Chapter 27: Masochistic Training?

"I've noticed that this quest has become increasingly popular among the locals. It might pose a challenge for us to locate our target. You guys certain that you still want to proceed?" The man addressed his companions with concern etched on his face.

With long, pink hair cascading down his shoulders and a tight-fitting shirt that accentuated his lithe, non-muscular frame, he was far from what one would consider a typical fighter. He donned a pair of baggy linen shorts that reached his knees and carried no visible weapons, but his posture conveyed an air of confidence and resilience.

What set him apart, however, was his unmistakable aura, which caught the attention of even the most disinterested passersby. Despite being aware of the attention he drew, he stood tall and proud, unapologetic for his uniqueness

"Yeah. It's better than fighting some Gohlbins." said by a young lady dressed in a beautiful green coat and long black socks paired with a stunning set of boots. Her hair was dyed in a vibrant shade of green, resembling the lush foliage of the trees. Her sun-colored eyes added an alluring charm to her features. Despite her delicate and slender appearance, she seemed to be trying to hide from the people around her by slightly leaning forward and keeping her head down while speaking softly. Yet, her eyes exuded a faint sense of confidence, though it was barely visible.

"Yeah.. Those guys are gross.... They stinks..." Another man in their group expressed his disgust towards some guys, his face contorted with a deep frown as a shiver ran down his spine. He sported a pair of thick-framed glasses and neatly combed red hair. His formal suit and polished black leather shoes gave him an air of nobility, which made people unconsciously behave more politely around him, although his companions didn't seem to care. His expensive and exquisite jewelry was mostly concealed, suggesting that he intentionally kept it low-key

"Sure whatever... Also. Why is Rueen wearing a suit? Didn't i told you guys we'll go in the field to do some quest?" said by the confident pink haired man.

"I just got out of the officers meeting, Peach... And you suddenly drag me here when you saw me..." the man with glasses Rueen said as he sigh and shook his head.. "Never mind that.. But what are you doing here Julie? Aren't your class supposed to have a test right now?"

"It's quite easy so i finished first." she said her voice a pitch higher than usual. Showing her obvious pride and a little shameless bragging.

"Huh... I usually finished second because I always want my partner being satisfied first." Peach said as he rubs his chin in wonder.. When the blushing green haired girl, Julie suddenly pushed him away..

"I know you're a Klianist! But at least consider how the people outside your religion acts! Dont just say those words!" she said scolding the lewd Peach.

"But seeing your reaction it's quite hard not to do it," he said before turning to Rueen smiling. "am i right?"

"Who knows... Let's go... Those Fanged Rabbit will be hard to find is its dark.. So let's go and start already while the sun is still quite far up.." with that said he started walking away to the directions of the outer gate. When he suddenly paused as if he realizes something ..

"... Please dont tell me where going into the jungle.. "

*******

Meanwhile on the jungle Lukeas could be seen trekking a steep and rough hills while dense population of plants hinder his movement. But even with that Lukeas doesn't seems to show any fatigued or any troubles while climbing up.

Having experienced the dark forest for several years. His hiking skills were quite good. And his hands and fingers have already adapted to get stronger so he can grab on more things easily when living at that place. So now that he finally came back in the wild Lukeas dont show any discomforts and easily climb higher and higher until he finally reach the top.

The moment he reach it he quickly started surveying the place. Compared to those below, there's not much grass on top. But instead it's a lot of trees.. He quickly walked around and look for the "perfect" training spot. And when he finally found one he paused for a bit and slowly approach the ledge then promptly look down..

Base on his estimation it would probably take 2 to 3 minutes of rolling before reach the bottom. And base on the rocks, trees and boulders on the cliff side it would be a painful death...

He gulp down his spit in nervousness.. "Am i really doing this?... I have gone nuts have I? And why did i planned this anyway?? And why am i seriously doing it!!?? Back on earth i cant even finished a damn project and the moment i got here i started working harder? What the fuck!!"

After saying all that was in his mind he relaxed then he took a deep breath and he felt so high and he, screamed on the top of his lungs. " WHATS GOING ON!!??! "

And he once again started panicking and doubting his decision.

" Can i do it though? What if i failed?? Wouldn't i die??" he said out loud asking the trees and rocks around him. And started phasing back and forth when he suddenly heard an audible crack.

And it was at this moment that he knew, he's fucked.

But at the same time.... 'perfect timing' he thought with mixed emotions... Both determination, fear, and sadness and regrets.

Well be right back..

*****

Mean while at the bottom of the hills the group Peach's lead can be seen passing by as they cautiously and warily watch everything in their surroundings. Julie could be seen hugging her staff closely to her chest as she looked left and right with each steps she takes.

And each steps she takes would take a few moments before doing another one.. The reason for this?

Well, the person infront of her. Rueen walk with each step burdened with grief and pain as he watch his polished shoe gets dirtier with each steps he takes. "Everywhere is dirty... Fuckkkk.." he gasp as take another step. He cant even focused enough to his surroundings as he was even more focused on his shoe.

" Come on.. How long will it take you to get use to it? How can you be a successful soldier if you cant even handle a bit of dirt?" Peach said as he walks at thw very front.. And like earlier.. He doesn't carry any weapons. And didn't wear any protection at all. Well they do believe doing it raw will make them prosperous and blessed.

" So anyway have you found any Fanged Rabbits around?" Peach asked as he turn his face infront once again and continue searching for their target.

"Im too busy looking at the floor" Rueen replied

"Not on my side" Julie replied. When she heard Rueen add. "But maybe we'll find one if them in the grass land.. Not in the freaking jungle!" he said voicing out his pain

"Like i said, th-" Peach was about to say something but was rudely interrupted by a sound of something similar to a bag of potatoes rolling down a hill. Hearing this the group instantly went quiet and all of them went serious. Even Rueen let go of the pain in his heart and Julie extended her arms ready to cast anything that is needed..

But after a while nothing came.. They waited for the anticipated enemies to arrive yet only a cold breeze of wind passed them as they awkwardly look forward.

"Ready your spells.. You deal the damage...I'll tank as usual" Peach directed them and he slowly started advancing to the source of sound while the other two followed behind with a little distance. Then Peach go through a thick foliage and fade in their views..

"Come quick! It's clear!... But you gotta prepare your stomach for this.." Julie and Rueen heard Peach's voice beyond the thick bush. Looking at each other they pause for a bit and slowly entered.

And what greeted them was a bloody body.

Each of its limbs was broken in multiple angles. Bones fractured, some was even poking out of the skin. It's also beaten black and blue. Bloods and lacerations were everywhere. A broken jaw and a twisted spine.. Looking up they saw a trail of blood and flesh from their current position up to the cliffs and saw a trail of broken saplings, grass and blood stained rock and boulders..

All of them thought the body would be already dead.. But then Peach saw its torso moving and breathing although it's struggling.

And suddenly a blue flash of light suddenly came out of the body's wrist. It's the same place where other students could see the star shape tattoo. And once the light faded. They found the body enveloped but a blueish slime line cocoon. And it started slowly treating the injuries it could.

Julie this entire time have her hand covering her mouth in shock as she stared frozen at the body when she suddenly got out of her daze from the light. And quickly went forward and started chanting some spell but Peach stopped her.

"No! Dont.. His injuries is too severe... If you use it you might get in trouble... And we dont even know him.." he said.

"But he have the same tattoo as all of us back on academy. And that was clearly the life support feature.. It would only try its best to do first aid until hes stable enough to be moved and sent to the healers at the infirmary.. If we leave him he might die" she reasoned, obviously adamant about not letting the person alone..

"Whoa whoa whooaaa! I didn't say we'll leave him.. I only told you it's dangerous to use that! We're staying here til the life support ends and well bring him back... I wouldn't let such a handsome guy... Or at least what's left of him die here!" Peach said smiling at Julie's silliness. " Who knows perhaps he might become attracted to me hohoho.. "

" almost everyone's attracted to you.. Thats one of your perks from being a disciple of the goddess of love and lust.. So why go for him?..... Dont tell m-" Rueen said but he was quickly cut off by Peach

"No.. I dont like gores or anything disgusting.. Yes i kinda like pain but I'm not that low to love stuff like that"

"I was planning to say brunettes.... But sure... But I'll tag you as an 'weirdo plus' anyway.....

.....

..

.

They spent their time bantering with each other and building a camp around the cocoon. And what they do not know was... Lukeas.. The bloody pulp was actually conscious all this time.. But he could feel him self getting more and more sleepy

'.... First.. Part.... Training.... Done..... More to go.. ...'

Those were his last thoughts before finally falling asleep..