8 Chapter 6 : Winter Has Arrived ----------------------------------------

"The moment you've been training for the past 4 months is here. Manwols are expected to notice our presence in about 2 days."

"All of you have practised in the simulator and we've also got Kai for support. It's time to show those Manwols all that you've learnt."

"Each and every one of you know their elements thoroughly and have fought Manwol simulations multiple times by now."

"I want you to remember that simulations are nothing compared to reality. None amongst us have ever seen a Manwol up close."

"Moreover, none of you have any battle experience either. There are a few things that you MUST follow when you're out their."

"Whatever you do, stick together, don't go off soloing just because you think you can. Our numbers are limited, we don't want any casualties."

"Our priority is to return safely, if you're facing problems retreat don't just stand there waiting for them to infect you. If you come back there'll be a next time, if you stay out with your pride, well, you're not going to be seeing us anymore for sure."

"Now for tactics, I've been analysing your attack patterns in the simulator and usually 2-3 of you target one Manwol. Of course this method is very efficient, but of what use if efficiency if you're already dead. When battling the Manwols, don't attract unnecessary attention, deal with the Manwols in front of you before taking down the rest."

"In short take them down one at a time. Our colony is surround by a river on three sides, and from our data, no aquatic Manwol exists, so it's safe to assume that most Manwols will attack from the land side first. You're camps have already been set out there. From now 20 of you are going to man the border, the other 8 will stay back just in case the Manwols attack from the river, you'll have to buy enough time for the rest to return."

"Well, that'll cover most of it. No elaborate plans, you know that's just not my thing."

"Simple orders, take down the Manwols one by one and retreat immediately if required."

"Go and rest now, you have a pretty hectic time coming up."

Slowly everyone dispersed, they had been training for this day but now that it was here, things felt different, they were finally going to face the Manwols they had heard so much about.

The were finally beginning to understand how scary of a situation they were in, even a single mistake would lead to death.

Yuna too went back to her room, after a days of briefing a lecturing she was naturally exhausted and she fell asleep as soon as she hit the bed.

"YUNA....YUNA....   YUUUUNAAAAA THE MANWOLS ARE HERE!"

"What... Manwols... Where?"

"You're finally up, how long will you sleep. We're supposed to assemble at the training grounds in 5 minutes and you're still sleeping..."

"You scared the hell out of me... NEVER do that again"

"Hey, show some politeness, I'm the one whose going to be healing you when you get injured."

"As if I'll need you to heal me."

"Whatever, you'll be thanking me later anyway. Let's go now otherwise we'll never be able to reach on time."

As Yuna and Kai reached the training grounds, the others were ready for departure. Zico was making some last minute arrangements, and in 10 minutes they were off.

In less than an hour they would reach the border and soon they would face the Manwols they had feared so much.

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