The open field that the large announcement took place in became a boot camp area where the 160 civilians would learn to fight and protect. Ariah took on training the archery and shield defenders while Elias was going to be training the swordsmen and rogues. It was perfect for both, those were the classes they excelled in when they were being brought up. When you look into the field, you could see many haybale-like posts with targets, barrels full of practice swords with the weight of real swords, and shields lined up on a hanging post for them to stay safe.
The only struggle the twins have dealt with was the amount of yelling and talking that they weren't accustomed to. Knowing that a majority of the people they were training had never held a weapon for battle before, also added on the extra stress to correct any wrongs. With the population of Starch almost doubling, everyone knew they could become an easy target for raids, especially without the supervision of Artos' knights.
"Ay it's my favorite twins! How is everything going on over here? Dusty and I have a very good start on the new homes, we already got the foundations and plot laid out for everyone and their new homes. Seems to be they all are okay with our bartering system over petty coin." Ivan said while approaching.
"So far so good, we got ourselves in a good position where the defenders and swordsmen train together to understand movement better. This is also getting them used to moving around with unfamiliar equipment, I just need to make sure my rogues are getting enough training." Elias replied.
Ivan could see Elias' face was filled with questions and doubt. "If I had to guess, training a technical assassin is quite odd during daytime so you focus on dawn or night time for them, right?" Ivan inquired..
"You're on the mark as usual Ivan. I got them getting used to moving through forests. Ariah and I ensure the forests are clear of any dangerous beasts or potential enemies, I don't want another incident with Gryphuars coming down to fly us into the air and plunge us to our death. The only person who can protect themselves from that type of fall is Ariah because of her Aquatic spells." Elias chuckled, he had a grin of humor with his arm and hand behind his head.
An idea clicked into Ariah's head, she knew she had to start getting more acclimated to the heavy mana spells. This was her opportunity to try one she hasn't tried since learning it as a youngling. "Elias, your guys are getting used to movement, but I doubt they have ever had an end goal for a lesson. What if I spawn an Aquatic Clone of myself and we give a prize to the Rogue who is able to catch and destroy it!” Ariah spoke enthusiastically with her arms spread out to dramatize her want to do this. “Think about it, it would be fun and I can get some practice in for myself, I'm tired of swinging swords and holding shields."Ariah exclaimed.
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Ivan had one eyebrow perched up as if an idea came to mind, he began to run towards Dusty's shop, "I'll make the prize, you two make that happen!". Ariah and Elias watched as he ran and looked at each other at the same time "That settles that!" they both said while laughing. They couldn't recall a time where they saw Ivan Paine run, ever.
"All rogues create a circle around me, I want each and everyone one of you to hear me out, as well as my sister. This is the first time she will be helping us. Not only did she come up with a great idea, but you will finally be able to go on a chase!" Elias yelled. The rogues could be heard whispering among each other in confusion.
"Guys, it may sound odd at first, but you will be chasing me." Ariah said. Humorous giggles and perverted looks of some of the guys locked onto Ariah, she had black tight leather clothes with her shiny and wavy silver hair, she always managed to compliment herself in style. "I wouldn't find me attractive if I knew this girl could take out every person around her in one spell." She knew what they were doing, so she started contracting mana into the air. The rogues were starting to panic as Elias was laughing. He knew his sister was a badass, but she just made about ten of the so-called men, piss themselves.
"It's simple, if you perverts think you're gonna get a chance to lay a finger on my actual body, you're in the wrong, instead it will be another version of me, in the dark." Ariah said almost demonically. She was twisting her hands around one another, concentrating a lot of mana into one spot, a bright blue and white glow revolving around one another. "Casting Aquatic Clone, Agility Style" Ariah said softly.
The mana lifted up without her control, it started floating from her feet to her head. What was once a light glow, turned into light stronger than the two suns up close. Once the light had faded, an exact, slightly transparent model of Ariah had formed. The rogues gasped as they had never seen anything like it before! "Now this is what you will be going up against, don't worry boys, she won't hurt you, but she sure will be damn hard to catch. It's simple, the person who finds, catches and defeats my clone, will get a prize." The talking started again, Elias moved closer to Ariah and whispered "This is gonna be fucking awesome."