The last two days passed quickly. Today was the day the real mission began.
At dawn, students gathered at the entrance gate of Eldoria. They stood there in line.
Kaen looked tense today. Something was bothering him.
Riku stood next to him.
" What happened Kaen? Are you alright?"
" Yeah. I was just figuring out whether we would find Captain Ryn there." Kaen replied.
Before Riku could answer, Fin whispered, "Today is the day we've all been waiting for."
"I have been waiting for these days quite a long time. Today is the day I'll show my real skills." Darren muttered.
"Yeah, we'll see who shows real skills and who runs first when the beast emerges," Draxion said.
Commander Hale walked forward with elite soldiers.
Silence spread as they arrived near the entrance gate.
Commander Hale spoke in a sharp and clear voice. "So, soldiers, are you ready for your first mission?"
"For this mission, Captain Veryon will escort you. He is one of our best soldiers."
Captain Veryon stood beside Hale calmly. He wore armor scratched all over, proof that he had fought several wars and survived them. A metallic sword hung near his waist.
Hale continued," For this mission, you will be allowed to choose your weapon of choice. These weapons will help you fight the beast.
Some students seemed excited.Some nervous.
But Kaen didn't react. He stood quietly listening to the commander.
Kaen curled his finger.
The air around him felt heavier than before his chest felt warm. He ignored it, forcing his breathing to stay steady.
"From here on, Captain Veryon will escort you."
Veryon stepped forward. His voice echoed.
"I will say only one thing. Every step you take in the Ashlands is crucial, because the Ashlands respond to each step."
He clapped his hand once. A soldier removed the cloth from the table.
The table had various weapons.
"Warriors, step forward and choose the weapon that matches your ability."
Fin stepped forward and chose a metal axe which had a blade on both sides.
The axe had sharp edges.
He lifted the axe in his hand and swung it effortless.
Other recruits looked at him and stepped forward confused about which weapon to choose.
Riku's attention went towards a metallic spear. It was perfect for her high accuracy and precise attack.
Darren moved towards a wooden hammer. The hammer seemed light, but was quite heavy and was perfect for opening attacks.
Draxion looked at all the weapons, trying to scan which would suit him best, when he saw a reaper that had sharp, curved edges and a long chain attached, perfect for a long-range attack.
At last, it was Kaen's turn.
He moved forward towards the wooden table and saw an old metallic sword covered in dust.
Kaen picked it up and brushed the dust away. The sword was scratched, as if it had fought many battles.
Captain's veryon voice echoed.
" Since you have chosen your weapon, be ready. We will depart in five minutes."
"We also have another surprise waiting for you."
Veryon glanced at the warriors. Some smiled, others looked excited.
The group gathered together.
Darren spoke, "Another surprise? What could it be?"
Fin whispered, "Maybe some special equipment."
"I don't think so," Draxion said. "Most probably, they'll give us riding partners for our mission."
"Yeah, that could be."
The gates opened.
They stepped outside and froze.
Beasts stood before them.
But these were not dangerous beasts. They were friendly.
The beast looked shorter in height compared to other beasts, they had long, thin legs, sharp brown eyes, and a green body. Some had scars on their back.
Captain Veryon stepped forward and whispered quietly, "These are our special friends."
They are called shadow hounds. Don't think of them like normal beasts, they are very smart and can run continuously for three days without resting. They have great senses and can smell enemies from far away.
"They will help you to survive in Ashland."
"But remember one thing. You must befriend them before you ride them. They do not allow unworthy warriors to ride them. You must prove yourself."
"Shadow Hounds will roar if they accept you."
"Now, choose your partner for the mission."
Some students stepped back in fear as one of the shadow hounds roared. Others seemed excited.
Kaen didn't react.
As always Fin stepped forward first. Moving toward the shadow hound. He slowly placed his hand on the shadow hound, and it responded with a roar.
Seeing this, other students stepped in.
And chose their shadow hounds.
Riku approached a shadow hound that was shorter than the others.
Darren moved to a massive shadow hound that was tall and strong, perfect for him.
Draxion chose a Shadow Hound that was quiet and calm.
Finally, it was Kaen's turn.
Only one shadow hound remained. A few students tried to approach him but he scared them away.
It had scars on its back.
Kaen slowly moved toward him. The shadow hound stared at him his eyes glowing.
He tried to scare Kaen, but Kaen didn't even flinch.
Kaen looked at him. He placed his hand on the shadow hound, trying to calm him. As soon as he placed his hand, the beast calmed down.
It roared loudly.
Commander Hale and other soldiers looked shocked.
"This is the first time in a decade that someone has calmed this Shadow Hound," Hale said.
"He trusts you. Never break his trust and he will be loyal to you forever."
Kaen looked at the shadow hound. It seemed to smile, as if it had met someone familiar.
Captain's very voice echoed.
Well since now you have choose your shadow hound be ready for unexpected adventure.
Gather all your stuff and meet me here exactly in 5 minutes.
" Roger sir", everybody shouted at once.
So Kaen are you ready for the mission? Fin asked. You better be other wise I will steal the whole show.
You don't need to worry about me, make sure you better be not the last one.
Everyone laughed.
You two don't fight, Riku said get ready already or commander veryon will shout as us.
The moved to the hall to pick up their bag.
Kaen, a young boy shouted are you leaving?
He replied yes.
Then take me with you too, I also want to fight the beast, I also want to defeat them.
Sure, one day you will surely defeat them but not now. You are still young.
No, I can fight them.
Kaen bent on his knee, placed his hand on the boy shoulder, look Ethan you are still small, once you become strong you can also go on real mission like me.
Till then protect our village with others.
He patted his head and gave him a candy from his pocket.
Well now promise me that you will protect our village.
Yes, I will Ethan shouted.
Kaen hurry up it's already time.
Okay Ethan take care.
Ethan stood their with his mom.
As he Kaen and the others began moving towards the gate.
Ethan shouted bye everyone, return home safely.
Waving his hand toward them.
Kaen and his friend smiled and waved back.
Well warriors are you ready for the mission.
" Yes sir" , Everybody shouted at once.
"Get on the shadow hound we are departing."
Warriors sat on the shadow hound back.
"Alright, soldiers, March forward towards the Ashland."
Captain Veryon screamed, pointing towards the Ashland.
Shadow hounds began moving, running forward towards the Ashland.