Chapter 21: Summer Training - Probationaries
Personal System Calendar: Year 0009, Days 1-18 Month VII: The Imperium
Imperial Calendar: Year 6854, 7th month, 1st to 18th Day
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Summer Activities
The days passed with surprising calm. The forest war had entered a lull, with no major battles erupting near the village. This relative peace allowed the settlement to focus on internal matters, and the most prominent of these was Talon One's recruitment effort.
The recruitment drive had been the constant topic of conversation since the first day of the new month. Speculation ran rampant about who had been selected, what the training would entail, and how the new members would integrate with the legendary original team. By the fifth day, the initial pool of candidates had been filtered down significantly.
Those not selected for immediate training were carefully documented for potential future recruitment. August had been adamant that they maintain detailed records. Just because someone was not ready now did not mean they would never be ready. Talent could be developed, and determination could transform the merely competent into the exceptional.
From the extensive applicant pool, eight combat-oriented personnel and two combat support specialists had been selected. The composition deliberately mirrored Team One's structure, creating a balanced unit capable of operating independently or in conjunction with the original team.
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Chosen Candidates
Several of the selected candidates were familiar faces, individuals who had been quietly scouted before the formal recruitment process even began. The most prominent among these was Ragnar Martin, firstborn son of Bjorn Martin and nephew to Captain Axel Martin, head of the village security forces.
**Ragnar Martin (25)** had developed into a broad-shouldered and charismatic warrior, earning the title of Sentinel of Steel and Oath-Sworn Protector. He had achieved Category III Mid-Tier Expert classification, marking him as one of the more powerful combatants in the village outside of Talon One itself.
Inheriting his father's pragmatism and his mother's commanding presence, Ragnar served as the Martin clan's foremost close-quarters combat specialist. He wielded shields and blades with devastating efficiency against both mortal foes and monstrous threats. His particular strength lay in leading small, elite protective details while serving as an unyielding bulwark against any assault. He prioritized his charge's safety above all else, a quality that made him invaluable for escort and protection missions.
His cousin **Freya Martin (21)** brought a completely different skill set. She had developed into a lithe and perceptive warrior, earning classification as a Shadow-Stalker and Sentinel of the Wilds at Category II High-Tier Advanced. Inheriting her mother's agility and her father Axel's uncanny perception, she excelled in tracking and counter-tracking across any terrain.
Freya possessed the rare ability to detect magical ambushes, subtle illusions, and hidden beast lairs before they became threats. Her mastery of silent movement and observation allowed her to blend seamlessly into forests or bustling marketplaces, sensing danger before it fully manifested. Her skills proved invaluable for advance scouting and perimeter security, filling a role that Team One had sometimes struggled with.
A surprising addition came from Erik's personal recommendation. **Torin Ned**, son of Manford Ned from the previous year's arrivals, had bonded with one of Rexy's offspring, a Grimfang he had named Toto. Though still somewhat clumsy in coordinating with his bonded beast, Torin had shown remarkable progress under Erik's tutelage.
He specialized in spear techniques and surprisingly wielded a heavy crossbow, a weapon choice opposite to Erik's preference for the traditional bow. The heavy crossbow sacrificed rate of fire for tremendous stopping power, capable of punching through armor or thick beast hide that might turn aside lighter projectiles. At only fifteen years old, Torin represented raw potential waiting to be fully realized.
From the beastfolk community came **Banog Kotoko (26)**, third son of Great Chieftain Madok. His inclusion was significant for multiple reasons, not least because he was an innovator who questioned traditions and sought new solutions to old problems. His progressive thinking had occasionally put him at odds with his father's more conservative advisors.
Banog was the first of the Kotoko Clan to extensively adapt human military techniques and equipment. His primary weapon was a modified greatsword, shortened for improved maneuverability with a straight edge that resembled a ruler rather than a conventional blade. It was designed not for elegant swordplay but for powerful sweeping strikes that cleared space and overwhelmed defenses through sheer force.
He also carried a pavise shield, a rectangular design adapted from observing human crossbowmen. Though small for his eight-foot frame, it was perfectly sized to protect his torso and head. The front featured a metal boss with a spike designed for shield bashing. Additionally, he possessed a halberd for mid-range combat, a modified crossbow of his own making capable of shooting two bolts in succession, and a hunting knife as a backup weapon.
If disarmed of all these weapons, he still possessed his natural claws and fangs. He was remarkably well-rounded and versatile, though the clan elders frowned upon his use of so much varied weaponry, viewing it as a violation of traditional warrior culture. They accused him of abandoning beastfolk ways to copy human tactics, a charge he did not entirely deny.
**Kael**, a lynx-featured beastfolk warrior, had caught August's attention during the recruitment process. The warrior moved with fluid grace that suggested extensive combat training, but there was also measured caution in his approach, an intelligence in his eyes that transcended mere instinct. He preferred dual-wielding an axe and a blunted mace, a combination that allowed him to break through guards while maintaining offensive pressure. His style was aggressive and unrelenting, earning him classification as a berserker-type combatant despite his thoughtful demeanor outside of battle.
**Cinna Moe**, the young archer whose skill had impressed even Erik, brought dedicated long-range capability to the team. At seventeen years old, she had been hunting since childhood, learning from her father before his death the previous year. Her accuracy at extreme distances was exceptional, and her ability to read wind and terrain allowed her to make shots that others would consider impossible. With her addition, Team Two would have a dedicated sniper capable of observing the overall battlefield and eliminating priority targets from protected positions.
**Shaggydog** from the Tracker family represented another essential capability. His entire family were renowned hunters, and he possessed extensive knowledge of fighting beasts and navigating forest terrain. At sixteen, he was one of the younger recruits, bringing valuable experience. As a dedicated scout, he could hunt, identify edible forest plants and herbs, read tracks, and navigate in conditions that would leave others hopelessly lost. He carried a bow, spear, and knife, the traditional hunter's loadout.
The final combat member was a complete wildcard, someone entirely unexpected. **Benethar Solvorn** was the first of his kind, Master Ben Flameswrath's magnum opus. Created through the combination of two powerful Beast Lord mana cores, he possessed nearly limitless power and energy.
He was not born through natural procreation but created through human ingenuity, a being capable of genuine emotions and possessing a true soul. His magical abilities were substantial, specializing in magma-based attacks that could devastate entire formations. He would become invaluable to the group, filling the magical damage output role that Team Two desperately needed. Though his existence raised philosophical questions about the nature of life and consciousness, his dedication to the village was unquestionable.
The two support members were directly chosen from Theressa's trained healers. **Jennifer**, a seventeen-year-old human girl from the previous year's arrivals, was timid by nature but possessed fierce determination and willingness to learn. She had no surname, a common situation for those who came from difficult circumstances, but she had proven her worth through dedication and skill development.
**Ruk'ruk**, son of Uraka, the beastfolk healer who had become Theressa's close friend, rounded out the support team. He had learned healing techniques from both his mother (Uraka) and Theressa, gaining perspective from both beastfolk and human medical traditions. He was also well-versed in logistical support, including food preparation and supply management.
Naturally, as a member of the warrior-focused Kotoko Clan, Ruk'ruk had a large, powerful frame. However, he was somewhat cowardly, lacking the aggressive instincts that characterized most beastfolk warriors. His skills as a healer were guaranteed by both Theressa and Uraka, who vouched for him enthusiastically. Still, basic combat capability was necessary for Talon One membership. Ruk'ruk would not be able to avoid combat training, regardless of his preferences.
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The First Day
The day for individual and group testing arrived. All ten candidates had been informed of their selection and instructed to report to a special training area just outside the village. This was Talon One's private training ground, a location where they could conduct exercises without interruption or observation.
The composition of Team Two was deliberately balanced, almost mirroring Team One:
**Combat Team:**
- Ragnar Martin: Tank/Protector
- Freya Martin: Assassin/Scout
- Torin Ned: Mounted Cavalry/Mobile Scout
- Banog Kotoko: All-Rounder
- Kali: Berserker
- Cinna Moe: Long-Range Archer
- Shaggydog: Hunter/Tracker
- Benethar Solvorn: All-Rounder/Magical Damage (Magma Element)
**Support Team:**
- Jennifer: Healer/Logistics
- Ruk'ruk: Healer/Logistics
Leadership would not be appointed from above. Team One had discussed this extensively and decided that leadership would naturally emerge during the training exercises. They would observe who remained calm under pressure, who could think strategically, who could communicate effectively and inspire others to follow. While Team One would offer their assessment, the final decision would rest with Team Two members themselves.
After orientation and welcome, the training began immediately with physical exercises. This test aimed to evaluate stamina, endurance, willpower, strength, and agility. Though the village held morning exercise sessions, participation was voluntary. Many candidates had not subjected themselves to truly demanding physical training.
August himself led this session, setting a pace that quickly separated the merely fit from the truly conditioned. Team One members joined the exercises, both to demonstrate proper form and to push the candidates through example.
Those who knew August's training style understood they were entering a special kind of hell. He did not believe in gentle introduction or gradual escalation. You discovered your limits by exceeding them, and you built strength by pushing past the point where your body screamed for rest.
Most candidates collapsed after the tenth lap around the training ground. The physical exercise repetitions that followed left them trembling and gasping. A few lasted longer, their prior training or natural endurance carrying them further, but eventually everyone reached their breaking point.
Team One observed carefully, noting who quit first, who pushed themselves despite exhaustion, who encouraged others, and who focused solely on their own performance. All of this information would factor into their assessments.
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Individual Combat Testing
After a brief rest and hydration break, the individual combat aptitude tests began. The format was deliberately chaotic: each candidate faced different Team One members in rapid succession, with opponents switching every thirty seconds to one minute.
The constant changes were intentional, designed to assess how participants reacted to ever-changing situations on a battlefield. Real combat was not an orderly duel between matched opponents. It was chaos, with threats emerging from unexpected directions and circumstances shifting moment by moment.
This continued until all ten candidates had completed their rotations. It did not matter whether they were support or combat specialists. What mattered was how they dealt with unfamiliar situations and faced challenges outside their comfort zone.
Team One made the combat as realistic as possible, though they pulled their strikes to avoid serious injury. The goal was to instill discipline and assess adaptability, not to hospitalize their future teammates.
Exhausted and bearing minor bruises, nothing that could not be healed quickly, the candidates collapsed on the ground afterward. They panted and gasped, several wondering aloud why they had volunteered for this punishment.
Even Banog, who was more combat-proficient than most, began to show cracks in his composure. All of them did. Frustration and agitation surfaced as exhaustion eroded their emotional control.
This was another aspect of the test. Could they remain calm under pressure? Or would their egos burst like bubbles, unable to control their emotions? On an actual battlefield, loss of emotional control affected not just the individual but everyone around them, especially those depending on them for protection.
After an hour of rest and a light meal, Team Two members felt bitterness in their mouths as they watched Team One laughing and joking as if nothing had happened. The veterans had completely disassociated from the combat exercise, calming their nerves and returning to a relaxed state.
They did not remain constantly on edge, understanding that perpetual tension would burn them out. This was another subtle test, observing how the candidates interpreted and reacted to their mentors' behavior.
There were other candidates on backup lists who could replace anyone who could not handle the pressure. But these ten had been chosen because Team One believed in their potential. The question was: did they believe in themselves?
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The Final Scenario
After the lunch break came the final test of the day. The scenario was deceptively simple: protect your support personnel. They represented the lifeline of the team, but the exercise could also be interpreted as protecting loved ones or conducting an escort mission.
The test aimed to evaluate coordination, cohesion, and identify who deserved to lead the team. Who could remain calm under fire? Who could assess the overall situation and think two or three steps ahead?
At the start, the candidates gathered in a circle formation with Jennifer and Ruk'ruk in the center. This was a mistake that became immediately apparent to the observing veterans.
The formation protected the support personnel, certainly. They were surrounded by combatants with eyes watching in all directions as Team One members hid in the surrounding terrain, waiting to strike. The problem was that everyone was now locked in place, unable to maneuver or respond to threats dynamically.
Their coordination was terrible, communication almost nonexistent. This was understandable given it was their first time working together, but it highlighted a critical weakness. The ability to communicate thoughts clearly and quickly was vital to any group operation.
A better approach would have been splitting into two groups of four combatants with one support member each. This would have allowed independent maneuvering while maintaining healing capability. But the circle formation left them stuck, all defensive with no offensive capability.
August and Team One quickly understood: this new team needed substantial work. They were not bad individually, but they definitely required extensive training in teamwork and tactical thinking.
August signaled the attack, directing Team One to create distractions and focus their main assault on the weakest defenders in the circle, driving directly toward the support personnel in the center.
Only a few candidates could react calmly and assess the evolving situation. Ragnar barked commands, his family training and security experience allowing him to recognize the tactical problem and propose solutions. His attitude on the battlefield showed discipline and strategic thinking. He was not merely strong but also intelligent.
Sadly, his leadership was wasted in this scenario. His commands were good, potentially correcting their formation to allow better movement. But they fell on deaf ears. Most of the team either could not hear him over the chaos or did not trust his authority enough to follow orders from someone they barely knew.
Only his cousin Freya consistently responded to his directions, her family connection and prior experience working with him creating automatic trust. Banog also began understanding the flow of battle and trying to adapt, his military mind recognizing sound tactics when he heard them.
But by the time they could establish any rhythm, they had been systematically dismantled. The strongest Team One members held down the strongest Team Two members, preventing them from repositioning. Meanwhile, weaker Team One members picked apart the weaker Team Two members, creating gaps in the formation.
Ragnar continued issuing commands even as the situation deteriorated, demonstrating natural leadership qualities. Banog tried to adapt on the fly, showing tactical flexibility. But it was not enough.
Within minutes, the exercise ended. Their VIPs were "killed," the mission failed completely. August had not even directly engaged, observing from the tree canopy above and coordinating his team through hand signals.
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Debrief and Continued Training
The training session ended for the day, but it would continue for two weeks total. So far, Team One approved of the participants. If they could endure two weeks without breaking down mentally, they would likely be accepted as permanent members.
The session concluded with detailed feedback, Team One members explaining the candidates' strengths and weaknesses, pointing out specific mistakes and discussing what could have been done better in each situation.
Team Two gathered afterward to discuss their performance privately. Ragnar initiated the conversation, having observed how Team One members were almost always together in the village, separating only occasionally. He recognized this constant proximity built the trust and instinctive coordination they had demonstrated.
"We need to spend more time together," he said bluntly. "Not just training, but eating meals together, talking, learning about each other. Team One works because they are not just teammates but friends. We need to build that."
The others agreed, and this marked the beginning of their bonding process.
The following days were grueling. There were no rest days, no breaks from the intense training regimen. Emotions ran high, and harsh words were exchanged. Things were said in frustration that damaged relationships and created fractures within the developing team.
But the training continued relentlessly. Team One pushed them to their absolute limits, testing their determination to see this through to the end.
Surprisingly, by the end of the two-week period, all ten candidates remained. None had quit despite the physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and constant pressure. All of them had gained something valuable from the experience, whether they would ultimately be chosen for permanent membership or not.
Their chances of joining Talon One permanently had increased substantially through their perseverance alone.
But as Team One explained in the final debrief, the lessons learned here should be applied to their lives regardless of the outcome. The training had value beyond membership in an elite team. It taught discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-awareness. These qualities would serve them well whatever path they chose.
August addressed them all as the training period concluded. "You have all proven something important these past two weeks. You have proven you will not quit when things become difficult. That quality alone makes you valuable to this village and to any team you join. Whether you become permanent members of Talon One or not, you should be proud of what you have accomplished."
He paused, making eye contact with each person. "We will discuss our decision and inform you within three days. Until then, rest, recover, and reflect on what you have learned. You have earned that much."
As the candidates departed, exhausted but somehow standing taller despite their fatigue, Team One gathered to make their final evaluations. The decision would not be easy, but they would make it together, just as they did everything else.