"Yeah, that was pretty good!" Another nearby recruit remarked. "You were going up against Victoria after all, not beating her is pretty understandable!" Said another. "Using her flame like that, she had to use it. If she didn't she would have won!" "She kinda cheated with that..." The recruits started to turn towards him, and give him attention and praise. Many of them started taking his side and commending him.

"Everyone, we... We need to prepare for the next part of training." Metas said as he walked away from the others, with Sethan and Asralyn following him. "He's just... that way sometimes, please don't hold it against him." Sethan said, before running after Metas. There was awkward silence, the others did not follow after him and remained where they were.

"Well!" Darius exclaimed as he clapped his hands loudly. "Oh..." Ashley said under her breath. "Recruits! Usually, any kind of unnecessary conduct or noise in the middle of training is to be met with punishment. But... Since I'm such in a... 'jolly' mood today, we'll all pretend that I stopped listening for a couple minutes back there. However, I'll be listening closely from now on. So not a peep, or I'll double your training!" Darius exclaimed. "Aw..." A few quiet complaints arose, under the breaths of the recruits. "Understood?" said Darius. "Yes, sir!" Said the group of recruits in front of him. "Understood?" Darius turned towards Victoria and the other recruits. "Yes, sir!" They exclaimed, with Victoria smiling wide towards him.

"Hmph... Onto the next part of training! Stand! Lines!" Darius remarked. The recruits stood up and quickly formed lines that matched the number of the iron pots near the river, as was their routine. A few pushed aside their fellows and rushed towards the front, but Victoria walked calmly to the first spot in the first line uncontested. The others fell in line, but some like Metas and his siblings went all the way towards the back of their line. The sun continued to be at the peak of its rise, and it would be a while before the heat died down. "And... start!" Darius exclaimed.

The recruits sprang into action, dozens of sparks immediately flared up... And many of those sputtered out immediately after. Victoria grinned as she looked upon the struggling recruits. With one flick of the wrist, she tossed a small ball of flame onto the small pile of wood below and setting it alight. She casually walked away and sat down cross-legged nearby, watching the other recruits. "Ugh..." "Mhm..." "Hmph..." The recruits in the line beside her groaned as they watched the fire begin to grow. The others in front of their respective lines struggled to produce a flame, though some of them created tiny sparks from their hands. "Come on... come on..." Lert remarked, trying to produce a flame with no avail. "Aha! No..." "Hmm..." "Flame on!" "Fire, fire, fire!"

It was a somewhat comical sight as the recruits struggled to create and summon their flames, with them trying various hand gestures and motions, and saying various words in vain to try to create a flame. Siegmund and Darius stood nearby and watched closely, ready to put out any flame that the recruits might accidentally set on each other. "Focus, focus! Concentrate on the flame you're trying to make! Imagine the bright orange flame! The heat, floating atop your hand! Will it forth!" Darius exclaimed towards the recruits.

Siegmund watched Darius intently, curious on his instruction style. "And... switch! Move! Go, go, go!" Darius exclaimed, much to the frustration and chagrin of the front-most recruits. "Argh..." "I almost had it!" They cried out under their breaths as they were made to go to the back of the line, and the next set of recruits advanced towards the unlit piles of wood.

"Ah, darn it!" A recruit cried out. They had managed to conjure forth a small flame while waiting, but as they ran to the front it died out. They had cupped the small floating spark between their hands, but it fizzled out before it could reach the kindling. "Recruit!" said Darius. "Ah- wha- Yes sir!" They replied as they frantically tried to focus and create a new flame. "Starting a flame is one thing, keeping it lit is another! It's like a rope flying in the wind that you have to catch. Once you've grasped it, do not let go. The strength you used to summon it forth, you must keep going!" said Darius. "Yes, sir!" The recruit replied. "Understood?" Darius said, now towards the rest.

"Yes, sir!" They all exclaimed. "Trying to train all these recruits to unlock and develop their flame seems challenging." Siegmund said, as the two of them stepped away from the recruits. "It would be ideal if they had mentors for each of them to do one-on-one teaching..." He added. "Hmph, if they were royalty that could be the case. But the situation's far from ideal. Most of the knights who are skilled enough to teach are in the battlefield, or are responsible for the training of the actual knights. It's a miracle that even this much of them are this good at their flame. So I make do: I make them light fires to boil some water, the others I make them light kindling and start a fire. Whether its using their flame, or the normal way using sticks and stones; that way they can try to make a flame with practical application in mind. Aside from that..." Darius walked over towards the recruits.

"Come on recruits! Make a flame like your life depends on it! What if you're in a winter storm and the only thing that stands between you and freezing to death is your flame? What if your only ace in the battlefield is to burn down the enemy keep? Your flame is the pride of your kingdom! The blood of dragons flow in you! Do it not for yourselves, but for your family and your countrymen! Is that understood?" Darius exclaimed. "Sir, yes sir!" The recruits cried in unison.

A recruit at the front produced a momentary spark strong enough to produce a flame at the pot below. The recruit then raced to the river to acquire water. The other recruits stormed off in a huff. They went to collect nearby twigs and dried leaves to create their own flames independently. The recruits behind Victoria were doing the same. "A little pressure ought to do the trick." Darius said, chuckling. "However, there really are some that won't ever get their flames... That's something that you can't just summon up by force." said Siegmund. "True. Well, the way of force worked for me, and it worked for you too." Darius remarked.

"But sometimes, there are those who are skilled with it from the get-go." Siegmund said, looking towards Victoria. She had stood up, and was now leisurely walking towards the water, with the large iron pot in tow. The iron pot sizzled as it touched the water and she calmly lowered it beneath the surface and filled it up. She then walked back and displayed her prize onto the metal frame above the fire. 'Hmm... That pot wasn't cold when she picked it up. It seems like she also mastered resisting higher temperatures. She's mastered more of the flame than I when I was her age... Though, it could just be that she has built up her physical resilience naturally...' Siegmund thought.

"Do you guys need me to light your fires too? Just say the word. It'll be faster, you know." Victoria said. "Shut up Victoria!" "Stick your fire where the sun doesn't shine!" A few recruits cried out. "Victoria." Darius remarked sternly. "Alright sir Siegmund, I was just trying to offer help..." She said, insincerely. Victoria walked and sat in clear view of the recruits and began making small fire after small fire, extinguishing them and remaking them once more.

"Tsk, she's doing that on purpose..." "She's always doing something like that..." "Guys, just ignore her. Focus on your own flame. If you want to get back at her, then not paying attention to her, and getting better at your flame is what you guys have to do." Ashley remarked. "You're right." "Yeah." The other recruits remarked. "What's the matter, I'm just practicing my flame. Is that not allowed? Are you saying that I should stop training?" Victoria asked smugly. "Hmph." Ashley exclaimed. The recruits then continued harder to use their flame, though even if some of them produced a fire, it would not be strong enough to ignite the wooden pile below them.

"Haa!" With a loud yell, the second fire had been lit by a recruit. "Yeah!" "Let's go!" Some of the recruits cheered on as the bright orange wisp danced vividly atop the wooden pile of kindling. The recruit then grabbed the iron pot, ran down towards the water and went back up with a full pot and placed it above the fire. "Hey, come on! I was going to be next, I would have lit that fire!" The next recruit said. "Well sorry, I did it first." The other recruit answered. "You're always running up to the front and trying to overtake everyone else!" "Then maybe you should just run faster!" The first recruit said. "Guys!" Ashley yelled out.

The recruits turned towards her, and she was looking at Darius who was looming nearby. "Recruits!" He said, and they awaited the worst. "Switch!" Darius remarked. The recruits then breathed a sigh of relief, as the remaining recruits walked forward. "The others... Go!" Darius added, walking away. Ashley was one of those next to face an unlit pot. "Cheering over an inconsequential victory, then squabbling among themselves the next moment. How dull-witted..." Victoria remarked, in front of Ashley. She stared Victoria down sternly started a fire below her gaze unbroken. Ashley looked straight towards Victoria until she turned towards the other recruits behind her to apologize. "Sorry everyone." Ashley said sincerely as she walked past them.

"It's alright, Ash." "Tsk, you're sorry are you?" "I guess I should have been faster..." "You should have let me go first, you always light the fire and leave nothing for us." "You say that but you can't even use your flame." The handful of recruits behind Ashley in the line spoke amongst themselves before they walked off. Ashley went to fill up the pot and when she came back, Victoria was still there waiting for her. "An easy task for you, as always." Victoria said, with a smile. "Hmph." Ashley remarked. "Well, let's not waste any more time. While 'they' continue to fiddle around with their defective flames, let's make some actual progress and polish our skills." Victoria said, turning around and walking off. But Ashley instead went towards the other recruits, who were still struggling.

"Honestly, I can't understand how these- Huh?" Victoria remarked, thinking that she was still talking to Ashley. She turned around to see Ashley crouched down near a recruit who was struggling to light a pot fire. "Hey Ash, I... just can't seem to get my flame going. And, and... Darius is going to make us switch soon." The recruit said. "Maybe, maybe we should do this the normal way if you can't-" "No, I can! I just..." The recruit interrupted Ashley's suggestion.

The recruit flicked their fingers forward, and small sparks flew. "See! I just need a little more time..." They remarked. "Oh! Alright, alright. Just don't rush it... Concentrate and build up for just one strong push! When... When my flame wasn't all that strong, I focused on just giving it all in one blast! Then I could make a strong enough spark to light a fire." said Ashley. "Okay, what... How exactly do I do that?" The recruit asked her. "Uh, well... First, close your eyes." She remarked. "And, and then? What do I do?" "Then uh, really imagine making a great big fire! And think about why you need to start a fire." "What... How?" They asked her. "Well you want to use your flame right now, right?" "Yes!" "And you want to do well in training, right?" "Yeah!" "Why?" Ashley wondered, trying to think of a reason.

"Well..." "Uh, maybe for your family? Because you want to be a great knight?" Ashley suggested. "Because... I want to!" The recruit exclaimed. "So think about that, hold that thought in your mind. Then... push! It's kinda like trying to get past being constipated." The recruit then tried to stifle their laughter. "It's true! It's true. You focus on that feeling, you focus on making that great big bonfire... Then you push!" "Haa!" The recruit exclaimed, and a faint spark flew from their hands. "1, 2, 3, push!" "Haa!" The spark turned into a stronger flash, but it only lasted a moment.

"Alright, recruits. Switch!" Darius remarked. "Ash, I can't do it! There's no more time! I..." "It's fine, keep going! 1,2,3 push!" Ashley exclaimed. "Come on recruits, back of the line!" Darius said, as some of the recruits stopped momentarily to watch the recruit Ashley was helping. Darius walked over towards them. "Come on." Darius said. "Ash, I..." The recruit opened their eyes. "What's the matter recruit, I was speaking to the others." Darius asked.

The recruit looked down in surprise and saw they had lit the fire below. "Now complete your task." said Darius. "Yes, sir!" The recruit said, running towards the river. Darius then walked towards Ashley. "Hmph, I was afraid you were going to light the fire for a recruit again." He remarked. "It's... a good thing that I didn't, sir." Ashley said, shyly. "Better to know a bitter truth than to believe a false hope, it would have done more harm than good and besides... Are you going to do it every single day?" Darius said, before turning around and walking off. Ashley smiled sullenly, but she could not answer back to him.

"Well... I didn't expect that one to have a chance at unlocking their flame. But... still a waste. Those like us with talent are primed to reach the peak with some polish. But those whose flames burn weakly, effort will be only wasted to turn the unable into the passable..." Victoria remarked. "So you're saying that we should leave others to themselves and not to help them? We're training to be knights, right?Our duty is to the people, and to the kingdom. We're supposed to help others!" Ashley exclaimed.

Victoria was taken aback by this sentiment. "Well, you are correct that this is our duty... But are you going to help every single citizen and every needy weakling that comes begging for help? You won't be a knight, you'll be a slave... Though, if that is your decision and so be it. Just keep what I said in mind..." Victoria said. As Victoria walked away, Ashley was left with conflicting thoughts. Then, the recruit Ashley helped returned with iron pot in tow. "Ash, Ash! Can you..." They were struggling to carry it back to the fire. "Oh, yes, yes." Ashley said, quickly getting to her feet. The recruit almost spilled the iron pot full of water, and Ashley went and supported it from the other side.

"Hmph, I reminded you last time not to fill the pot up with too much water..." Ashley remarked. "Sorry... It's just I thought that I could do it and then I couldn't..." The recruit answered. "Alright... But just try to carry less next time, if you can't handle it." Ashley said, as they placed the pot down atop the fire. "I know, its just... I wanted to carry more and, I can't just keep carrying light things all the time or else I won't get stronger." The recruit exclaimed. "Alright, alright. Just... carry a little bit heavier than you do last time." Ashley said, as she dusted herself off after they placed the pot down. "I will!" The recruit replied, as Ashley walked back.

"Hey Ash, can you pick that up for me?" "Sure." She remarked as she picked up a nearby flint that rolled away from a recruit. "Here." Ashley handed it back to the recruit who then went ahead to toil away at making a fire without a word. 'Well, must be busy...' Ashley thought, surprised at the lack of a response. "Hey Ash, help me up!" A recruit said, seated on the floor. "Hmph... You can get up by yourself this time..." Ashley answered. "But, my arms are tired from making the fire." The recruit said. "Alright, hold out your hand then..." She remarked, with a sigh.

"Hup. You're the best!" The recruit said, patting Ashley's back and walking away. "Yeah, yeah... Wait. You weren't one of those who lit a fire already, and you weren't making a fire back there..." Said Ashley. "Thanks, really! I meant it! Can you help me find some sticks and leaves around here?" The recruit said a distance away. "Hmph..." Ashley exclaimed. "Just kidding!" The recruit said. "Ash, light this fire for me!" Another one remarked. "You don't... You don't really need to light a fire with your flame. You can just light a fire the normal way, and this part of training isn't really required... Because not everybody gets their flame, its fine if some of us can't do it. Some of the great knights in our kingdom's history didn't need a flame..." Ashley explained.

"But... I don't want the normal way when the others have their flames... And can you not talk so loud, I don't want the others to see that I can't use my flame yet. I told them all that I'll show them my flame now, so... Can you please light it, just for today. I promise I'll do it by myself tomorrow." The recruit pleaded. Ashley put her hands on her hips and frowned. She looked around to see some of them were already whispering amongst themselves about the recruit who could not back up their claim.

It was then that Victoria walked up to them and said: "Oh my, it looks like somebody can't use their flame. And worse yet, you're trying to use the gullibility of others to cover up your lack of talent. If you'd just tried the normal way or accepted your lack of talent without cheating, I would respect you. Though, you'd still be pathetic uh... What was your name again?" Victoria asked. "It's-" "Ah, it doesn't matter! For someone as unskilled as you, your name is irrelevant to history. For someone as hopeless as you, you can't even attempt to try! You'd better off going back from whatever crevice the knights pulled you out from." Victoria went closer and spoke nearly in a whisper for her last sentence. She left the recruit silent and facing down towards the ground, and Ashley bewildered.

"Victoria, hey!" Ashley exclaimed, before quickly tending to the recruit. "Are you... alright?" She asked. Ashley saw the recruit had tears in their eyes, but had a sour expression towards her. "Hey..." Ashley said, in a soothing manner. "You... you guys are all the same... You only care about yourselves and your stupid training... Go! I know you hate me and don't want to help me anyway... You two are so selfish..." Ashley had no answer to her fellow, but she stood and went to confront Victoria. "Hey, Victoria!" Ashley exclaimed. Some of the other recruits turned towards her. "What is it? You're causing some of them to lose their concentration..." Victoria asked, unperturbed.

"What- What is it? Back there! What was that!" Ashley snapped. "Oh, that. That was just a bit of, well... Helpful encouragement!" Victoria remarked. "Helpful encouragement? Look at what you did. They're in tears!" said Ashley. "Settle- Settle down... My, my. You're in quite a huff..." Victoria said, trying to calm Ashley down. "I'm... pretty 'settled'. Now talk." She answered. "You're acting quite frightfully, but on my explanation... You say look at them, but it looks like you're the one who isn't looking closely." said Victoria. "Huh?" "Look." Victoria pointed towards the aforementioned recruit. They had tears in their eyes yes, but they were possessed by a newfound fervor and were spurned to action. They were now taking to action in starting a fire, albeit not in the most effective manner.

"Well, it worked. That's unexpected, coming from them..." Victoria remarked. "They're..." Ashley remarked. "Finally getting to work." Said Victoria. Ashley was silent. "Hey chump! You're doing it wrong! You're just putting soil and dirt on the tinder!" Victoria had put her hands to her mouth as she called out to the recruit. The recruit looked towards her, angrily wiped tears from their face, and continued to bang two random stones together. "Really, even when someone as weak as them tries... It's useless even if they do." Victoria said, chuckling.

"Victoria, that's enough." Ashley remarked. Victoria laughed. "I was just joking. Yes, it was just a bit of a laugh..." Victoria's expression suddenly became serious. "You... you still haven't explained how exactly you're helping..." Ashley said, grumpily. "Ah, yes I'd forgotten. Well, let me explain." Victoria said as she wiped tears from her eyes that arose from her earlier laughter. "There's two outcomes from all of this. Actually there's a number of things that could happen, though they can be narrowed down into two options. One, that they're able to excel through years of training and can be on their way to become one of the proud knights of the kingdom. Or, they can leave or are forced out of training to go back to their lives and do... Whatever they still can do I suppose." Said Victoria, enumerating the numbers one and two with her hand as she spoke.

"And the third... are those who don't want to take this seriously don't deserve to be one of the knights. Either they'll be too inadequate and are forced out, rightfully so. Or, they'll continue and grow into incompetent soldiers... Similar to the likes of many in the knights now. And they'd be more of a detriment to the knights then. And so those who remain must be committed and ready, lest they do harm to themselves and the kingdom." Victoria explained. Ashley then put her hands to her hips and looked towards the ground. She appeared deep in thought. "Well, that all sounds true in practice... But those who are weaker, shouldn't be left behind. The capable can help those who can't help themselves. That way, all of us... If we all help each other grow stronger... We can help ourselves, and everyone else! At least... that's what I think." Ashley protested.

"That's..." "Naive, I know. But..." Victoria started but Ashley continued. "If you know, there's no use in me lecturing you about it. Its a fool's errand, but do as you please." Victoria remarked, sauntering off giving snide remarks and unapproving stares to the others. Ashley sighed and went to look for other recruits to help. Sethan looked solemnly as he watched the exchange that just transpired. "Next group!" Darius exclaimed. "Come on, brother!" Asralyn said, as she gently tried to push Sethan forward. "Oh, sorry." He feebly answered, his mind still being on the conversation he overheard.

"Sethan, don't stare too long. Some people don't like being watched." Metas remarked, as the three moved forward together. "Sorry, I'll... try not doing it again." Sethan answered. Metas was next in line to light a fire, Sethan and Asralyn were behind him watching. "Hmm... Hey Big Bro, why are always in the back? I want to light some fires too!" Asralyn exclaimed. "We've practiced lighting fires in the wild before, so you two already know how. Plus, I thought you didn't want to start fires. You said it was too tiring." Metas said as he bent down and furtively brought out a bundle of dry tinder, as well as a small piece of metal and a tiny chunk of strange stone.

"I mean lighting a fire the normal way. Using my flame!" Asralyn whispered. "Hmm? You got your flame already? I was sure you would be showing it off and playing with it all day." Metas said as he started on starting a fire. "Hmph! I... I wouldn't do that! Anyway, I don't have a flame yet. But maybe if it was my turn to light a fire, maybe I'll be able to get it!" Asralyn exclaimed. "Ah, so its as I thought. Please don't try that, I don't want you two to embarass yourselves." Said Metas. "It might happen!" Ashley exclaimed.

Metas successfully started a fire, picked up the metal pot, filled with water and placed it atop the flames with relative ease. He turned to Sethan who appeared to have a lot on his mind. The three of them then walked to the side as the next set of recruits moved in. "Anything wrong Sethan? You seem quiet." Said Metas. "It's... nothing." Sethan lied obviously. "Are you... thinking about what those two were talking about earlier?" Metas asked. "Well... yeah." Sethan remarked. "Come on brother, you know we know that you aren't very good at lying." said Asralyn. "Well, neither are you..." Metas replied. "Hmph..." Asralyn pouted.

"I was just thinking... I want to help everyone, but I know I can't. And you know I didn't like that we just keep to ourselves and we don't involve ourselves with others. Still, I understand why you'd want that for us and..." Sethan said slowly, trying to put his thoughts into words. Metas put a hand on his younger brother's shoulder and said: "Sethan, its fine to think that way. But, I just want you two to be safe and..." "Think realistically..." Asralyn imitated her eldest brother. "Maybe one day... When you two grow strong enough to protect yourselves... You'll be able to hold true to your convictions..." Said Metas. "Uh, what does that mean?" Asralyn asked. "Well, it means that you'll be strong enough to back up and follow up on what you believe in." Metas answered.

"We can't help everyone, because then we won't be able to take care of ourselves and everyone at the same time... But maybe if we're strong enough, we'll able to help as much people as we can." Sethan said to himself. There were only two fires to be lit. Two vertical columns of recruits remained which included Liam. And since Sethan and Asralyn left with Metas, there were only three recruits still in front of the pots. Across from Liam was one recruit, the other was behind him. The one across from Liam was furiously trying to light the tinder with their flame, but only produced feeble sputtering sparks.

"Hey, you should stop that. When you're up against Liam, it's best that you give up. It's only a waste of effort trying to beat him. But, please feel free to. He's in no rush, and he won't mind!" Victoria taunted. "Tsk, Victoria... You can see I'm trying!" The recruit cried out. Liam knelt down, having finished his slow walk forward. He then raised his arm forward. "Hmm... Hah!" The other recruit exclaimed as they created a small wave of flame. However, the flames suddenly flew and landed in the kindling in front of Liam. "Sorry." Liam absentmindedly remarked. "And Victoria... I can speak for myself." He added.

The recruit behind Liam shrugged and left, and the recruit "competing" with him sighed in defeat. The flame quickly fed through the embers and Liam carried the pot to the river, filled it with water and set it down with ease. "Whoa, Liam's flame is a sight to see!" "I always wonder how he does that..." "If he only could make fire of his own..." The recruits remarked. Sethan looked to him with awe. 'Strength... To hold true to our convictions. If I'm not strong enough for myself, I can't help anyone...' The boy thought. "Next!" Darius remarked, but there was no one left in line. "Isn't there any of you brats willing to go forward?" He asked, but no one came forward.

Darius walked to a nearby recruit who was doing nothing and twiddling their thumbs. "You. You lost the chance to participate, this is your time to prove yourself to the kingdom!" "Wha- What? Uh..." The recruit remarked. "I'll do it!" Sethan remarked. Asralyn looked to her brother with surprise. Metas put a hand on Sethan and asked: "Are you sure? You can still-" "Brother, I'm... Honestly, no. But... I can't exactly say no, now..." Sethan said, looking around to see everyone staring. Siegmund rubbed his chin in thought at this proclamation.

"Oh?" Victoria remarked. "Another day, another chance to see you fail. How exciting!" She exclaimed. "Hmph." Sethan looked towards her with scorn. "Please, prove me wrong." said Victoria. The recruits began clamoring around with interest, though many were simply awaiting Sethan's impending humiliation. "Recruit. forward!" Darius commanded, and Sethan complied. "Good luck brother!" Asralyn said as she nudged him forward. As he walked forward, the chatter of the others continued.

"Hey, he's the one who helps me sometimes. I hope he doesn't embarrass himself... If he fails, everyone's going to make fun of him and he'll be an outcast, more than he already is..." Lert remarked. "At least he has his siblings here, he isn't truly alone... And making a declaration like that, he's just setting himself up to embarrassment if he can't do it. It's his fault if he talks large but can't bring action to his words." said Endro. "Well..." Lert remarked.

Liam briefly looked over towards Sethan and the racket of the recruits, and then ignored it and continued minding his own business and not caring. Ashley was trying to teach a young recruit how to unlock their flame as she noticed the recruits gathering around something. "One second, I'm just going to see what's going on." Ashley said, worried that Victoria was up to something once again. She walked past the crowd until she came upon Victoria snickering while Sethan was the center of attention and was doing something under the command of Darius. "This is gonna be good..." Victoria said to herself. "Victoria... What did you do?" Ashley asked. "What, blaming me? What on earth would make you think I'm responsible for every thing that happens here?" Victoria said sarcastically before laughing. "Surprisingly, it wasn't me this time." She remarked. "What? So, what exactly is happening?" Ashley asked, confused.

"Sir Darius wanted one of the more incompetent or lazy recruits to use or unlock their flame. A desperate attempt to be sure, but nothing much we can do considering the inconsistent and unknown nature of unlocking one's flame. The old man went to the nearest recruit he could find, and the boy fancied himself a hero and stepped in. If I was in his position, I would have left it alone. Its not worth the effort just to embarass yourself." Said Victoria. Sethan bent down in front of a pile of wood at Darius' feet. "Recruit. Begin! Prove your worth to the kingdom as one of its bright flames that will burn its enemies away!" The instructor exclaimed.

Sethan felt his heart racing as he readied himself for his task. He could feel the stares from the others like insects crawling on his skin. He looked around but quickly focused his gaze back down as he suddenly felt dizzy at the attention all around him. Sethan's sweat dripped down from his forehead onto the ground like droplets of rain. He focused his attention onto the flammable tinder, and held out his hands towards them. 'I... need to focus, if I'm going to do this I need to concentrate...' Sethan thought. He recalled the words of Siegmund and things he overheard from the recruits who had already unlocked their flame. 'Put my mind's flame into reality... Think about the sensation... The heat between your hands... I have to want it, bring what I want and make it real...'

"Hmph..." Sethan strained as he tried to create a flame. Seconds felt like minutes as Sethan tried to summon up a flame with no avail. The silence was awkward and grew more uncomfortable for most of the parties involved. 'I can't, I... I have to. I... Why can't I...' Sethan struggled. "Kid, that's enough." Siegmund remarked. Sethan looked towards him with hopelessness in his eyes. Sethan then turned towards Metas and Asralyn. His sister had her head hung low, feeling sadness for her brother. Metas shook his head as he looked towards Sethan to signal him to give up. Sethan sighed deeply and then dropped his hands to the ground with his hands facing upwards.

"Recruit. Since you were so eager to rise up but failed... You have earned yourself another ten laps around the course, and ten more push-ups! Normally, if I punish someone its over twice the amount. But because you were so willing, I'm going easy this time!" Darius said to him. "Listen up!" The instructor said to the others. "It's good to be eager and willing to get to action, but it's important to consider your limits as well! If you're too confident in yourself and go into battle without the proper mettle, then you're only going to get yourself and others killed! Others might think it to be valiant, but you are only giving the life of one of the kingdom's soldiers away to the enemy! However, Lodeleth's knights can still fight in other ways. That's why you recruits need to become stronger. And..." Darius then picked up a rock and a few sticks from the ground. "You could have done it the regular way." He said as he dropped them to the floor.

"He's right, I could've!" Sethan remarked to himself in realization. "Recruit, you may proceed." Darius said as he walked off. "Sir Darius, I-" Metas exclaimed in protest but Sethan interrupted him. "Brother. I... have to do this. I brought this onto myself and... it's my fault." Sethan said as he began to run. "Sethan!" Metas called out but his younger brother did not respond. Sethan rubbed his eyes as he ran and the stares of the others followed him for a few seconds.

But afterward the silence broke into conversation once more. "That was disappointing..." "All that fuss just for nothing..." "Hmph, why did he accept if he couldn't do it anyway..." "What a waste of time, let's go to the next part of training..." The recruits chatter continued, but now with a new topic of frustration. Though few of them still paid any attention to Sethan who was running laps around the grounds. "Brother... Maybe I shouldn't have pushed him..." Asralyn remarked. "No, he would've done it even if you encourage him. I... shouldn't have said that nonsense about strength. I was putting my own beliefs onto him, and if somebody could have stopped him it should have been me..." Said Metas.

"Recruits!" Darius called out towards all of the recruits. Siegmund though went towards Sethan alone. "The next phase of training begins now!" said Darius. The recruits awaited nervously and eagerly, though many simply wanted training to be over with and return home. In the front of the crowd, Victoria had a wide smile and was stretching her arms in an eager fashion. "Finally, this is my favorite part..." She muttered. Liam sighed deeply and cracked his knuckles. Ashley breathed in and out deeply in preparation.

"The next part of training is combat simulation. You recruits will be paired with each other and given wooden weapons for mock combat training! For the past weeks and months you have received... some minimal experience with wooden training weapons and the culmination of those efforts will be realized today." Darius continued. Metas patted Asralyn's back as he tried to shift their focus back onto their training. "Let's.. go." He remarked as they re-joined the crowd. "Aww... I don't like combat training. I'm no good at it..." said Lert. "It's necessary if you want to become a knight. Can't become a soldier fighting for the kingdom if you can't fight. And you especially are a pushover..." said Endro. "Says the one who cried at the first sign of a fight... At least I didn't back down from you..." Lert replied. "Sh-Shut up! This time I'm going to prove myself!" Endro said, walking away in a huff. Though Lert felt a second of satisfaction he soon frowned from feeling guilty in insulting Endro.

As Darius continued recounting his instructions, Sethan was running and completing his laps. 'I... can't hear what he's saying, but he's said it enough times for me to remember.' He thought, as he glanced back towards the instructor. 'They're going to be randomly paired and each recruit picks a wooden weapon of their choice. But its mostly just us waving these things around towards each other. Back when there were more teachers they could at least help teach us how to hold and swing our weapons properly... But as is, this is all the kingdom can spare...' But then he noticed Siegmund who was jogging towards him. "Sethan!" The knight said, calling the boy's attention. "Sir Siegmund." Sethan replied, as he slowed his pace so Siegmund could catch up. The young boy looked towards the other recruits, to see if they were still watching him.

"Sir Siegmund, you shouldn't be talking to me... The others, they're going to think that I'm being unfairly coached by you." said Sethan. "Sethan, my boy. Do you... resent me for not defending you in front of Darius?" Siegmund asked. "I don't. Brother taught me that all of our actions have consequences. I tried to do something and I failed, now I have to face the consequences of my actions. If you stuck out for me, that means that I didn't face the proper punishment and that's unfair. That's also why if you talk to me, the others might think you're helping me..." Sethan remarked. Siegmund chuckled. "Metas taught you well. But don't you worry about me, I can handle myself quite well... Besides I'm not giving you an unfair advantage, I just want to talk. Nothing wrong about two people talking..." Siegmund said proudly. "I see." said Sethan, his mood slightly brightened.

The two of them then reached the part of the grounds where the other recruits were listening to Darius. "-And that concludes..." Darius then noticed the pair running behind him. He turned around as the recruits attention went from him to the two. "Don't mind us, just carry on with your training!" Siegmund exclaimed. "Sir Siegmund, isn't it unfair if one recruit gets outside help and training that the rest of us don't have access to?" Victoria asked. "Helping him? I'm simply doing some exercise, nothing wrong about that, right? And I'm going to help you all with training later!" Siegmund said as he and Sethan ran out of earshot.

Many of the recruits laughed and chuckled along and Victoria smirked, annoyed. "Now, we can continue our conversation... Earlier, you stepped up and volunteered so that other recruit didn't." Siegmund remarked. "I tried to follow your words but... I failed. It's no use if I can't do it..." said Sethan. "You failed, that is right. But we all fail, even me. Not all of us can be prodigies, and there are many great knights without their flame." said Siegmund. "I know..." Sethan said, sighing. "But now all that matters is what happens next. And how you'll move forward after this." Siegmund remarked.

Sethan stopped running for a moment to catch his breath. "How I'll move forward?" He asked. "Like right now. You're tired, right? But are you going to give up?" Siegmund said as he stopped to wait for Sethan. "No! I... won't!" Sethan said as he continued running. "That's it! If you want to become a strong knight that will provide for your family and protect the kingdom, what are you going to do?" Siegmund asked. "I'm not going to give up! I'm going to keep going!" Sethan exclaimed. "Now, what do you remember from what I've taught you and your brother?" Siegmund asked, and Sethan began recounting the knight's lessons. Metas was looking over from a distance and silently breathed a sigh of relief as he saw his brother was no longer feeling down.

"Hah!" Metas quickly raised a stick to block a sword strike from Ashley. "Pay attention." She remarked, raising a dull wooden sword. "I am." Metas said, thrusting his stick forward. She dodged his attack and went in close to strike him. Metas shoved the spear's shaft forward and interrupted Ashley's strike. "Hmph! Hah! Ha-Yah!" Ashley struck thrice with her sword aggressively in quick succession. 'Hmm... She's being more aggressive than usual, something has her riled up.' Thought Metas.

The recruits were mostly clashing sticks and dull weapons in a rhythmic and firm manner, though only a few were fighting seriously. The loud clattering of a wooden weapon dropping on the ground could be heard echoing through the grounds. Victoria stood proudly over a young recruit who cradled their aching hand. "Ow! That's not fair!" They exclaimed. "I disarmed you, perfectly fair in combat. You're lucky that I didn't just hit you outright." Said Victoria. The young recruit then lunged and reached for their weapon and Victoria sweeped a long wooden stick towards them. The recruit closed their eyes awaiting the blow, but opened them to see Victoria stopping short of contact.

"That's enough. Recruit, take a break." Darius said, momentarily turning his head as he was simultaneously teaching some recruits how to hold and use their weapons. "I'm so bored. How am I to sharpen my skills if all of my foes are so much inferior than I..." Victoria boasted. Though suddenly, a loud cracking sound could be heard. Liam was standing over another recruit, wooden sword in hand. The recruits wooden weapon was shattered to splinters. Liam extended his hand and lifted the terrified recruit to their feet. "Sorry, I hit too hard." Liam remarked. "Be more careful recruit, that's the third time this month." Darius warned.

Liam nodded then walked over towards Victoria. "Ready when you are." He remarked. "Now this is a challenge." Victoria said with a smile. From a short distance, Ashley was looking towards Victoria. "Hmph..." She remarked, grumpily. But then, Metas plunged his weapon forward towards her. Ashley was caught by surprise but quickly blocked his attack, albeit slightly flustered. "Looks like you're the one who's distracted." He remarked. "Tch." Ashley exclaimed, before charging forward towards Metas. She slashed forward, but Metas simply stepped to the side and Ashley stumbled forward and almost fell face first.

"Calm down." Said Metas, catching her by the scruff of her shirt. Ashley sighed. "I'm fine. Let's continue." She said, composing herself and readying her sword once more. Siegmund split up from Sethan and then walked towards Darius and the other recruits. "Don't hold it like that. If you hold a sword by the blade without gauntlets, you'd cut yourself." Said Darius, correcting a recruit. "No, don't hold it in the middle like that..." Darius sighed. "Having some trouble teaching the recruits?" Siegmund asked.

"Done with your exercise?" Darius replied. "Just stretching my legs..." Siegmund said, then turning towards one of the recruits. "Recruit. What seems to be the problem?" He asked. "Their stance and the way they're holding the weapon is all wrong." Darius answered for the recruit. "I'm... trying to follow what Sir Darius is saying but..." The recruit said wearily looking towards Darius. "Alright, hold the sword with both hands like this..." Siegmund brought out his axe and held it with both hands, holding the weapon near the pommel and with his right hand gripping the axe above his left. "Here, let me show you." Siegmund put his weapon away and bent down in front of the recruit. "Hold it firmly, like that." Siegmund said, before placing his gauntlet-covered hands on the wooden sword's mid-section.

"Raise it up to here." "Here?" "Yes, hold the base of the sword right above your belly button." Siegmund remarked to the giggling of the recruit. "Hold it, firmly. Don't let me take it from you." Siegmund gently tried to yank the wooden weapon which the recruit firmly held in their hands. "Now straighten your back like so. Hmph!" Siegmund straightened his back and puffed his chest in a slightly exaggerated manner, and the recruit followed suit. "Put your left leg behind your right and bend it slightly... There. And... Strike!" Siegmund exclaimed. The recruit swung downwards hard. "Again! Harder! Strike again!" The knight said with the young recruit's each strike in the air. "Alright now step forward as you strike. One foot after the other!" said Siegmund. "Hah!" The recruit exclaimed.

"That's it, bend your knees a little. That's it. And... step as you strike!" "Like... like this?" The recruit said, swinging forward. "Yes. But straighten your back and hold your sword firmly." Siegmund remarked. The recruit did as instructed. "Like this?" "Yes! Now you're getting it." Siegmund said, standing up. "Hah! Hah! Hah!" The recruit began swinging in form. "Hmph, good going there. Now do that for all of the other recruits." Said Darius. Siegmund turned and gestured towards the others. Many recruits were watching the whole time, drawn in by Siegmund's presence. "Recruits, were you paying attention?" He asked. "Y-Yes sir!" The recruits shouted in almost perfect unison.

The recruits with dull wooden swords who did not know what they were doing copied Siegmund's instruction, albeit improperly. "Good, good. Now... Let's help some of you..." Siegmund went about assisting the other recruits with their form. Darius scoffed and crossed his arms saying to himself: "Hmph, he's just like when we were in our training days... Always the one who takes charge." The minutes progressed and time went by as Siegmund and a reluctant Darius took their time helping the recruits with their training, and the more experienced of them continued to spar.

"Haah... Haah..." Ashley remarked in exhaustion. She lowered her dull sword as she panted for air. "Let's... stop. This is enough." said Metas, lowering his long wooden stick. His weapon was marred and darkened with a repeated number of strikes from her. "What's... the matter? Are you... tired?" Ashley asked, still panting. "No, but it looks like you are. This is... pointless." Metas said, sticking the wooden pole onto the ground below. "Wait. Where are you going? Hey!" Ashley exclaimed. "I'm going to check up on Sethan and Asralyn. You should rest. Or... Try to go help the others." Metas said as he walked away. Ashley was stunned silent.

Meanwhile, Sethan was lying face down onto the ground as he attemped to do his push-up reps right after running. "Sethan!" Metas exclaimed, running over towards his younger brother in concern. "Water..." Sethan groaned. Metas quickly looked up and around, trying to think of the nearest water source to go to when he saw Darius had walked up to them. "Ah!" Sethan exclaimed as Darius splashed some water from one of the iron pots he carried to them. Metas was surprised and alerted and quickly turned towards Darius. "Relax. I removed the heat from the water. It's colder than warm is at this state." He remarked.

Metas breathed a sigh of relief. Darius handed off the pot of water to Metas who carried it towards Sethan. Sethan feebly crawled towards the pot laid onto the ground, but seemed revitalized as he viciously gulped the water down. "Haa... Ha..." The boy remarked as he wiped away the water dribbling down his chin. "Rest, recruit." Darius said, before turning to leave. "But, I haven't finished my-" Sethan pleaded. "That's an order." Said Darius, walking away. "If it's an order, then I guess..." Sethan said with his minimal strength, before his head leaned back as he fell into sleep. Metas then picked up Sethan and slung him on his shoulder before walking to a tree and gently lowering his brother down to rest under the shade.

"Poor brother... He's always wearing himself out..." Asralyn remarked. "You'd learn well to follow from his example... Great effort is required for growth after all..." Said Siegmund, wiping sweat from his brow. "Weren't you helping teach the others?" Asked Metas. "I was... until a certain someone offered, well almost pushed me out of doing it. I could use the break I suppose, all that running made me a tad bit tired." Siegmund said.

In the distance, Ashley was helping the other recruits with their weapon training. "Come on! Swing harder!" She remarked to a recruit. "Ash, I... really don't need your help! So... you don't have to do this for me." The recruit who Victoria drove to tears a while ago said, swinging their stick as hard as they could. "I'm not doing this for you... I'm doing this for me, now swing harder! Adjust your back, feet apart! Don't you want to stick it to Victoria... You're not going to do that unless you get stronger. Now swing!" Ashley encouraged. "Haa!" The recruit exclaimed, emboldened. "Wow, she's surprisingly honest." Asralyn said, as they watched on.

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Meanwhile, many of the recruits were at awe watching Victoria and Liam fight. "Hmph... You aren't holding back..." Victoria said, as the two clashed with their weapons. "If I did any less... You'd gladly take advantage of any sign of weakness." Liam stated plainly. "Heh." Victoria grinned, before swiping upwards using the bottom of her staff to try and catch Liam off guard. He foresaw the attack and struck the staff down. The collision cracked Liam's wooden sword and splintered the end of Victoria's staff. "Whoa..." The recruits marveled at the clash and display of power and skill. "Hmph!" Victoria then used the other end of her staff to do a speedy thrust to either strike Liam down or shatter his sword.

'So Liam. What will it be? Block the attack and lose your weapon, or risk dodging and be struck down by my attack?' Victoria thought, reveling in her own self-perceived greatness. Liam was silent and showed no signs of panic or hesitation. He swung. As hard as he could, though it was clinical rather than brutish. "Offense it is then!" Victoria exclaimed with a grin. She bolstered her attack by using a puff of her flame to propel her staff forward. The recruits eyes' widened to see the oncoming clash clearer, and yet only a flash and a loud crack could be ascertained from the exchange.

Liam stood proudly, with most of his sword snapped but the sharp remains of the wood's hilt pointed towards Victoria's throat. She slowly raised her hands and dropped her destroyed weapon donning a meek but disingenuous smile on her face. "It seems that we have lost both of our weapons... So shall we call it a draw?" Said Victoria. "If you say so." Liam said, throwing away the wooden hilt and walking away. Victoria sighed and dusted off her hands before going to find another weapon. "What are you all gawking at? I know you're all enamored by my magnificent luminosity, but you'd better get back to training lest Darius scolds you all again..." She exclaimed.

As Victoria walked away, Liam picked up a new dull wooden sword and started practicing swinging in the air. "She's arrogant, but... She can back it up! Grr.... I can't wait until I get stronger than her..." Asralyn exclaimed. "I'm afraid that's going to be a long time away. You're going to need to train a lot more until you reach her strength. At this rate, Sethan"s going to reach her strength first." Said Siegmund. "He's training so hard... I... can't get left behind." Asralyn said to herself.

In the distance, Victoria was speaking to Darius and afterward she walked off in a huff. "What about her, did she train that hard?" Asralyn pointed to Victoria. "Well... She didn't need to train as hard to get that strong... But... She's naturally gifted and she trains, so you have to train twice as hard to get to her level." Said Siegmund. "Hmph... That sounds tiring... Maybe being as strong as her isn't worth it after all..." Asralyn pouted. Metas ruffled her hair and smiled towards her. Asralyn smiled back.

Meanwhile, Victoria was busy kicking grass tufts when she turned and spotted Metas and the others sitting under the tree. A wide grin formed on her face. "What about big brother Metas? He's trained longer than us. How long will it take for him to reach her level?" Asralyn asked. "Ah Metas. He's already-" "Hey! You lot are looking cozy there!" Victoria yelled towards them. "Look away Lyn. Ignore her." Metas said, with his hands on Asralyn' shoulders. They both looked away and towards the ground. "Come on, are you deaf? I know you heard me." Victoria said, extending her hand. "Fetch me a new staff, I broke mine." She said, towards Ashley. "One seco- Hmph..." Ashley said, taking a moment to snap back.

"You there. Go." Victoria said to Lert idling nearby. "Ah, oh! Uh-" "Quickly!" She exclaimed and Lert ran off trying to remember where the wooden weapons were stashed. "Now, have your brains processed my words or are you stupid?" Victoria asked. Asralyn was angered but did not react. "We hear you loud and clear Recruit. Did you need something from us?" Siegmund responded. "Oh Sir Siegmund... I was just... Asking them to train with me." Victoria explained insincerely. "And the insults?" Siegmund remarked. "Oh that was just harmless joking... We do this all the time, don't we?" Victoria remarked, looming closer to the unresponsive siblings.

"Uh, here." Lert said, handing a staff over to Victoria. "Took you long enough." She said, snatching the tool away. She then raised it towards them. "They clearly want no part of it so you'd best leave." Said Siegmund. "They can answer for themselves, can't they? And its just a simple training session, oh I am so alone... Nobody wants to train with me! And recruits who are idling by and not training..." Victoria remarked, and then turned towards Metas. "They're either lazy..." She then looked down at Sethan. "Or too weak to even handle a bit of training or..." She looked up towards Asralyn who inched back in response. "Or too inept to do anything at all..." She said with a smile. Metas did not so much as give her a glance. "So, what is it? Will you accept and prove your courage as a soldier? Or... They say soldiers who are afraid to stand up for themselves will cower in the front lines of battle and will flee at the first sign of trouble." Victoria remarked. "Well, she's laid out her terms. Are you going to refuse her challenge or accept it?" Siegmund asked, looking towards Darius watching expectantly from a distance.

"Victoria! Come on, is this really necessary? You've tried time and again but they clearly don't want anything to do with you! Quit messing with them and leave them alone!" Ashley exclaimed. "Oh Ashley... You're right! I just wanted to make some friends but they've been ignoring me for such a long time! I feel lonely too, you know. Pretending that I don't exist... That's bullying too you know..." Victoria said, sarcastically. "Hmph..." Ashley remarked. "They can speak for themselves, there's no reason for them to hide behind you... And if you're that willing to stand up for them... In this world, strength is the only way to make your intentions into a reality. Challenge me in their stead." Victoria said, pointing her weapon towards Ashley. "I-" Ashley remarked, surprised. "I accept the challenge." said Metas.

The recruits had amassed as Victoria was making a commotion, and were now curious and talking amongst themselves at this announcement. "Oh? So the older brother follows in the younger's footsteps in foolishly accepting a challenge?" "The thing that separates it from being foolish or not is whether or not I win." Metas answered. "Well, win then. Or you are a mere fool." Victoria remarked. The atmosphere grew tense and silent. The slight breeze blowing against the leaves of the trees seemed deafening in the silence. The sound of dirt being crushed underfoot by their steps prevailed over the minute noise of the whispers of the other recruits.

Metas looked at the wooden weapon he left ahead in the middle of the field. He started to go towards it, and would make him walk past Victoria in front of him. "Ope." She remarked, raising her staff to Metas' chin. "Hmph, how am I going to fight if I don't retrieve my weapon?" Metas asked. "Well, I thought you would use the opportunity to run away..." Said Victoria. "I'll retrieve it." Ashley, said walking over and pulling Metas' staff from the ground. While waiting, Victoria grinned at a stoic Metas who stared back at her. After seconds of tense silence, Ashley handed Metas his stick. He moved backwards and looked down on his weapon, which had been worn-down in the training he had with Ashley earlier. "Sorry..." Ashley mouthed towards Metas, guiltily.

"My, my. That weapon is worn-out, are you sure you want to use that against me?" Victoria asked. "This... will be enough." Metas said, looking up towards her. He pulled out a few feet length of rope from his person and began tying it around the middle of the staff. 'Hmm... Tying rope around that stick. Is he trying to create a section where he can grip the weapon better? Or is he trying to mend that beat up weapon of his... In any case, he's conceited in thinking he can get the better of me using a less than perfect implement, while I just retrieved another staff. Still, I'm curious to see how the other handpicked fights...' Thought Victoria. Siegmund walked and stood between Metas and Victoria. "Both combatants... Ready your weapons. This is a sparring match and as such, fatally wounding your fellow recruit is not allowed. Using your flame directly against your fellow recruit is not allowed." "Aww..." Victoria remarked, as Siegmund continued speaking.

"The battle ends when: One or the other combatant yields, is knocked out or is unable to continue fighting, or if I or Sir Darius deem it has gone too far. Is this clear, recruits?" Siegmund asked loudly. "Loud and clear..." Said Victoria, bending her knees and going into a fighting stance. "Clear." Said Metas, doing the same. "You... all might want to back away for this fight." Victoria remarked, as the recruits stumbled, backed away, and scattered. She then looked towards Darius who stared back at her expectantly. The crowd of recruits watched on, a few disinterested, many excited to see a long awaited matchup, and many were simply glad to have a rest from their training and to see something that differs from the everyday routine.

"Brother... is going to win, right?" Asralyn asked Sethan. "Of... Course! Brother is the strongest person I know! He's protected us all this time... He's not going to lose to her!" Sethan answered, trying to seem confident in his answer. Liam was watching half-interestedly and was only slightly curious to the outcome of the fight and Metas' fighting style. Lert and Endro were also watching. "Ooh, the two long awaited rivals are about to go head to head..." Said Lert. "Have you seen... That Metas fight before?" Endro asked. "Well, no..." "Then how do you know she won't just beat him easily?" Endro remarked. "He's always trains, and he's good at training... And, he has this sort of aura about him. You know?" Said Lert. "Is that it?" Endro answered. "There's also the rumors... If you've heard them." "Huh, more rumors again?" asked Endro.

"I've heard that he got into a fight and beat up some kids in the previous place he was staying in." Said Lert. "Hmm..." Endro exclaimed. 'Metas, huh. I wonder what's up with him, he seems to be involved in some trouble with the others...' He thought. Ashley nervously watched the two combatants standing across each other. 'I... didn't want things to end up like this but... I don't know what to do now...' She thought. "All that being said... Combatants, recruits. Ready... And..." Siegmund then walked backwards swiftly. "Begin!" The two recruits stared at each other, analyzing and waiting for the other to make a move. Their weapons were the same yet their fighting stances were different. Victoria bent her knees, held her staff with both hands pointing forward towards Metas a short distance away from her.

Meanwhile Metas was standing still, upright. He held his staff with his left hand, and it rested on his left shoulder, leaving his right hand free. 'He's not making a move. And that stance is strange... Hmm... I suppose I should draw first blood or I'll make the crowd die of boredom...' Thought Victoria. "Hmph." Victoria exhaled quickly and dashed quickly towards Metas. Her eyes were wide open, and her grin was as well. Metas' eyes widened with surprise and he quickly readied himself to her advance. Victoria charged towards Metas with her staff pointing forward, and he brought his staff forward and held it vertically with both hands to block the attack.

But Victoria suddenly sidestepped to Metas' right and jabbed her spear towards his side, a blind spot. The speed of which did not allow for Metas to pivot to the right to block the attack. "Hmph!" Metas swung his staff with his right hand and deflected the blow. This only shoved Victoria's weapon away and pushed her back briefly, and she quickly advanced forward once more. Metas used this brief window to turn his body towards her. He only had the slightest of opportunities to raise his staff once more to block Victoria's thrust. "Urk!" He remarked as he was pushed back by the force of the attack.

There was a loud thock as Victoria's attack connected, and left another indelible mark on his staff. Before Metas could make another move, Victoria rushed forward and leapt up. She brought her staff down onto him and he blocked her slash with the length of his staff. Victoria then swung the far-end of her staff upwards in quick succession. Metas blocked low. She then swung her weapon to Metas' left side, blocked by him. Victoria then spun around and struck at Metas' right side, and Metas quickly blocked that attack as well. Metas' reflexes were strained to their limit trying to keep up with the overwhelming flurry of Victoria's strikes.

"What's the matter? Can't keep up? Siegmund's handpicked recruit can't even do anything except defend against my attacks?" She remarked as she attacked. 'She's not giving me an opening... And she's attacking from all sides, probing for weaknesses. I can't do a counterattack without risking exposing myself to an attack. Should I run? No, she'll likely catch up to me if I just try to move away without a plan. Should I just let her wear herself out? No... Leaving it to a battle of endurance, it's likely I'll be worn out or she'll break through before that. And so I should...' Metas thought quickly as defended from each blow from Victoria. "Brother, he... He can't do a thing except defend..." Said Asralyn. "He'll... he'll win! I... know he can win!" Sethan stammered. 'He's... slowing down... He's going to lose. He... did this for me? Is this... my fault?' Ashley thought. The other recruits noticed Metas being unable to do anything except defend against Victoria's attacks, and many of them were convinced of the outcome of the battle. Some even walked away to train, rest, sure that Victoria would win.

'Heh, he's getting tired... Even the others can see it. Soon enough I'll land the strike that will make him beg for mercy. And I didn't even need to use my flame...' Victoria thought. 'I need to conserve my energy. And its a plus that she thinks I'm tiring, well I'm actually tiring but... Anyway I'll have to take full advantage of an opening, she's underestimating me now.' Thought Metas. "Come on! Are you really this weak? Fight back! Or give up already instead of keeping up this useless farce!" Victoria yelled. 'Up, down, left, right. Up, down, left, right. She's following a certain tempo, but she's likely counting on me to rely on that. And...' Metas watched closely as he waited for his chance. 'Up, down, left, right. Up, down, left, right. Up, down, left, right... Up!' As Victoria struck at Metas' right side, he expected her to do a downward strike and seized the opportunity. "Hmph!" Metas slammed his wooden staff downwards towards Victoria.

"Predictable!" Victoria quickly stepped towards Metas' right as he struck the dirt ground. "Hah!" She then slashed down at Metas. He followed her movements with his eyes, and made his next move. Metas swung his weapon from the ground below and threw a shower dirt and rubble towards Victoria. "Hrnk!" She exclaimed, as she threw her hand up and instinctively raised her weapon to block instead of attacking. 'What a dirty trick... I can't see! He'll be using this opportunity to attack me while I don't know where he'll come from... From the front, behind, from the sides? No, I have no way to tell where he'll attack me from so...' Victoria leapt backward and then swung left and right wildly before spinning and swinging in a full arc around her, attacking in all directions around her. Though she attacked all around her, she did not strike a target and after swinging her weapon, she brushed the dirt from her eyes with her forearm. "Hmph!" She remarked as she regained her vision.

Victoria opened her eyes to see a vacant field in front of her with the recruits watching from far away. 'Not in front of me... Did he run, no. Behind!' She exclaimed, as she heard a loud whooshing sound and turned around. She saw a blur speed towards her and reflexively raised her staff to defend herself. She blocked a speeding projectile which pushed backwards. "Wha- What?!" Victoria exclaimed. She saw Metas standing a short distance away with the rope tied to his left hand and the other end tied to the staff. He quickly yanked the rope up and caught his staff with both hands. Metas then flicked his left arm violently and sent it flying towards Victoria.

It shot out and struck Victoria's hand, causing her to drop the staff towards the ground. "Argh!" She exclaimed as her weapon clattered onto the nearby ground below. Her eyes quickly moved to analyze the situation before her. Her thoughts flashed and raced in her mind as she rushed forward towards her dropped weapon. 'He... He threw his weapon! A strange fighting style... But, to throw it again or to use it as a close quarters weapon, he will have to retrieve it! Either he'll pull it back to him, or he'll run to reach it. I'll just have to pick up my weapon and strike him down before he can do either. I'm... capable of doing that!' Victoria rushed forward, picked up her staff and charged towards Metas.

Metas' eyes widened as he saw Victoria's rapid advance. 'He's running and... he pulled the stick up towards him as well?' Thought a surprised Victoria as Metas dashed forward while yanking the rope to him and his weapon along with it. He caught his staff just as Victoria swung her staff upwards towards him. 'Her attack is from... below!' He forced his staff down horizontally and pushed Victoria's weapon onto the ground. Metas then swung his staff towards her. She dodged the attack and leapt backwards, unscathed but leaving her weapon behind. Metas pointed his staff towards Victoria who was disarmed. "You don't have your weapon, you can't fight. Yield." Metas said matter-of-factly.

The recruits were in awe and no words were spoken for the last few seconds of the battle, some of them even almost forgot to breathe in anticipation. Victoria stood there and gritted her teeth, infuriated at her powerlessness. She was standing there trying to think of her next course of action, and a few seconds of silence ensued. "He... Did he just... Did he just win?" "Victoria's stick is on the ground!" "He just beat Victoria at her own game!" "Yeah, take that!" "No way, she lost?" The raucous chatter of the recruits continued once more. "Brother... He... He did it!" Asralyn exclaimed. "Yes... Yes, of course he won!" Sethan remarked. Ashley sighed in relief. 'At least it's over... But, poor Victoria... I... fear how she might react...' She thought.

"Recruit, you have been disarmed and thus you cannot continue the battle. Do you yield?" Siegmund asked Victoria. She turned to look towards Darius in the distance, as he turned to walk away. "I... I... I do not yield!" She exclaimed loudly, like a proud lioness roaring. This stopped Darius from leaving. Victoria then turned towards Metas. At that moment, she exuded such determination and fury and her demeanor changed entirely. From the playful and self-satisfied grin to a serious glare. As she faced Metas, the pressure he felt made a bead of sweat run down his temple and subconsciously inch back. She stood there, glaring at him intently.

Darius walked up to Siegmund who was worried towards the outcome of the bout. "Sir Darius, we should be preparing ourselves to stop this fight when it goes too far." "Heh, its not going to go that far... Unless your pupil doesn't surrender when he's beaten." Darius remarked. Metas readied himself for Victoria's advance. His pulse quickened and his breathing became slightly shaky. Metas gulped quietly. Suddenly, Victoria bolted towards him with an unbroken gaze. 'She's... charging right at me.' He thought. Metas then raised his staff high and aimed it towards the rapidly approaching Victoria.

'I admit that he's quite skilled to do those maneuvers with that weapon of his. To control a weapon using a rope tied to yourself is not an easy thing. But right now, what's the best possible move that he can do. He's raised his weapon and it would be wise to take me out now while I'm far from him and my own weapon. Accounting for the fact that when he misses, he'll have to pull it back to throw it again. So to make the best out of a single attack he'll...' Victoria's mind moved at a lightning quick pace to anticipate Metas' next move. Metas threw his staff to the right, seemingly missing Victoria by a large margin but then he moved his hand sharply to the left causing his weapon to move in a sweeping arc directly towards Victoria. 'A lateral sweeping arc!' Victoria looked straight ahead, but she leapt in the air just in time to avoid Metas' attack. As her feet touched the ground, she continued her rapid approach much to the surprise of Metas.

'She saw through it. But how about... this!' Metas then yanked his staff violently back towards him. "Hmph!" Victoria sidestepped to avoid Metas pulling his staff back to him. 'She... She dodged it!' Metas caught his staff and faced Victoria who was almost an arm's length away from him. She dove kick and slid on the ground towards her staff which was behind Metas. Metas slammed his staff downwards towards her as she slid beneath him, between his legs. Although Victoria slid fast, Metas slammed his weapon down faster. But just before his attack connected, a loud boom erupted from below him. "Hah!" Victoria raised her hands above her head and released a blast of flame that pushed her past Metas' legs. "Hmph!" Victoria picked up her weapon as Metas swung around and slammed his staff towards her.

Another flash of fire and a loud bang erupted as Victoria swung her weapon, her attack bolstered by her flame. Crack! Metas and Victoria swung their weapons at each other at almost the same time, and after a puff of smoke dissipated, the result of their clash was revealed. Metas sitting on the ground, his staff broken into two pieces and wooden splinters all around on the dirt. "Hah... Hah... Hah..." Victoria stood victoriously over him. She breathed tiredly. "You can't use your weapon, you can't fight. Yield." She remarked with a grin, but she savored each word as she proudly announced her victory.

Metas also appeared tired, but chose to be silent. The third of his staff that broke off was behind him, he sat with one hand behind his back and he still remained silent in the face of Victoria. "Recruit! Do you yield or not? It would be wise not to continue with a broken weapon!" Siegmund exclaimed. "I..." Said Metas, but he stopped speaking. Victoria was irritated at his lack of an answer. "Sir Siegmund! He appears to be tongue-tied... Or maybe a bit stupid! Maybe a strike to the face would jog him back to speaking." Said Victoria. She turned her head towards Metas, but noticed something strange.

'Wait. The rope tied to his hands is missing. No... That's his right hand, it was tied to his left hand. And his left hand is...' Victoria's eyes moved quickly. First towards his right hand, and then towards Metas' left hand which he hid behind him. She then looked towards the piece of the broken staff in front of Metas, the rope tied to it, and then followed it as the rope led towards behind him. "You!" Victoria exclaimed in surprise and anger. A flying piece of wood flew towards her and she blocked the oncoming unexpected attack. "Wha- What?" Victoria exclaimed. 'What did he do? I... I see.' Victoria saw that Metas had tied the two broken pieces of his staff together; He held the long piece with his right hand, and the rope tying the two pieces of his weapon together with his left hand. After whipping Victoria with the piece of wood, Metas thrusted the long-end towards her.

Victoria deftly blocked the first two strikes from Metas, but was quickly overwhelmed by his combination of whipping strikes and staff swings. "Come on brother!" "Brother, you can do it!" Asralyn and Sethan cheered on. "Come on man, you can beat her!" "I bet my lunch and dinner on you, beat Victoria!" "Victoria, you can't lose now!" "Beat him, you can do it Victoria!" "Whether or not I'm cleaning the latrine tonight depends on this fight!" The recruits cheered on. 'This fight... I'm afraid there's no outcome where they'll both be safe anymore... This... shouldn't have happened... Maybe... Things should just be like what they were before...' Thought Ashley. 'His staff strikes are impressive but not better than mine... But there's that swinging weapon, dealing with both of them at the same time... Is troublesome!' Victoria thought as she could barely keep up with the whipping swing and striking of Metas' staff.

Victoria ducked as Metas whipped the staff laterally, and blocked a forward thrust with her staff. Metas whipped downwards and Victoria blocked it by raising up her staff. Metas swiped with the long end of his staff and Victoria dodged to the side. She took the chance to counterattack and swung her staff at Metas. He blocked the attack with the long end of his staff and whipped Victoria with the other piece. She defended herself with her staff and stumbled backwards. 'He has the advantage with that weapon... Its going to take me a while to get used to fighting against it... Time I don't have... But luckily, I still have an advantage over him!' Victoria thought. She grinned wide, inhaled and readied herself with a combat stance. Metas was advancing forward, but upon seeing Victoria's change of demeanor, he quickly jumped away.

'He... Sensed that I was going to use my flame? No, it was probably just a hunch. Though... that means I'll have to pick when I'll use it. There's a limit to how much I can use it after all...' Victoria thought. The two of them walked in a circle facing opposite each other, like two birds of prey waiting for the right moment to pounce. Victoria moved first and charged towards Metas. She prepared to swing her staff and suddenly lowered it to the ground. "Hah!" Victoria swung her staff upwards and kicked up a shower of rubble and stones at Metas. He whipped a few times to clear away the flying projectiles, and saw that Victoria was no longer in front of him. He immediately turned around and blocked a hurtling stone that Victoria threw. "You're not the only one who can throw things!" She remarked as she chucked another small stone at Metas. He moved his head to avoid the attack, but Victoria used the distraction and struck him using a swing of her staff. Metas blocked the attack, but was caught off guard and pushed down seated on the ground. "Hmph..." He remarked.

'He's on the ground... I need to get closer, If I am to land the decisive blow I best not miss.' Victoria thought as she advanced to Metas' position. She raised her staff high above her head with a wide grin on her face, certain of her victory. "Hey wait, is she really going to do it?" "This is getting dangerous." "Maybe somebody should stop them..." Voices of concern were suddenly raised by a few of the recruits. But before any action can be taken, Metas shot to his feet and raised his weapons towards Victoria.

Victoria was shocked as Metas used the rope between the pieces of his staff and tied a knot around Victoria's weapon and pulled it from her hands. "Wha?!" She tried to retrieve her staff, but the knot Metas tied around Victoria's staff held firm. Metas then jabbed both pieces of his staff towards Victoria and she jumped away, without a weapon once more. Metas then tied the long piece of his staff and Victoria's staff together, creating one sturdier weapon, while still having the short staff segment on the end of the rope. 'Damn it! He's effectively taken my weapon from me, and used it to improve his own. If only I could use my flames directly against him, I could have decided this bout from the start. These idiotic rules keeping me from my full potential... Wait, the rule is that we can't "directly" use our flame against each other. Then...' Victoria ran forward, but stopped in her tracks to avoid a whipping strike from Metas.

'She's lost her weapon... And yet she still won't give up. This won't end until one of us is struck down...' Metas thought, as he continued to keep Victoria a distance away with his flail-like attacks. Victoria walked from side-to-side, seemingly trying to find an opening but could not get close to Metas. 'I'll need to find it. The right opportunity. Then I can win.' Thought Victoria. Metas continued swinging his weapon, but he could not land a strike against Victoria either. 'We're in a deadlock... As she maintains her distance, she can avoid my attacks, but she can't attack me because she isn't close enough. Though if this were a real fight, she would have undoubtedly shot a blast of flame at me already. But this means that this battle will drag on until both of us are exhausted. I could go closer, but that would only mean that she'll be able to reach me. As it stands now, I have the advantage because I have a weapon...' Thought Metas.

'Come on, come on...' Victoria thought as she avoided Metas' attacks. She studied Metas' swings, a lateral swing, an arc swing, a downward swing where Victoria jumped to the side to avoid. Metas whipped upwards and stepped backwards to avoid it. 'She's deft at avoiding my attacks... Maybe I should get closer? If I let this fight take too long, I'm the one who'll be at a disadvantage.' Thought Metas. 'I've got it!' Victoria said to herself excitedly, before charging forward. "Ah!" Victoria cried out as the short piece of Metas' extended staff struck her in the side. She fell flat on the ground, facing upwards towards the sky. The smaller piece of wood that struck her clattered in the soil nearby her.

'Hmm... Not so difficult after all...' Thought Metas. "Oh, down she goes!" "He hit her!" "She's on the ground!" "He... won?" "Did... brother just beat her?" Asralyn asked. "Yeah... Yeah!" Sethan exclaimed. Metas looked towards Victoria, huffing and puffing from exhaustion. 'Is it... finally over? Why... did I agree to do this in the first place?' He asked himself. Ashley looked over towards Victoria in concern. Victoria was now curled up, and facing away. 'She... must have taken that hard. Hmm? Is she holding something-'

Suddenly, there was a loud 'thwoosh' as an all-encompassing crimson light lit up the grounds. For one moment, it almost seemed to outshine the sun. In the moments after she was struck, Victoria secretly moved over to where the short piece of the staff was. Then, a trail of fire shot up the entire length of rope that Metas had tied his staff to. It was like a bolt of lightning striking a tree in that the flame reached Metas before he even knew it. His eyes widened at the snaking flames, and before he could let go of the weapon in his hands, it caught up to him and undid the binds that tied his weapon together. "Argh!" He exclaimed, as he the flame burnt through the rope and seperated his and Victoria's staff. The force of the burst sent him to the ground and the staves flying a short distance away.

"Hmph..." Metas groaned. His ears rung, his vision was blurry, and he was slightly disoriented. Smoke and dust covered the field as a result of Victoria's attack. "What... What happened?" "Was that Victoria's doing?" "What happened, who won?" *Cough, cough* "I got some dirt in my mouth..." The recruits chatted, unable to see the result of the bout due to the cloud of dust covering the area. "Is... Is everybody alright?" Ashley asked. She went around checking the conditions of the other recruits. "You two, are you alright?" She asked Sethan and Asralyn. "We're alright..." Said Asralyn. "But... Brother, is he... Is he safe? I... We... We need to check up on him!" Sethan exclaimed.

"Don't go in there, it's not safe! We need..." said Ashley, looking over towards Darius and Siegmund who were having a serious discussion about the present matter. "Sir Darius, Sir Siegmund! We have to stop the fight! It's getting dangerous! Not only for them, but for the other recruits too!" She exclaimed. "We know. Go check on and evacuate the other recruits, Sir Darius will go with you." Said Siegmund. "Come on, let's move kid." Darius remarked. "Okay!" Ashley remarked, surprised. She made one glance back towards the smoke covered field in worry. Siegmund sighed before saying: "Alright... Here we go."

Metas rubbed his eyes and saw a figure blast out from the smoke ahead. It was Victoria making a mad dash towards him. He quickly came to his senses and looked around at his feet for one of the staves that dropped from the floor earlier. Metas grabbed Victoria's staff from the ground, as it was in better condition than his. Victoria then extended her arms behind her and blasted herself forward with her flame. In that moment, she became a force single-mindedly focused on pursuit and sped across the field like an arrow loosed from a bow. She reached Metas in almost an instant and snatched up Metas' staff on the ground below. "Haargh!" She let out a vicious yawp, and swung upwards towards him. She used her flame once more and it left a crimson trail in the air behind her weapon.

Metas swung his weapon to defend himself against the attack. Crash! But the attempt was in vain. She smashed straight through Metas' weapon with one stroke, and then struck him in the stomach with the butt of the staff. "Urk!" Metas tried to raise his hands to defend himself, but the strike to his gut made him fall to his knees. "Recruits! Cease combat!" Siegmund yelled as he ran towards them. Victoria raised her weapon up high and had an expression of twisted satisfaction. "No, brother!" Asralyn exclaimed, as the dust cleared and the recruits bore witness to the scene before them. Hearing his sister's cries, Sethan turned around and looked towards Metas. "What... No..." He remarked, before running to the scene.

"Brother!" Asralyn called out, with her hand outstretched towards him. "Sethan, wait! Don't!" Ashley said, giving chase. "Recruit, drop your weapon. Victoria, listen to me!" Siegmund said, running towards her and Metas. He clutched his gut, he tried to look around nearby for any way to escape or to fight back. But with the attack he endured and Victoria standing above him, there was no easy way to get out of his current predicament. He turned to see Sethan going towards him. "No... don't... Get... away..." He weakly remarked. He looked back up to see Victoria, as her weapon moved swiftly through the air towards him. Before the strike could connect, there was another loud 'bang' but was accompanied with an orange flame instead of a red one.

"Don't... Don't hurt him! Get away from my brother!" Sethan exclaimed with a shaky voice, tears in his eyes. His right hand was outstretched towards Victoria. A small flame floated in front of his palm before dissipating. Metas opened his eyes after he had closed them anticipating Victoria's attack. He opened his eyes to see Victoria facing away from him, with her head turned towards Sethan. He heard the clatter of a piece of wood hitting the ground and looked to see the staff that Victoria is carrying was broken. The wooden weapon was charred, and had a hole going through it. A silence rang out through the grounds. Victoria shrugged and threw away the broken weapon, before slowly walking towards Sethan. "And so... What are you going to do?" She said, with her palms towards the air. Jets of red flame shot out from her hands, illuminating her face with crimson light. Startled, Sethan instinctively stepped backwards but stood his ground.

"Victoria!" Ashley exclaimed. "Brother!" Asralyn yelled. Sethan ran over and stood in front of Metas, his hands raised towards Victoria to defend his brother. "From the looks of it, you just unlocked your flame. So, do you think you can win against me?' Victoria asked menacingly. "Uh, I... I..." Sethan remarked nervously. "Recruit, stand down immediately! You don't want to risk being kicked out or... worse!" Siegmund exclaimed. 'Hmph... This is a tough situation. I can't exactly get in there without risking hurting them. And now that Sethan's there...' Thought Siegmund. "Victoria. That's enough." Darius called out. Victoria turned her head towards him. She turned back towards Sethan who was shaking with fear but bravely stood his ground. Victoria did a feint and feigned lunging forward towards him.

Instinctively, Sethan jolted back. Metas put a hand on his brother's shoulder, and stared daggers directly in Victoria's eyes. She looked at Metas, looked down and then turned around to leave. Her flames dissipated but a smile grew on her face as she walked away. The recruits eyes' followed her as she slowly walked across the dirt. "Recruit, I hope you're ready to face punishment for-" "Yeah, yeah. I am." Victoria cut Siegmund off. She was clearly distracted by something else that delighted her. "Alright training's over, let's go back recruits!" Darius exclaimed.

Metas was still vigilantly watching Victoria, and breathed a sigh of relief once she got too far. He then put his hand into his pocket. Sethan also breathed a sigh of relief, before clutching his older brother's clothing and bawling his eyes out into his chest. Metas rubbed Sethan's back and said: "It's... okay. Everything is... going to be alright now." He reassured as Sethan cried. "I... thought... you were... going to..." Sethan could barely form words. "It's alright..." Metas remarked. Asralyn and Ashley walked up to the two of them. Asralyn ran up to her two brothers before leaping and giving them both a tight hug. "I was so scared..." She remarked, before bursting into tears as well.

Ashley stood awkwardly nearby, holding her arm with her other hand. "If only... you didn't accept her challenge in the first place." She then turned towards Ashley. "It's... because of you that brother was put in this position in the first place..." She remarked. "Hey, Lyn! You shouldn't say that!" Sethan exclaimed, still sniffling through the tears. "Even though its true?" Asralyn asked. "Still, you shouldn't!" Said Sethan. "She's right. And she's warranted to say that. I... was the reason why Metas had to challenge Victoria in my place. If I hadn't made her so ornery maybe all of this wouldn't have happened in the first place..." Said Ashley.

"No, its my fault. I was the one who chose to accept the challenge, no one forced me to. I could have walked away, this... this was my decision. The blame lies with me." Said Metas. "Th- Thank you. I'm... sorry regardless." Ashley meekly remarked, she was looking down and avoiding eye contact with him. "It's nothing." Said Metas, with a rare reassuring smile. "Grr... It's that Victoria who's at fault! Why is she always like that..." Sethan exclaimed. "There she is!" Asralyn said, pointing towards nothing in particular. "Eek! I said nothing!" Sethan said in a panic. He quickly turned around to see that Victoria was nowhere to be seen. He looked frantically for a few more seconds.

"Hmph... She's not even here. Lyn..." Sethan said, grumpily. Asralyn burst out laughing. "What? I... couldn't resist..." She mustered amidst her laughter. "Still! I was so scared!" Sethan remarked. "Lyn... You shouldn't do that..." Metas said, but he was stifling his own laughter. "Brother! Not you too..." Sethan said, pouting. "Sorry, sorry..." Metas said, ruffling his younger brother's hair. As the three siblings laughed amongst themselves and the other recruits were already leaving,

Ashley felt that the time was ripe for her to leave. As she turned around to leave, Asralyn called out to her. "Wait!" She released her grasp from her older brother and ran over to Ashley. Asralyn hugged her tightly all of a sudden. "Wait, what? What? What's... happening?" Ashley said confusedly. "I'm... very sorry about what I said. What I said was very mean." Asralyn said, pressing her face into Ashley's stomach. "Uh its fine. It really is. Its not like I disagree with you..." Ashley remarked. Asralyn then looked up towards Ashley. "We... We need to stick together! Victoria is strong but if we work together... We can beat her!" She exclaimed. "Uh, sure. You can let go now." Ashley said, patting Asralyn's back. The remmaining recruits soon followed the others back. Though Siegmund kept a watchful eye onto Sethan and Metas as they chatted along the path back to the hall.

"... And that's all that's happened." Ashley remarked. "Wow, that's quite..." Flare was at a loss for words. "Certainly isn't what any of us thought would happen today..." Said Ashley. "Wait, how are they? Metas, Sethan, and Little Lyn I mean." Flare asked. "Well, after the three of them came back here... We got Metas to reluctantly accept going to the infirmary. He only had some minor cuts and bruises, he's lucky he didn't get a serious burn." Said Ashley. "Huh, the way you described that explosion made it sound like it was more destructive." Flare answered. "Well, it was! But, I'm just glad everybody made it out without getting seriously injured." Ashley exclaimed, relieved.

"How's the other two?" Flare asked. "Oh, they're not hurt. Just... a little shaken up. They're resting right now. After they had some water, they calmed down." Said Ashley. "And what about... her?" Said Flare. "Victoria is... In detainment. She walked inside the cell herself. Says that she knows that actions have consequences. She was hurt in the fight, but even though she's purposefully trying to hide it, I don't think its that serious. Aside from her injuries, she even seemed to be in pretty good spirits." Ashley remarked. "Hmm... Is it because she won?" Flare asked.

"Probably. But aside from winning, its like she got something else out of it. Anyway, I'll be checking on the other recruits to see if everyone else is fine." Said Ashley. "How about you? Are you alright?" Said Flare. "I'm fine, really! Not a scratch on me." Ashley exclaimed. "I'm... not talking about that. I'm asking if you're... alright, alright." Flare remarked. "Yeah, I'm fine. I think. I'll... be going back now." Said Ashley, walking away. "Alright! Stay safe kid!" Flare exclaimed. "You too, Sis Flare." Ashley left the area and walked towards the rooms.

Flare picked up a nearby rag and wiped a wooden plate, a table and then made her way to the hall, looking for more things to do. She then passed by the cold bars that locked Victoria in the containment area. Inside, she sat cross-legged on a metal bench appearing to be thinking about something. Flare turned towards her and was slightly taken aback. "Uh, Victoria. I didn't notice you there. Have you... had anything to eat or drink since?" She asked. "I'm not hungry or thirsty. And I don't need your pity. I won, after all." Victoria snidely remarked. "Well, I'm not the one behind bars right now. That doesn't sound like winning to me." Said Flare. "Hmph, I know the consequences of my actions and I accept it. And besides from here, it looks like you're the one imprisoned." Said Victoria. "You seem pleased." Said Flare.

"Bah, its none of your business. If I need anything from the help, then I'll call you." Victoria remarked. 'It looks like she hasn't lost any of her venom... But its like she's trying to draw attention away from something.' Thought Flare. "Alright, I'll leave you to it. If you need anything... the 'help' will be happy to bring you food or water. But you aren't feeling thirsty or hungry, right?" Flare said, walking away as she heard the rumbling of Victoria's stomach. "Hmph!" Victoria exclaimed. "Now... what to do." She remarked to herself inside the cell, but the echo was loud enough that Flare could hear it from a distance. She sighed. 'These recruits... the path they're headed isn't an easy one. I... can only watch and pray that they won't have to endure the burdens of the nation in the wars like I did.' She thought worriedly.

In the halls and the sleeping quarters, the recruits walked by, ate their food and idled around in an uncharacteristic quiet. There was an awkward silence as the recruits spent their spare time trying to continue on as usual, but an uneasy mood permeated in the area. Metas, Sethan, and Asralyn sat on a bed inside their quarters. The three were huddled up against each other, with Metas trying to comfort his younger siblings. The other recruits in the room were resting, unwinding after a hard day's training. Some of them chatted amongst each other with the obvious topic of the recent transpired events, but the gossip was more hushed than usual.

"You... did great in that fight! A shame that Victoria was just too strong..." Lert said towards Metas. "Uh... thanks. I guess." He responded. "And you Sethan, you finally got your flame!" Lert exclaimed. "Yeah it... Still doesn't feel real. If anything, I thought brother was going to get his flame first." Said Sethan. "Well, maybe... you just got it faster." Said Metas, looking down upon Sethan with a strained smile. "Heh, maybe I'll even get it before you!" Asralyn exclaimed excitedly. Metas patted her head gently and said: "Well, you need to train harder first so you can get it. And after that, you'll need to learn to control it. That goes for you now, Sethan. You... might hurt yourself or other people." He turned towards Sethan. "Yes... I'll need to train! I'll train hard! Soon I can get strong and become a knight that can protect everyone!" Sethan exclaimed.

"Whew, I wish I had your courage... I still don't have a flame of my own either..." Said Lert. "Don't worry, you'll get it someday." Sethan encouraged. "Alright, see you guys around." Lert remarked. And they waved goodbye to each other. "Uh... what was his name again?" Asralyn asked quietly. Endro looked on from nearby. 'That recruit. Metas. His fight with Victoria, I... Compared to all the 'fights' I've had in my neighborhood, that was... something else. When everything happened I... couldn't move. Some tried to help the others evacuate. Sethan ran in to protect his brother, but I... was frozen and helpless, just like the others. To become a knight is to fight. And that's more than just training...' Thought Endro.

"What's the matter?" Lert asked him. "It's nothing, let's go." Endro answered. Lert looked back at the three siblings. 'Huh, why does it look like... Metas was sad.' Thought Lert. "Hurry up!" Endro exclaimed. "Alright!" Lert responded, as the two of them walked away. The siblings were occasionally approached by those who congratulated Metas for his efforts and Sethan for unlocking his flame much to Metas' discomfort towards the attention. Liam came into the room and walked up towards them. Metas was immediately on-guard. "Hmph." He remarked, looking up at Liam. "First time seeing you spar that seriously. That... was good, back there. I don't think there's anyone... except me, among the recruits who can push her to that point. I can commend you for that." Said Liam.

Sethan and Asralyn were intimidated by his presence and instinctively retreated back. "Thank you. Is there... anything else?" Said Metas. "You've been hiding your true skill all this time." "Am I forbidden from doing that?" Metas asked. Liam smirked, a small almost imperceptible smirk that formed from his nigh-constant stoic face. "Not at all, that has its advantages and you're free to do it as you please. But let's just say that there are many interested in how you rank and how you fare among the recruits. Both in our ranks, and outside it. Showing your strength outward also has its uses. For others to know your place among them. Strength and usefulness is a vital trait to the kingdom. If they know you're useful, you can get wealth, status, power. You can breathe easier than those in the streets." Said Liam.

"In exchange for risking your life in battle." Metas responded. "Hmph, street urchins risk their lives living in the dirt everyday. The only thing is they don't get paid for doing it." Liam remarked. "Hmph, I guess we all have our own roads to walk." Said Metas. Liam turned to leave. "I guess so. We'll all keep doing what we want. The rest will follow." "Talkative today, huh?" Said Metas. "Only talk to someone worth talking to, about something worth saying." Liam said as he left. "Hmm..." Metas exclaimed. "That guy is scary..." Said Asralyn. "I don't know what he's up to..." Said Sethan. "He's gone for now..." Said Metas.

As they were speaking to each other, Ashley entered the room. She carried three cups of water on a tray and brought it to them. "Here, I brought you guys more water." Ashley remarked. "Thanks Ash!" Asralyn exclaimed. "Thanks a bunch!" Said Sethan. "Hmm... Where's yours?" Metas asked curiously, looking down towards the last remaining cup. "Oh, I'm not thirsty... You can have it instead." Said Ashley. "You're sweating. Flushed cheeks, shortness of breath... Have you been working nonstop trying to help the others all this time? You deserve that drink more than me... And some rest, rather than me... I've been resting all this time." Said Metas.

"I uh... I've rested. I took a break to chat with Sis Flare and... I just drank some water and that's why I've been sweating." Ashley said, trying to smile. "Hmm. If you say so I suppose." Metas said plainly. He took the cup from her, took the smallest of sips, and then set it back down. "Ah... I've quenched my thirst. It would be a waste to throw it away... If only there was someone nearby who can do the honors..." Metas remarked. "Well, I'm so... not thirsty after drinking this cup of water!" Sethan exclaimed. "Uh, me too!" Said Asralyn. "Hmph... Fine! I'll do what you want..." Ashley picked the cup up and looked at it with a serious expression. "Mhmm..." Ashley pouted, before downing the cup of water. "There!" She exclaimed, before putting it down on the tray and running away out of the room. She slammed the door behind her, put down the tray and leaned on the closed door.

Ashley breathed heavily and wiped sweat off her forehead but calmed down and breathed a sigh of relief. She then picked the tray back up and walked away. Inside the room, Metas was looking into the distance and was deep in thought. He suddenly appeared to be startled by something. "!" "What's the matter brother? Did you realize something?" Sethan exclaimed. "It's nothing..." Said Metas. "What?" Asralyn said, confusedly.

Meanwhile in her cell, Victoria was tapping the seat below her with her finger. The sound of footsteps on the floor resounded outside the containment area. The sound of a tray getting lowered to the ground could be heard next. "I thought you've had enough of me..." She remarked. "Well, that's not wrong..." Said Ashley. "Oh Ash, didn't see you there." Victoria remarked. "Insulting everyone and anyone again?" Ashley asked. "Oh, you know me so well..." Victoria said, sarcastically. "Here, some food and water." Ashley answered. "Have you been spending all this time sucking up and wasting your energy for the others again?" Victoria asked.

"Wasting?" Ashley asked. "All this effort that could be used for something else..." Victoria remarked. "Effort? It's like training isn't it? Little by little... Everything we've done, it'll amount to something. Even... this. So eat up, or not. I'm going." Said Ashley, before walking off. "You should have just taken it with you!" Victoria exclaimed as Ashley left. She sat in her cell continuing to stare off in thought before another rumble from her stomach broke her train of thought. Victoria glanced over towards the tray of food briefly, before looking away once again. She then looked back towards it. Slowly, she stood up and almost tiptoed her way to it. After crouching to the ground and making sure no one was nearby before snatching the tray away.

In Darius' office, the disgruntled instructor was rubbing his temple and looking down at his desk. "Hmph... This is a mess. I'll have to write a report to the higher ups... And rein in the children, things are only going to be more complicated because of this." Darius then looked up towards Siegmund who was sitting cross-armed at the foot of the door. "Well, did you see what you came here to see? He asked Siegmund. "I have." "Was it worth... all this mess?" Darius asked. "Hmph, that still remains to be seen." Siegmund answered.

"Well... I hope it was. Since you used one of your precious times-off for it." Darius said with a snicker. "Well, speaking of my service... There's been a development in the conflict. They need be back so to speak. So I'll be leaving soon." Said Siegmund. "Stay alive. When all this is over, I don't want to continue taking over this position for you." Darius remarked. "Heh, don't worry. I'm not going to abandon the post that the previous director left for me." Siegmund said as he exited the room. He popped into the sleeping quarters to say goodbye. "Well recruits, I'm being called to the battlefield again. So this is goodbye, for now at least." He announced.

"Goodbye!" "Thank you, Sir Siegmund!" "Good luck on the battle!" Many of the recruits said their goodbyes but some were only saying it because they felt the need to. "Bye Sir Siegmund!" Sethan exclaimed. "Bye!" Said Asralyn. "Alright then." Said Metas. Siegmund looked at him for a moment with a curious expression before leaving. As he exited the building he thought: 'Hmm... Looks like the fate of this kingdom is still safe yet... But in its current course its heading is only to ruin... Never mind that... As long as they're safe... I will complete my task...' Siegmund smiled in a sinister manner as he walked, his heavy armor clinking all the way.

But there was a rustling in the nearby bushes by an onlooker. A figure slinked out of hiding and ran to the front of the door. "Hmm... so this is where they are... Its going to be interesting meeting my own flesh and blood for the first time..." A fiery haired young woman remarked. She was dressed in exquisite royal garb, and had an ear-to-ear grin on her face. She made her way to the door, thought of knocking, but instead circled around the building. She went to the back and peeked into each window cautiously, trying not to draw any attention. 'Hmm... That's them. Surely...' She looked directly towards Metas, Sethan and Asralyn as she gritted her teeth in either mad glee or boiling rage. “There you are, my dear siblings… And the threats to my throne…” She remarked ominously.