Chapter 2 : Fluctuation

Every breath I take is agony. The frostbite paired with the soreness of my body from walking up a mountain created a mix of pain. My eyes are blurry and my legs can barely keep me up. 

"Keep up." I can hear the commander ordering as we all walk through the thick snow that measured up to our knees. Some other recruits start passing out while others begin to sob. We are ordered to carry those passed out. I knew the program would be tough but this, this is hell. 

"How are you holding up?" One of the recruits by my side asks. 

"I am holding up…..How about you?" 

"I am trying." He replies. "There isn't much distance left to cover. We can make it." a smile creeps on his face as if he was trying to keep sane. 

"Recruits," the commander yelled, "if you have time and energy to talk then pick up your pace." 

We immediately stop talking and try to increase our pace. After a short walk, I begin to feel warmth. The base is just up ahead, warm clothes and heat. A large glowing dome-like transparent barrier surrounds the base. The moment I enter the base I drop to my knees too tired to move. I slowly try catching my breath but each motion makes me experience a new type of pain. 

"Attention!!!!!!" an order from the vice commander takes away the little moment of rest we were experiencing, as every recruit lets out moans of pain, struggling to get back to their feet. I accidentally let out a sigh of frustration and that catches the interest of the commander.

"Do you have something to say recruit ?"

"No sir" I reply, not wanting any further trouble.

"Recruits, gather yourselves and rest for an hour...We descend after your rest is over." He says in a loud, intimidating tone, no further instructions, just a cold order.

An hour of rest and then we descend? Am I going to survive this program. My body has never been put through anything like this. I see the others carry themselves to their camps getting ready to rest. I try to move but my legs are frozen in place. Feels like straws are holding my weight up. I drop to the ground exhausted. I have to get to my camp. I check all my possible choices and decide to crawl back to my camp. It is horrible and painful but it is better than being out in the open. I manage to get into my camp, not cleaning up, I pull myself up onto my bed and immediately doze off. It has been a long day. 

An Hour Later

"Rise and shine recruits. Let's get down that mountain." The vice commanders loud order startles me awake. An hour already? Felt like a minute. My legs are still sore but I can move now. I slowly and sluggishly leave my bed, grab my equipment and joined the rest outside. Every other recruit looks just as bad as I feel. It is still dark out so we are making our journey down with torches.

"Is everyone here?" The commander asks his vice who just finished a head count.

"Yes sir. All recruits accounted for."

"Good then, let us descend soldiers." He orders as he leads us out.

I feel a light tap on my back just as we begin descent "Hey, how are you feeling?" It is the other recruit who I met during our climb up. "Sorry I did not introduce myself earlier . I am Drefan Hull." He whispers, stretching his arms out for a hand shake which I reciprocate. "Thanks for your concern. I am fine." I reply with a smile." I am Kairos Valorin." 

Hearing my name his eyes widen. "Valorin? Are you by chance related to Archeon Valorin?"he asks almost raising his voice. I give him a slight nod as the commander turns back glaring at our direction before turning away. His glare sends chills down our spine and we decide to remain quiet for the rest of the trip.

Finally we made it. I thought I would die before I get down. My legs can barely hold me up. I turn to look at Drefan who now sits on the ground breathing heavily. "We made it." He says a huge smile on his face which I cannot help but reciprocate. It was a tough climb and descent but I am glad I went through with it. In the battlefield I will be in worse conditions, plus despite the soreness I feel stronger and lighter on leveled ground.

"Attention." The commander roars causing us all to stand. "Congratulations recruits, you have all done well. You have completed physical training,you deserve a good rest. By order of the council you are given a weeks rest before magic and combat training begins. You are permitted to leave the base as long as you sign out and return on time. Is that clear recruits?" 

"Yes sir." We all yell, unable to hide the joy and excitement in our voices. As soon as he leaves, there is an uproar of celebration. Finally, I can visit mother and father again. It has been over two years since they waved me goodbye. My excitement has taken over and all of sudden I do not feel weak anymore. I hurry to my camp and begin packing my belongings, getting ready to make my way back home. 

"Hey Kairos," Drefan calls my name from my camps entrance, "Can I stay at your place? I live at Nepo and that's not a journey that can be made in a week." He asks.

Nepo is the far eastern region of Orai. "Uhmmm, Yh sure why not. I will just let my parents know i am bringing company." I reply. My parents always thought me not to turn away someone in need. 

"Really? Thanks man." He says ecstatic. 

"Sure, we leave tomorrow at dawn."

The Next Day (2:00AM)

I am awake rather early. Too excited to sleep long. I step out of my camp,maybe I can walk a bit before I have to leave. I decide to just stroll through base. Normally this is not allowed, but we are free for the week. Seems like I am not the only one too excited to sleep. The base is buzzing as several recruits are out drinking, talking and walking. I decide to walk to the base gates. I wonder how everyone fares at home. I hope mother and father are well. 

My thoughts are interrupted when the mana around me begins to fluctuate. What is that? Something stands at the gate of the base, but no one seems to notice it. It stares back at me for a brief moment before vanishing. What did I just see? I try to wrap my brain around it but I cannot. No one seems to have seen it, just me . Am I hallucinating? I might be more tired than I think. I should go back to camp and try to get more rest.

(Noon)

Drefan and I finally make it to the mansion after a long journey. We are greeted at the gates by my parents and staff of the house. 

"Kairos my lovely boy." My mum rushes me embracing me tightly.

"Hi mother," I say barely able to breathe, "i missed you too." 

She lets go of me slowly and smiled. My father walks towards me with a huge, proud smile on his face. "There's my little knight." He says, patting my head. We both laugh softly.

"Who is your friend Kairos?" My mother asks interrupting our moment.

"Mother, Father, this is Drefan Hull. He is a fellow recruit." 

"Nice to meet you young man." My father says as he shakes him. 

"No sir, the pleasure is all mine. I am a huge fan." Drefan says unable to hide his excitement.

My mom lets out a laugh that confuses both I and Drefan. "Nice to meet you Drefan." She says before smiling at my father who now looks nervous. 

"Shall we make our way into the mansion . You both must be tired." My mother said as she gestured us in. The noon went by as Drefan fawned over my father, asking questions of his battles during lunch. 

Night

Soon it was late and we all went to bed. I missed home. The comfortable embrace of my bed and the familiarity of my room. As I lay down, tired and with heavy eyes, I see it again. The mana begins to fluctuate but this time in a trail. I open my eyes wider and get out of my bed as I follow the trail. It leads to my balcony and further down out the gate. I stand staring at the trail and I see it again. A dark silhouette stands with glowing eyes staring at me for a moment before vanishing into the night. I am too tired to think about this. It does not bare any evil intentions so I can leave it alone for now. I walk back to my bed and immediately I lay on it I sleep off.

The Next Day

I cannot remember the last time I slept so well. I stood up from my bed, headed to have my bath and then head out for breakfast. Missed my mother's cooking. Despite being a noble, my mother loves cooking for her family and we love her food. I hurry out , bumping into Drefan. Totally forgot he was here too. 

"Good morning Kairos." He greeted 

"Good morning Drefan." I reply with a smile. "Breakfast?" 

"Not yet. Was told to come to the dinner hall."

"Ok, I am heading there now. Follow me." I say as I lead the way. 

"Your place is amazing." Drefan says looking around every corner and room. "Wish I lived here."

"It is." I said a bit proud "You are welcome to join us anytime. I am sure my parents would love having you around too."

Hearing this, Drefan lets out a huge smile. We both make it to the dinner hall after a while. Despite the name it is just a medium sized room with a lot of windows, a large table in the center of the room and a large chandelier hanging above. On the table, plates are arranged at both heads of the table where my parents seat, and two more set in the middle for Drefan and I. 

"You two join us." My mother says as she gestures us to sit. 

"Good morning." We both say in unison as we take our seats.

In no time, our foods are brought for us. We give thanks for the food and begin eating. 

"Kairos," my father calls me "a new teacher will arrive by noon . They will prepare you for your magic and combat training." He says as he takes a sip of his wine.

"You are free to join the training too Drefan." My mother adds.

"Thank you ma."

The rest of breakfast is uneventful as we eat in silence through most of it, with the exception of the occasional questions about our training.