Chapter 19

Serene's POV

Alvene gathered all the novices as we finished eating and lead us to the training room. It was a gigantic hall with wooden bleachers on the left side and a range of weapons displayed on the right-hand wall which was at least 100m in length.

The wall was completely covered with an extensive variety of weapons including, swords, staffs, javelins, spears, whips, batons, axes, shields, tonfas, nunchucks, bows and arrows, maces, shurikens, kuneis, morningstars, flails, scythe and God knows what. What was this place, a training room or a torture room?

Artins was already there with two more men and a woman. Judging by their looks, they appeared to be faculty members. Both men had medium heights. Although one of them had lean stature with a wide forehead. He appeared to be in his late thirties and had greying black hair and a tan complexion. His sharp blue eyes were small and his face had serious look about it.

The other one had a strong build which painted a picture of perfection through his beautiful brown skin and hazel eyes. His long silky straight light brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail. He was smiling ear to ear which appeared to be infectious and could even melt the heart of enemies. The left side of his face had a scar on his cheek ending right at the edge of his lips.

The woman on the other hand was very tall and broad. Nothing about her was small from her fat nose to her bulging stomach. Her thick neck supported her round face and rosy cheeks. She had a large amount of makeup on and a beaming smile on her face which unlike her colleague didn't touch her eyes. She appeared to be a cunning person.

Artins introduced the one with a scar as Lavaria of Stonewall Pack, the one with grey-black hair as Sarim from Folkshel Realm and the woman as Mariela from Hexum Realm. They were to oversee our training sessions and would teach us different subjects. Lavaria will also oversee all novice werewolves as and help them with their shifting and control of werewolves. While, Mariela will aid Artins in teaching, controlling and enhancing our magical abilities and how to make different kinds of elixirs and related stuff.

After the introduction, we were told to stand in teams which were assigned to us earlier. "Every team will be given an individual name and all teams will be marked according to their team efforts. You people will be marked for your academics, training, individual battles, progress, and special assigned missions. The winning team will be announced every month and their name will be displayed on the announcement board in the main hall. Special black belts will be given to the winning team every month which they will adorn until another team wins and their belts will be passed on to that team. You people have been divided into the following teams:

Azul Skyriders

Auburn Stars

Aqua Aurorians

Amber Warriors

Amethyst Strikers. "

We were assigned the team Aqua Aurorians and were given Aqua-coloured scarves to be worn around the neck at all times. All of us wore the scarves instantly except Arlo who shoved it in his pocket and still didn't make eye contact with any of us. He spoke so softly when I greeted him that I could hardly hear. Zeph on the other hand wore it on his bare arm like a showoff.

We were also given a diary, a booklet of instructions and rules, and our schedules/timetables. The purpose of the diary was to jot down our daily progress and all the tasks we will be assigned.

Lavaria was chosen as the Sensei of Azul Skyriders, Shumal was given Auburn Stars, Sarim was to head Amber Warriors, and Amethyst Strikers were Mariela's team.

Artins approached us with a sombre expression on his face. " I hope all of you have familiarised yourself with each other. I want all of you to get along and I don't want any kind of infighting between the team. It's my wish that you people emerge as the finest team as you all know that you have the most unique team. After a very long time, we have a novice from Fae Realm. So, not only every individual in your team has different magical abilities, powers and weapons, you people if work hard has the potential to become the strongest team as well. But, make no mistake no one will be preferred just because they are royalty. You will have to work hard to earn my respect and make your place here." He looked directly at me while uttering that last sentence.

I gulped hard, I knew that it was not going to be easy to adjust here and most probably will have to work hardest among others to prove myself. People already hated me for what I was and being royalty made things even harder for me.

"I won't disappoint you Sensei and will prove myself."

"We will see as I have high hopes for you Serene," he nodded.

Meanwhile, Sarim Sensei had taken the center stage. "To test where you stand with your weapons, we will have a one-on-one duel amongst you with a weapon of your choosing. Weapons training is an integral part of our institute and no one can pass without becoming a master in handling at least three weapons. So, step forward if your name is called. On, the left side we have wooden weapons for only training purposes. Choose a weapon and take a position in the centre of the hall. The rest of you will make a ring around the participants. Remember, no magical abilities, superhuman strength or speed are permitted. To determine that everyone is on the same footing, a spell will be cast around the training room which will nullify everyone's magic powers. All of you will have to rely on your physical and mental strength," he announced.

"What's the point when most of us can use magic and superhuman strength? What good will this weapon training bring us? Isn't this required only for Folkels?" A boy shouted.

Sarim Sensei looked long and hard at the boy before answering: "You won't be able to rely solely on magic and other superhuman abilities during a battle. There are tons of potions and spells out there which will inhibit you from using them. Your enemies might play on your strengths and you will be left vulnerable. Therefore, this is an integral part of your training."

A murmur broke out among the teams. Some were excited others not so much. Sarim Sensei, on the other hand, continued:

"First match will be between Zeph and Serene from Aqua Aurorians. Please, take weapons of your liking and step into the centre of the hall."

My heart sank into a bottomless pit at the announcement.