THE LARGE TRAINING COURSE

"Woah!"

Was all I could say when I finally passed through the gates. I wasn't the only one though, since all students all gasped in shock and aware when we finally arrived at the planet.

The area we were in looked a lot more technological and advanced than anything I've ever seen. I tried catching a glimpse of the field from where the activities were to partake and was shocked to see such a humongous training ground!

The sand was a fierce red that covered the entire field, at least, where the training equipment didn't take up all space. The training equipment itself was all but unknown since I had absolutely no idea what I was looking at. But scratch that.

Let's talk about the three separate areas in the field. One looked completely covered with ice, another looked like volcano's were the norm there, and the last part looked like an overgrown forest. No doubt these places were probably where the events were to be held.

I turned to the skies and saw that it was a clear red sky, but even with the sun out I could still feel a chill in the air. That was probably being caused by the two overbearing moons joining the sun in the sky.

***

[Bradley, what are chances we are on the planet Mars?]

<Pretty high, if you ask me. Just look at the map>

[Fair enough]

---

<*Skill [Map LVL 10] has been activated*>

***

Sure enough, the map did say I was on Mars, and due to its level, I could also tell that this wasn't the only training ground on the planet

***

[Bradley, is he... ]

<Sorry Max. Even with the map at such a low level, it would have still shown you whether he was this planet or not. And I'm sure Arnold is not on>

[*sigh* Worth a try at least.]

---

<*skill [Map LVL 10] has been canceled*>

***

It has always been a habit of mine every time I stepped into a new planet. Too bad my efforts have yet to be fruitlful. But I will never loose hope until I find him.

"STUDENTS, LINE UP!" the general shouted over the many voices and gasps. Everyone fell back in line and quietened down.

"Everyone, listen well. Today, not only will your teachers be the ones watching over you, but also a lot of representatives and should I say scouts will also be watching. They are here to determine whether there are potential candidates for them to recruit so I would ask everyone to give this competition their all."

"HEY! I DON'T REMEMBER YOU GUYS MENTIONING THIS!"

someone from the back shouted, which started a round of murmurs.

Truth be told, he was right. What is this bull crap about having sponsors around to look for recruiting candidates? I thought this was our training, not some show for those rich bastards!

"Cadet, what you say is true, but these are special conditions, as compared to other camps. We are, after all, the ones who come up with the most promising candidates for war. So yes, there are sponsors from all around the beast verse here to watch you kids train, and you should be prepared for such surprises from here on out."

Someone raised her hand at the front. The general nodded and a soft voice asked. "Will our parents also be watching us, by any chance?"

"A good question. This event, as you can probably tell, will be shown through out all communication devices as a sort of reassurance to the parents that their kids are doing well. Yes, most if not all your parents will be watching you fight the training ground. That's another reason why we had to relocate far from the camp. To ensure its secrecy."

"Any more questions?"

No one raised their hands.

"Good then–"

"LAAAADIIES AAAAAND GENTLEMEN! PLEASE PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOOOOORR.... CAAAAAAMP MAAAAAAAARS!!!" a loud voice boomed from the entire grounds

Everyone, all except general Zard, me and the teachers, automatically moved their hands to their ears to try blocking out the ear piercing sound. I was once there too, once. But once you get used to it, it really isn't all that bad.

After most people had recovered, we matched into the Arena, everyone putting on their game face as per the situation required. All class representatives, including my self, were leading the classes at the front, with their respective teachers by their side.

I could clearly hear the crowds screaming their throats out as they watched us march forward to our designated position.

"*psst* Hey Flinty, I'm just now looking at the crowds, and I'm not so sure that that everyone there is a sponsor. Care to explain?" I whispered to my class teacher while observing a few of the people who joined us who looked nothing like sponsors.

Flintheart smiled at my question. "Where do you think the school gets its money from. We can't waste this good opportunity before us just because of a handful of sponsors and scouts. These days, people can pay to come here to and watch the competition. You might be surprised by how much parents will pay up just to see their kids in the competition,"

We were later arranged in neat lines in front of a large stage after a short distance walk. Many of the students kept whispering and others pointing at their parents, who in return waved back their hands like madmen once they saw their kids.

But in between all the chaos and chanting, a door to the right of us suddenly opened, and a large man wearing a full general gear came marching in.

Wait... I've seen him before. Back at the Demomight. No way!

"Cadets SALUTE!" the generals ordered. Everyone did as told till the head of all camps made his was to the front, a secretary trailing just behind him.

Just like last time, he was dressed like a commander, with a beret labeled 'M' shining golden. In his right pocket side of his army suit were three golden badges, no doubt his achievements over the course of his life. He had on dark boots that were outrageously large, fitting for a man of his stature.

His face was scrunched up tightly, and he looked like he'd never smiled in ages. By just guessing, I could tell he was around the age of the Beast king, just a bit younger as all.

He walked with powerful steps as he approached the stage, and just as a show of respect, even the entire crowd were all up from their seats and had quietened down.

***

[Bradley...]

<What now?>

[What's with the attitude! Aren't you my system?!]

<Being your system doesn't make me source of info you ingrate!>

[Kinda does]

<Nah-uh! >

[Or really? Just another thing to talk with the god that created you]

<You wouldn't dare!>

[Try me]

<....fine. what do you want?>

[What race is the man before me?]

<Don't you have appraisal for such questions?>

[Can't activate it on my own. And what was the gods name again? F–]

<Alright fine! Petty loser>

[What was that?]

<Nothing! >

–––

<*Skill [Appraisal LVL 10] has been activated*>

–––

<* Kingsly patreon LVL [???]*>

<*Title: Lord Commander, ––––*>

<*Race: Lyfer(Half–lion)*>

–––

[That's all I get?]

<Pretty much, yeah. He is, after all, really powerful. Against such power, unless you are on equal grounds with him, get this much>

***

Well... At least I know his race. Seemed kinda obvious if you ask me. Such leadership and power doesn't come easy.

The secretary quickly followed the general up to the point he stopped in front of a microphone, and paused immediately behind to catch her breath due to the speed the general walked in.

She was dressed like a Sergent, but where the army trouser should be was a skirt that was slightly above her knees. But otherwise she looked real young for such a position, probably in her mid-twenties of whatever race she was.

The general took a stance in front of the microphone. Surprisingly, everyone around were still deathly silent, all waiting in anticipation for the general to speak.

"At ease, cadets. This is a competition after all," a deep yet firm voice came from the general's mouth.

We all dropped our salutes but still looked tensed with the look he was giving as all. Even the spectators seemed fearful of even taking a seat.

The general noticed this and realized it was because of his presence, but realizing it and doing something about it it's a whole different matter.

He took a deep breath, then raised his fist in the air." MONSTERS!" he shouted.

His voice projected through the entire training grounds, reaching the very depth of my core. I could tell that that one word carried so much power.

"THIS COMPETIOTN IS NOT JUST TO LOOK FOR GOOD SOILDERS! IT IS ALSO TO SHOW THE DEMONS THAT WE MEAN BUSINESS! YOUNG CADETS! SHOW THE UNIVERSE WHY YOU ARE THE BEST!"

"YEAH!" Everyone cheered at the general's words in voices feeled with new energy. All of a sudden I could feel my strength at peak and filled with so much energy. So this is how the general inspires the soilders. What a powerful skill to have.

Once the general was done with his speech, everyone felt less tensed than they previously were before. A lot of the spectators kept on cheering until the gerneral calmed them down.

"Let me explain the various events you kids have to do today. First, it's good that you know every training machine on field is made to show you the hardships of war you'll have to face, something that a few hours in class will never teach you,"

"First event will be a race course, cause in battle, you should always be quick on your feet no matter the circumstances. North, South, East and West. All of these classes will be taking part in the event. Just to make things more interesting, because you pass through the finish line, doesn't necessarily mean you qualify for the next event,"

The spectators cheered at what the general said but all students who were taking part in the run knew that no matter how much you look at it, even with this first event, the weak were definitely going to be cut off unless the make it on time.

"Already at the start, and I can tell people are really going to work for their win," I whispered to no one in particular.

"This day just keeps on getting better and better," a familiar voice said sarcastically from behind me.

I turned my head slightly and stared at the short boy shaking his head in disappointment. "I bet today is going to be a difficult day for you, what, without your armor that is, Griffin,"

"Well just have to see about that,"

The general cleared his throat "Quiet down, children and spectators. I have yet to tell you where you are going to run,"

He pointed to the three areas that we previously saw while entering the grounds and suddenly, a starting point appeared.

"Right. From that point onwards, you kids will have to make your way through the three dangerous paths and complete a full lap, then run to the finish to claim your victory. Keep in mind that this areas are by no means just for show. Let me warn you now, someone might probably die if he or she thinks of this as a game, so let me say it now, if you don't wish to go through with the race, it's optional. But keep in mind that's a kin to being disqualified from the competition."

"Anyone? Anyone at all?"

No one made any movement. Guess this just shows how much resolve everyone had for this day.

"Aright then. Since there's no one willing enough to quit, let's move on. The areas are divided into three, each with their own elements to battle with. It's also good to know that there will be beasts present from each area, all around grade C."

"Points will be awarded to each class depending on how many monsters are killed by the students representatives. But be warned, there are higher level monsters around, so face one only if you are confident enough to do so."

"I know I've said that someone will probably die, but that was just to scare the weak willed out of the competition. Truth be told, if you shout the words 'I QUIT!" or in a case where the invigilator sees your life is at threat, you will be immediately rescued and there are healers and medics present to save you from death,"

Collective sighs were heard from both students and the crowd, probably their parents.

"And finally, the use of abilities is allowed. Cadets, move to your positions!" the head general finished with an order.