The next morning started with a depressing breakfast and some nice coffee. Afterwards we were briefed by Torben.

“While our first night here was certainly unusual, it's back to normal field training today. Our group will enter the forest and we will do some hunting. Nothing too dangerous, mind you. We will also replenish our water supplies. There have to be some people present at the camp, which means teams hunt in different time slots. We will start at 11:00 and have up to five hours until we need to return.”

We nodded.

“Remember, this is training for me too. I am supposed to lead a group and make sure everything goes smoothly. We have health potions but if we need one it counts as a failure. So let’s talk a bit about our abilities. I have an earth affinity. I can create minor walls, holes or shoot rock bolts. I can also strengthen myself for a short time. I will help if needed, but mostly I will try to direct you in combat. Now, let's start with Koyuki.”

“I have a death and water affinity. I can raise undead and shoot a necrotic dart. I have technically learned a water shield and ice dagger but I am not really good enough with them for combat yet. And there is Nyx.” Who was currently cat sized and sitting next to me. As we all looked at her she yawned.

“Ok, Cassie next.” Torben said.

“Well, I have fire affinity and can produce a small firebolt. But I prefer alchemy. My core is not that large. I do have a lot of potions! I have one that explodes and creates a smoke that hinders enemies. I have one that explodes and then burns for a while. I have one that explodes…”

“I see. Do you also have something to protect your team from explosions?” Torben asked.

“Huh? Never thought about something like that. But resistance potions are hard. I can’t do those yet. They are also expensive. Explosions, on the other hand, are sort of cheap and easy…”

“Ok. Skadi next.”

“I have earth and water. I mostly focus on defence and I am good with an axe. I can do a water shield for a short time and strengthen myself with earth. Sadly, I am not advanced enough yet for blood magic.”

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“And Helena.”

“I have water affinity and currently focus on ranged ice attacks. Mostly ice darts or daggers. I can conjure a shield if needed and I am decent with weapons.”

“Ok. We can requisition gear for this trip. That includes armour. Everyone gets chainmail. As for weapons… You know what you are good at. Our goal today is to get water and kill something edible. We will take care of any small monster we come across. The teachers have assured us that they will keep stronger things away. As for tactics, Skadi and Nyx are the frontline. Cassie, throw anything explosive on the flanks or behind the frontline. We can also use it as an opener. Focus on groups. Koyuki, use your dart at range and raise anything that is available. Helena, stick with Cassie and Koyuki and intercept anything that breaks through the front.”

After the conversation we prepared for the hunt. We had our backpacks to carry anything we found and empty containers we could fill with water. I grabbed a staff as a weapon, Helena had a spear, Cassie only had an arming sword. Skadi pondered a shield but decided on the two handed axe instead. Everyone carried a dagger as well.

“Do you think we will be ambushed during the hunt?” I asked my friends.

“Doubtful.” Helena said. “The teachers are already keeping strong monsters away to make sure we don’t get eaten. They would likely find an assassin. Especially after last night, they will be extra vigilant.”

“Would they find a really good assassin though?” I wondered.

“I doubt someone like that would send a bunch of spiders into the camp. It would have been far easier to just wait until the hunt and strike, if that was the plan.” Skadi pointed out.

“Exactly, now we need to focus on the important things! Not assassinations, food!” Cassie said.

“Yes.” Helena agreed. “This is our chance to escape the crackers. I'm counting on you girls. Failure is not an option.”

We all nodded.

At 11:00 we met with Torben at the entrance.

“Ok, I will take the lead.” He said. “Skadi behind me, then Cassie, then Koyuki and Helena in the rear. Keep your eyes open for anything suspicious. And do not forget to look up.”

“What kind of monsters can we expect?” I asked.

“More spiders. They are a great enemy for training, in small numbers. I would not be surprised if the teachers left some of them alive. There could be goblins. We could also see normal animals, like wolves. And there are snakes. There is a forest boa, it’s quite big and likes to drop on people from above. They crush their prey and have thick skins. The good news is, they kill somewhat slowly, giving your team time to rescue you.”

“How do they taste?” Cassie asked.

“Hahaha.” He laughed. “Tired of the crackers?”

Helena’s eyes narrowed. “He has other food. He is not depressed enough.”

“Of course! It’s not my first field exercise. All second years have better food.”

“Betrayal!” Cassie said.

“Hey, blame the teachers, not me! The crackers are part of the soldier experience. In the army, that is what the grunts get. Officers eat better, but during your training you are supposed to experience a soldier’s life. I suffered the same as you, last year. Also, now you have some motivation to catch something edible!” He said with a smile.