Chapter 36: Training(2)

Zach stood in the training room, sweat dripping down his face as he pounded the punching bag with a series of powerful punches and kicks. The repetitive thud of his strikes echoed through the room, a testament to his growing strength and determination. Beside him stood Mr. Tero, a former fighting trainer and his mentor, watching Zach's movements with a critical eye.

"Good, Zach. Keep your guard up," Mr. Tero instructed, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Remember, fighting zombies isn't just about strength; it's about strategy and awareness."

Zach nodded, adjusting his stance and focusing on the punching bag. He threw a series of jabs, followed by a swift roundhouse kick.

"Alright, Zach," Mr. Tero said, crossing his arms. "Let's see how much you remember. What's the first thing you should do when a zombie gets too close?"

"Uh, aim for the head, right?" Zach answered, breathing heavily from his exertion.

Mr. Tero shook his head. "Not always. Sometimes, pushing them away to create distance is better. You don't want to get grabbed."

Zach nodded, absorbing the information. "Okay, push them away first. Got it."

"Now, what's the most effective way to take down a zombie?" Mr. Tero continued, watching Zach's form as he resumed punching the bag.

"Destroy the brain," Zach replied confidently, landing a strong punch.

"Correct. But what should you avoid when fighting zombies?" Mr. Tero asked, moving closer to observe Zach's technique.

"Uh, don't let them bite you," Zach said, then hesitated. "And don't get surrounded?"

"Right. You need to avoid getting cornered or overwhelmed. Always keep an escape route in mind," Mr. Tero said, nodding approvingly. "Now, what's the best weapon for close combat with zombies?"

Zach thought for a moment before answering, "A bat or a crowbar. Something that doesn't need reloading."

"Good choice," Mr. Tero said. "But remember, anything you can use to keep them at a distance is valuable. What's a mistake you've made before that you should avoid in the future?"

Zach paused, thinking back to previous encounters. "I, um, sometimes forget to watch my back. I focus too much on one zombie and miss others around me."

"That's right," Mr. Tero said, clapping Zach on the shoulder. "Situational awareness is key. Always be aware of your surroundings."

Zach continued to practice, delivering a powerful kick to the bag. "What if I don't have a weapon? What should I do then?"

Mr. Tero smiled. "Use your environment. Anything can be a weapon if you're resourceful enough. Rocks, sticks, even the ground itself. And remember, using your body effectively is crucial. You've got your fists, feet, elbows, and knees. Don't be afraid to use them."

Zach nodded, absorbing the advice. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but he felt more confident with each passing day. His mentor's guidance was invaluable, and he was determined to become as skilled and resourceful as possible.

"Alright, let's take a break," Mr. Tero said, signaling the end of the session.

Zach sank into a worn armchair, his muscles sore and sweat still on his face. Mr. Tero noticed Zach's readiness and began their new lesson.

"Alright, Zach, today we're focusing on leadership and what to do when surrounded by zombies. Ready?"

Zach nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."

Mr. Tero started, "When you're surrounded by zombies, what's the first thing you should do?"

"Stay calm and find a way out?" Zach guessed.

"Correct," Mr. Tero said. "If zombies are getting too close, what's a good way to create distance?"

"Push them away and try to get somewhere safe?" Zach replied.

"Not always enough," Mr. Tero said. "What can you use to distract zombies?"

"Throw something or make a loud noise?" Zach suggested.

"Exactly," Mr. Tero said. "What should you look for if you're surrounded?"

"Find high ground?" Zach answered.

"Right," Mr. Tero said. "What if you're leading a group and you're surrounded?"

"Delegate tasks and keep everyone calm?" Zach said.

"Good," Mr. Tero said. "What else is important when you're in charge?"

"Make sure everyone knows the plan?" Zach said, but he wasn't sure.

"Yes, and you also need to manage supplies," Mr. Tero said. "What should you do about resources?"

"Keep track of them and let everyone know what's available?" Zach replied, unsure.

"Correct," Mr. Tero said. "If you don't have a weapon or things get worse, what should you do?"

"Use whatever you can find—rocks, sticks?" Zach answered.

"Right," Mr. Tero said. "What should you avoid doing when surrounded?"

"Don't get trapped?" Zach guessed.

"Yes, avoid getting trapped," Mr. Tero said. "And if you make a mistake while leading, what should you do?"

"Acknowledge it and adjust?" Zach said.

"Exactly," Mr. Tero said. "Mistakes will happen. Learning from them and adjusting is important. You're doing well, Zach."

On the other side, Reed was climbing a tall stone wall with small footholds, using his hands and feet to pull himself up. His mentor, Euna, was climbing beside him, helping guide him through the process.

"Keep your footing steady, Reed," Euna said, her voice calm and encouraging. "Let's talk about being a scout, navigator, and communicator while you climb. Ready?"

Reed nodded, focusing on finding his next step. "I'm ready."

Euna asked, "As a scout, what's the most important thing you should do?"

Reed paused, struggling to find his footing. "Uh, check for enemies?"

"That's part of it," Euna said. "But what else is important when scouting?"

Reed thought hard, then answered, "Look for good places to hide and escape routes?"

"Good," Euna said. "Now, while climbing this wall, what's the main purpose of practicing this skill?"

Reed glanced around, trying to catch his breath. "To get better at climbing?"

"True," Euna said. "But it also helps with what?"

Reed hesitated. "Uh, reaching high places and surveying the area?"

"Exactly," Euna said. "Climbing helps you get a better view from above. Now, when you're navigating, what's something you need to keep in mind?"

Reed shifted his weight, almost losing his balance. "Uh, remember the map?"

Euna nodded. "Yes, but you also need to pay attention to landmarks and your position. What's another important part of navigation?"

Reed hesitated. "Uh, making sure you're going the right way?"

"That's right," Euna said. "Now, when communicating, what should you do to keep everyone informed?"

Reed tried to steady himself on a small ledge. "Use signals or radios?"

"Exactly," Euna said. "But what else is important for effective communication?"

Reed thought for a moment. "Uh, make sure everyone understands the messages?"

"Correct," Euna said. "And what about climbing this wall? What should you watch out for?"

Reed looked down, considering. "Uh, make sure the holds are secure and avoid falling?"

"Yes, avoid falling and ensure you're using secure holds," Euna said. "What is one benefit of climbing like this for a scout?"

Reed carefully moved to a new hold. "It helps you get a good view and spot potential threats from above?"

"Exactly," Euna said. "And what's another purpose of climbing for scouting?"

Reed thought for a moment. "To get to hard-to-reach places for better observation?"

"Yes," Euna said, smiling. "You're catching on. Climbing helps in both scouting and navigating, giving you a better vantage point and access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach."

Reed made it to a small platform and took a deep breath. "I'm getting it, but it's a lot to remember."

Euna smiled, patting his shoulder. "You're doing well. It takes practice, but you're improving. Keep working on it, and you'll become very skilled at climbing, scouting, and communicating."

Minutes later ,Reed and Euna finally reached the top of the tall stone wall. Reed breathed heavily, his muscles aching from the climb. He sat down on the flat surface, taking a moment to drink from his water bottle.

Euna joined him at the top, looking out over the landscape. "Good job, Reed. You made it. Now, let's talk about your other role in the group."

Reed wiped his brow with the back of his hand, still catching his breath. "Okay, Ms. Euna "

Euna asked, "Since everyone in your group has a specific role as a defender, what role do you see yourself taking on?"

Reed looked down at his group, who were still training on the ground below. He watched as they practiced their moves, their focused expressions showing their dedication. After a moment, he said with determination, "I will be our group sniper."

Euna's face lit up with pride. "A sniper, huh? That's a great choice. You'll be crucial for covering the team from a distance and providing support during tough situations."

Reed nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. "I want to make sure I can hit my targets accurately and be reliable in protecting the team."

Meanwhile. Roseanne was just 8 years old, she was too young to join the intense training sessions with the others. Instead, her mentor, Mr. Harold, focused on training her for a different but equally important role: the Forager. As a Forager, Roseanne would be responsible for gathering and organizing supplies and equipment for the group, ensuring their survival in the harsh world outside.

In a quiet room filled with maps, charts, and survival gear, Roseanne sat at a large wooden table. Mr. Harold, a kind but serious man, stood beside her, explaining the importance of her role.

"Roseanne, being a Forager is crucial for your group's survival," he began. "You'll need to know how to find food, water, and other supplies, and how to organize everything so we're always prepared."

Roseanne listened intently, her wide eyes filled with determination but she was eager to contribute in her own way.

Mr. Harold laid out several maps on the table. "First, you need to learn how to read these maps. They show different areas where we can find resources. Pay attention to the symbols and legends."

Roseanne nodded, studying the maps carefully. She traced her finger along the paths and marked spots Mr. Harold pointed out.

"Next," Mr. Harold continued, "you need to know what to look for when you're out there. This guidebook lists edible plants, sources of water, and other useful items. Memorize these pages."

Roseanne took the guidebook, flipping through the pages with interest. She saw pictures of plants, berries, and even small animals that were safe to catch and eat.

"Now, let's talk about organizing supplies," Mr. Harold said, opening a large storage box filled with various items. "You need to know how to pack efficiently, so we can carry as much as possible without being weighed down."

He showed Roseanne how to pack a backpack, placing heavier items at the bottom and distributing the weight evenly. Roseanne watched closely, mimicking his actions with her own small pack.

"Good, you're doing great," Mr. Harold encouraged. "Remember, being a Forager means thinking ahead and staying alert. You must always be aware of your surroundings and ready for anything."

Mr. Harold then asked, "Do you understand why it's important to rotate our foraging locations?"

Roseanne thought for a moment and replied, "Yes, to avoid overusing one area and to keep the resources sustainable."

"Exactly," Mr. Harold said, pleased with her answer. "Also, when you're out there, always look for signs of danger. What should you do if you see something suspicious?"

"I should return immediately and report it," Roseanne answered confidently.

"Good. And how do you mark a path so you can find your way back?"

Roseanne picked up a piece of chalk and drew a small, simple symbol on a nearby tree trunk. "Like this, and I should make marks at regular intervals."

Mr. Harold nodded. "Perfect. You're learning quickly. Remember, your safety is just as important as the supplies you gather."

Back in the training area . As Reed and Euna rested at the top of the wall, the sounds of training below reached their ears. The rhythmic thud of punches and the clattering of equipment were familiar, but today, a new sound broke through—the sharp crack of wood snapping.

Euna and Reed exchanged curious glances. "What's that noise?" Reed asked, squinting down at the training grounds.

Euna turned her attention to the noise. "Let's go see."