he sliced the wolf cleanly in two with a single precise strike, so fast that no one could even perceive the slightest movement from him. The wolf's severed remains hit the ground, bearing witness to Peney's skill and power.
"Pff, they could at least be a bit more careful," Peney muttered, annoyed but impressed.
Éléonore's group finally managed to reach Maïli and her team.
"Can we join you?" Éléonore asked, looking Maïli straight in the eyes with determination.
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Thanks to the contributors.
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Special thanks to Rebecca/Amari/Zezima/Crowny_66/Bored dragon/ Sky_Shay/A_F_D/Fidelissama/Morgan/Arjunn/TheGreatSucc/Jared/ Grimjaw/Damion/ for her power stones.
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