Lunch in the dining hall buzzed with a mix of chatter and clinking cutlery as the recruits gathered around the long tables. The air was thick with the aromas of freshly baked bread, spiced vegetables, and roasted meats. Ethan found himself seated between Herbie, who was eagerly piling his plate with food, and Zane, who picked at his meal with a calculated disinterest. Across from them, Iris and Yin Xue ate in silence, their expressions calm but observant.
“I hope the combat training isn’t as hard as the Prana stuff,” Herbie muttered, his mouth half-full. “That meditation earlier? I think I fell asleep for half of it.”
Zane smirked. “You looked more like you were fighting off a mosquito swarm than meditating.”
Iris’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though she said nothing. Yin Xue, ever composed, simply raised an eyebrow at Herbie’s antics before returning to her meal. Ethan stayed quiet, his mind still replaying the strange sensation of the energy he had felt earlier.
“What do you think they’ll teach us first?” Ethan finally asked, looking up from his plate.
Yin Xue’s voice was soft but steady. “Something fundamental. Likely grappling or basic techniques. They’ll want to assess how we move before introducing weapons.”
“Weapons,” Herbie repeated with a dramatic sigh. “Sounds fun, but I’ll probably end up poking myself with a sword or something.”
Ethan chuckled, though his mind was already drifting to the field ahead. The anticipation was electric, sparking in the air around them.
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The combat field stretched wide before them, a flat expanse of packed dirt surrounded by a low wooden fence. A few training dummies stood at one end, while racks of weapons lined the other. The recruits gathered in a loose semicircle, their eyes scanning the area with curiosity and nerves.
A tall man with sun-kissed skin and sharp, angular features strode into view. His short-cropped brown hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his forest-green eyes carried a mix of authority and warmth. He wore a simple yet well-fitted training uniform and carried himself with the ease of someone who had mastered his craft.
“Welcome to the field,” the man began, his voice carrying easily over the murmurs. “I am Himmel, your instructor for today.”
Ethan’s mind tripped over the name, a stray thought surfacing: Himmel the hero would do the same. He shook his head, dismissing the odd line, and refocused on the instructor’s words.
“Today, we’ll start with grappling. It’s a fundamental skill for anyone on the battlefield, whether you wield a weapon or fight barehanded. Once we’re done with that, you’ll each choose a weapon to train with. You’re not locked into your choice—you can switch if it doesn’t feel right—but don’t expect me to go easy on you regardless.”
Himmel’s eyes swept over the group, lingering briefly on each recruit. “Pair up. One person will practice while the other observes and offers feedback. We’ll rotate regularly. For now, I’ll demonstrate.”
He gestured for Herbie to step forward. The smaller boy’s eyes widened in alarm, but he reluctantly shuffled to the center of the group.
“Relax,” Himmel said with a grin. “You’ll be fine. Probably.”
The recruits chuckled, though Herbie didn’t seem reassured. Himmel positioned Herbie in front of him and began explaining the basic stances and techniques—how to maintain balance, how to break someone’s hold, and how to execute a clean throw.
“Watch closely,” Himmel instructed, shifting into a low stance. “The key to grappling is understanding leverage and momentum. Strength helps, but it’s not everything.”
With fluid precision, Himmel demonstrated a throw, sending Herbie tumbling to the ground with a loud thud. The recruits winced in unison.
Herbie groaned but quickly scrambled to his feet. “Got it,” he muttered, dusting himself off. Himmel clapped him on the shoulder, clearly impressed by his resilience.
“Good. Now, your turn to try.”
Despite his initial awkwardness, Herbie proved to be a quick study. Within minutes, he was executing the basic techniques with surprising competence, much to the astonishment of the group.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“See?” Himmel said with a grin. “Even the smallest recruit can take down a larger opponent with the right technique.”
The recruits divided into pairs and began practicing. Ethan partnered with Zane, whose sharp reflexes and controlled movements made him a challenging but instructive opponent. They took turns attempting throws, their initial clumsiness giving way to gradual improvement.
Nearby, Iris paired with Yin Xue, their movements graceful and efficient as they practiced. Yin Xue’s calm instructions were met with Iris’s quiet nods, the two working in near-perfect sync. Elara was paired with a boy from another group, her fiery determination evident in her precise but aggressive attempts.
Herbie, meanwhile, was partnered with a taller girl who struggled to match his growing confidence. His earlier nerves seemed to have vanished, replaced by an eagerness that bordered on enthusiasm.
“Not bad,” Zane admitted as Ethan successfully executed a throw, sending him to the ground. “You’re a fast learner.”
Ethan offered a hand to help him up. “Thanks. It’s easier when you have a good teacher.”
The practice session continued, the recruits exchanging techniques and tips as they worked to refine their skills. Himmel moved among them, offering corrections and encouragement. The sun climbed higher in the sky, the heat adding to the challenge, but the recruits pushed through, determined to prove themselves.
As the session neared its end, the atmosphere was a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. The recruits gathered around Himmel once more, their faces flushed but their spirits high.
“Not bad for your first day,” Himmel said, his tone approving. “Get some water, and we’ll move on to weapons training.”
The recruits dispersed, their conversations buzzing with energy as they prepared for the next challenge.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the training field as the recruits regrouped after a brief water break. Himmel stood by the weapon racks, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. The wooden shelves were lined with an array of weapons: swords, spears, polearms, crossbows, pistols, and bows, each polished and gleaming in the sunlight.
“Alright, recruits,” Himmel called out, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “This is the part you’ve been waiting for. Each of you will step forward, pick a weapon, and test its weight and feel. You’re not bound to your first choice. If it doesn’t suit you, you can switch. For now, basic needs will be met by these standard weapons. Later, if you prove yourselves, you’ll have access to custom gear.”
Yara, the enigmatic woman with an air of mystery, stepped forward first. Her movements were poised and deliberate as she approached the racks. She selected a sword, a classic weapon with a blade that shimmered faintly under the light. Testing its weight, she performed a few precise swings before nodding in satisfaction. Then, her eyes landed on a sleek pistol. She picked it up, inspecting its craftsmanship before holstering it at her side. Without a word, she returned to the group, her choices radiating confidence and control.
One by one, the recruits followed. Iris gravitated toward a bow, her delicate yet firm grip testing the tautness of its string. Elara chose a pair of daggers, their dual nature matching her fiery and aggressive spirit. Yin Xue, ever composed, selected a polearm, its long reach complementing her calm and measured demeanor. Zane picked a crossbow, his sharp, calculating eyes examining its mechanism with interest. Herbie, ever unpredictable, opted for a sturdy mace, its blunt force seemingly at odds with his smaller frame but fitting his growing determination.
Finally, it was Ethan’s turn. He stepped forward, his gaze scanning the array of weapons. A spear caught his eye first. The long shaft and pointed tip had a certain elegance and practicality that appealed to him. He picked it up, testing its balance with a few experimental thrusts. The weight felt right, as if it belonged in his hands. Next, his eyes moved to a bow. Memories of archery competitions he had watched on Earth surfaced, fueling his curiosity. He selected a bow and tested its draw, nodding to himself. With his choices made, he returned to the group.
Himmel’s voice broke the silence. “Weapons are an extension of yourself. Some of you may stick with your choices; others may find they need something different. Either way, mastery takes time and effort.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “And don’t go thinking a shiny weapon will make you invincible.”
As the recruits murmured their acknowledgments, Himmel clapped his hands together. A strange ripple spread through the air, and suddenly, multiple versions of Himmel appeared—clones, each identical to the original.
The recruits gasped, a mix of awe and confusion rippling through them. “Relax,” the original Himmel said, his voice layered with amusement. “They’re me, but not me. Each of my clones will oversee a team. While I may not be a master of every weapon, I know enough to get you started. For more advanced techniques, consult your supervisors.”
The clones dispersed, each guiding a small group of recruits. Ethan found himself in a group with Zane, Yara, and Herbie, their Himmel clone standing before them with a spear in hand.
“Let’s start with the basics,” the clone said. “Ethan, since you picked a spear, why don’t you step forward?”
Ethan hesitated for a moment before stepping into the center of the group. The clone handed him a training spear, its blunt tip ensuring safety during practice. “We’ll begin with a test spar,” the clone announced. “Show me what you’ve got. Let’s see if the spear vibes with you.”
Ethan nodded, gripping the spear tightly. He adjusted his stance, his heart pounding with anticipation. The clone mirrored his movements, holding its own spear with practiced ease. The other recruits stepped back, forming a loose circle around them.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, with a burst of determination, Ethan lunged forward, the tip of his spear aimed straight at the clone. The world seemed to hold its breath as the clash began.