Battle Camp

'I wonder if I can analyze and comprehend her Aura Art…' Jin didn't care about what was happening around him as he was fully focused on his thoughts.

So far, the only Aura Art he knew was their father's Burning Sword Style.

Jin had always wanted to know more Aura Arts, but he was stumped since they would only be accessible to them in their third year at the Training Center.

He also found a library while walking around the Training Center.

Unfortunately, the knowledge and information about Aura Arts were also not available until they reached their third year.

And so, he had no choice but to give up.

However, he was now presented with an opportunity.

'I wonder how many warriors will be there…'

Jin felt excited as he thought about the aura arts he could possibly obtain in the battle camp.

The children didn't wait for too long before they saw Instructor Agnes coming up the platform.

"Are you ready?" She asked while looking at them.

"Yes instructor!"

Agnes nodded in satisfaction, "Then let's depart!"

Afterwards, she led the children out of the Training Center.

"We won't use a carriage, the march to the battle camp will serve as your physical training for today, any objections?"

"No instructor!"

Instructor Agnes grinned as she took the lead.

"Oh? I didn't know that there's going to be a parade today…"

"Idiot, look at their uniforms. They're clearly trainees from the Training Center!"

"Oh! Why are they parading then…?"

"Well…"

…

The group of the 200 children caught the attention of people as they walked through the streets.

Sensing the gazes of the people, some children felt shy while some felt proud of the uniforms they were wearing.

Wearing the uniform of the Training Center meant that they'll be the future defenders of the fortress.

Therefore, it would evoke respect and admiration from the masses.

"You lot should get used to those gazes. When you weaklings become stronger and graduate from the Training Center, you will receive those gazes everytime you come back from the battle against the demon beast wave."

Her words made the hot blooded children become filled with excitement.

"That is… if you come back alive."

The hot blooded youths looked as if cold water was poured over them as they heard her words.

Instructor Agnes looked amused as she led the trainees.

* * *

The Stygian Forest was located to the west of the Cabanary Fortress.

Therefore, the battle camp was located at the west gate of the fortress as it was where the heart of the battle had always been.

They walked for an hour or so before the camp came on to their sight.

Shing!!

Clang!

Hyahhh–

Clackk—

As they got closer, sounds of battle could be heard.

This made the children feel nervous and excited at the same time.

Instructor Agnes saw the expression of the trainees and grinned, "Since the day of the demon beast wave is approaching, the warriors are beginning to warm up."

"What warm up do they do, Instructor?" A trainee asked curiously.

Instructor Agnes smirked, "Sparring."

Her words sparked anticipation among the children as it was the first time that they were going to see how warriors fight.

Soon enough, the group reached the battle camp located at the west gate of the fortress.

The trainees saw a small building in the distance.

"Wait here." Agnes instructed before entering the building.

After a short moment, she came out with two men.

"Oh? So they are this generation's trainees, huh? I'll expect a lot from you in the future."

"Haha! I'd be glad if they reached about 1/10000th of your strength!"

One looked to be middle aged with elegant gray hair and beard while the other was a bald and bulky old man.

"It's Lord Axton and Director Ver!"

Someone from the group of trainees whispered excitedly.

The children had idolized Lord Axton and Director Ver since they had always heard how strong the two of them were from their parents who were at the frontlines.

They could see their instructor chatting with the two men as they stood and waited.

Before long, Lord Axton walked towards them and observed, "Hmmm, there are many outstanding pupils this time around."

After observing for a while, he said with a friendly smile, "You are going to be the future of the fortress. Make sure that you listen to Agnes, okay? She may be a bit rough but she has one of the best talents in the fortress."

Hearing him full of praises towards their instructor, the trainees glanced at her briefly.

Director Ver also spoke, "You young'uns should cherish the opportunity that Lord Axton has given you. It's not everyday that you'll get to have this opportunity."

"Haha, no need to scare them like that, Gramps." Axton shook his head and chuckled before looking at the children gently, "While the director is right, you shouldn't push yourselves too much."

"Just do your best and enjoy, okay?"

The children could only stare at him in awe as they nodded obediently.

At this moment, Instructor Agnes chimed in from the side, "Then we'll get going. We don't want to intrude upon your precious time any longer, my sirs."

Her respectful demeanor made the children dumbfounded. It was their first time seeing her not be so rough and it felt new to them.

After giving a few more pieces of advice, Lord Axton and Director Ver both went back to the building.

Lord Axton waved at Anton as he walked back to the building, making the latter embarrassed.

"Woah, your father is really cool, Anton!"

"Right!? I never expected him to be this friendly and gentle…"

"I also didn't expect Lord Axton and Director Ver to have such close relationship with each other…"

…

The children talked amongst themselves as they toured the battle camp.

Instructor Agnes all introduced the facilities to them.

They came to know that the small building earlier was where the high ranking warriors plan for demon beast waves.

There were also the warehouses where the logistics team stored the food, water, back up weapons, and other supplies needed for the battle.

"This is the last facility of the battle camp; the "warm up" area." Instructor Agnes introduced the facility to them as they neared a large expanse of land with weapon racks, training dummies and open areas for sparring.

In the group, although all the children were excited, a white haired boy with golden eyes was radiating extreme anticipation.

'Finally…' Jin thought as the sounds of battle become more apparent as they walked towards the so-called warm up area.