After a week of rigorous training under the instructions of Alaine and Patricia.
Kyren, and Hiro found themselves significantly honed in their skills. Each morning began with intense beach cardio sessions, the salty breeze invigorating their bodies as they pushed themselves to the limit, after that they engaged in duels, they are honing their combat techniques and learning to synchronize their attacks for maximum efficiency.
In the late afternoons, after a well-deserved rest, Kyren and Hiro would challenge each other in the Hill Climbing Race, pushing their limits as they scaled steep inclines, their determination driving them forward with each step. However, Patricia can't observe their training, as Alaine had been called away to Knight Bay City for meetings alongside the guild's leaders.
Despite Patricia's absence, Kyren and Hiro continued to push themselves, fueled by their shared determination to improve and the guidance of their mentor.
"Kyren, this is it!" Hiro exclaimed, excitement bubbling in his voice.
"Yeah," Kyren responded, his tone tinged with anticipation.
"It's a bit sad that Alaine isn't here to witness our improvement," Hiro remarked..
"Don't worry, boys. I got your back as you navigate through this Academy," Patricia reassured them. "Alaine done passed me this torch of responsibility, so y'all best believe I'm gonna make sure you're looked after."
"Really? We're going today?" Hiro's excitement surged anew.
"For sure. Once I get y'all settled in Arramaya city for the night, I'll dip out, and then it's on you to hold it down," she confirmed, laying out the plan.
Kyren and Hiro agreeing with the plan.
"Okay, folks, gather around. I have some words to share." Patricia called for everyone's attention.
"I'll be leaving here for half a day, from now on just stay on the office and clean it, wait for me and in that time Alaine will be there too, no more mission for today." Alaine said.
"Noted Vice!" all the members said.
As they set off, Patricia arranged for a horse rental in town, as their usual mounts were being utilized by Alaine and Roland. With Kyren and Hiro mounted on the rented steed, they embarked on their journey towards the Academy.
""Listen up, fellas. Y'all gotta shine bright at this Academy. We done put a whole lot into you, so don't let us down," Patricia urged them with a serious tone.
Kyren and Hiro exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the weight of Patricia's words and their determination to meet her expectations.
"Haha, Just Kidding." Patricia chuckled, breaking the tension. "But seriously, look out for each other and, for the love of all that's good, stay alive out there!"
"We'll do our best, Pat," Hiro replied with a grin, his resolve unwavering.
As they journeyed from Sand Hills Town to Arramaya City, Kyren's curiosity got the best of him, prompting him to inquire about Patricia's relationship with Alaine.
"Patricia, how did you and Alaine become friends?" Kyren asked.
"It's a long wild tale," Patricia replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But hey, I guess it beats boredom, right?"
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"Are you comfortable sharing it?" Kyren pressed.
Patricia assured him. "To be real with you, me and Alaine didn't start off tight like Hiro and Alaine. We actually crossed paths at the Sky Academy. I was the Leader of our Section, and I saw Alaine was catching some serious heat from bullies."
"Really?" Hiro interjected, surprised by the revelation.
"Yeah, it's a rough deal. Students at the Sky Academy, especially the human ones, having a hard time from those bully," Patricia lamented. "Alaine wasn't spared none of that. So, I said enough was enough and jumped in. Turns out, she's sharp as a tack, and we clicked real quick. Ended up making a pretty solid duo," Patricia explained, nodding knowingly.
"Were you two the only ones who got along there?" Kyren inquired.
"We had some other folks in our circle, but man, it was messy," Patricia admitted. "On the surface, everything seemed cool, but turns out, some of them were straight-up two-faced, backstabbing us when we weren't looking."
"How did you find out about that?" Kyren questioned.
"Well, Kyren, Hiro, listen up. When you're just regular folks, you idolize the warriors and sorcerers like they're heroes. But once you start walking that path, they start putting you through the wringer. That's just how it is. This world ain't no simple tale of good guys versus bad guys. It's a whole spectrum of gray, and sometimes, you can't even tell who's really got your back," Patricia explained, her tone serious and wise.
"If that's the case, why not take action against those who do evil stuff, or violate the rules?" Hiro asked, his brows furrowed in thought.
"It ain't as straightforward as that, Hiro. Think about it. The cream of the crop, the real heavy hitters, who are really maintaining our peace here, they make up less than 0.1% of the whole population of warriors and sorcerers. They got way bigger fish to fry than messing around with small-time crooks or rule-breakers. And even those in the middle... nahh maybe I would say between the middle and the real deal, they trying to claw their way up the ladder, they too busy lookin' up to notice what's goin' on down below," Patricia elaborated, her voice carrying a hint of frustration at the convoluted nature of their reality.
"As I mentioned before, Alaine's sharp as a tack and she made it to the top of our batch. So, don't lose confidence, just know where your strengths lie. I'd say, use your head, and don't do what I do—I tend to dive in headfirst without sizing up the enemy's strength, haha," Patricia said with a chuckle, offering some advice with a touch of self-awareness.
"If that's the case, then Alaine is truly perfect for the leader position," Kyren remarked, impressed by the dynamic between Patricia and Alaine.
"Yeah, we complement each other well. She's the thinker, and I'm the doer. But don't underestimate her; she's more than capable in a fight. Overall, our power levels are pretty evenly matched," Patricia affirmed.
"You two really trust each other deeply... I mean, I understand why she trusts you so much, given everything you've done. But how did you come to trust her, knowing there was a possibility she might have been using you?" Kyren inquired.
"She saved my life, actually... I nearly died at the Sky Academy," Patricia revealed.
"You almost died? But you seem strong enough to hold your own against anyone," Kyren remarked, surprised by the revelation.
"It wasn't in a battle against other students," Patricia clarified. "It was a trap set by a group of section leaders. Alaine intervened and protected me, putting her own life at risk in the process."
"What kind of trap was it?" Kyren pressed for details.
"It's not important, Kyren," Patricia deflected. "Just remember of what we said, avoid the vice leader of AL."
"Wait, what's this about a vice leader?" Hiro interjected, feeling left out of the loop.
"It's nothing, Hiro," Kyren reassured, fabricating a story to ease Hiro's curiosity. "They just mentioned that the Vice Leader of the AL is very powerful, and it's important for us to follow his rules and avoid causing any trouble with him."
"Oh, I see," Hiro replied, accepting Kyren's explanation without further questioning. "Got it, I'll keep that in mind."
Their peaceful journey to Arramaya continued as they traveled between Sandhills Town and the city forest, but they were interrupted when their horse got trapped in some wires.
"Patricia, what happened?" Kyren asked.
Patricia rushed to the front of the horse to inspect what had occurred, but before she could, a projectile charged toward her neck. It was a needle, and it caused Patricia to fall unconscious.
"Hiro! we are being ambushed." Kyren said.
"AGAIN?!?"
"What are we going to do Kyren." Hiro grabbed his sword.
Kyren looked at the outside, 3 people walking towards their caravan.
"We are in trouble again, if they can do that to Patricia, they are skilled for sure."
"Dropped your weapons, and grab that orc girl and leave the caravan." One ambusher said.