8. Team Exercise

After the meal, Nashiro was in his room. He examined the room and wondered how this was all built. It was crazy to think about that this massive tree became a home. The floor was wooden and the walls, although covered with wines in a few places, was well structured. Cracks in the floor were what concerned him. Every time he heard a sound coming from the floor, he stopped and stood there for a solid minute. You could say he became paranoid.

Kay cleaned up the table and the dishes before going back to her room. Ignam was in her orb still sleeping. She couldn't help but frown and sigh at her unconscious little friend.

'She never told me about it' she thought about the healing spell she used.

She would like to check on it but she didn't have any books about fairies. They were a lost species. Rumours about them were all that was spoken about. Mostly people travelling would say that they saw something sparkling above them. Small wings and a small body flew through the air elegantly. Of course, without evidence, all of this was just rumours and merchant stories. She didn't think they were real until that day, one year ago.

1 year ago...

A target was painted on a tree. She had a bow and a few arrows. She took a deep breath as she aimed. Realising the arrow, it flew high and wide but it didn't hit the target.

"Kay!" Her voice called her. It was her captain. A man in his early thirties, he was still young and eager to defend the land from evil. Bright brown hair and eyes decorated his gentle facial features. The beard he had was shaved and only a few hairs were under his chin. He had his captain's armour on display which was green as the leaves on a tree. A bright green cape representing his captaincy and a stylised bow. His name was Edmond.

"Yes captain?" she turned around to face the disappointed look.

"You're doing it all wrong. Have you learned nothing?" he said.

His look was enough to make her look down in shame. He sighed before kneeling down.

"Look at me," she glanced up to him, "I know you can do it. Just remember, I swore to your grandfather that I'll train and take care of you. I'll make it my life mission to bring you up as one of the best."

"I'm no good. I don't have the precision or knowledge."

"Wrong! You have what it takes," he reassured her and shook her shoulders gently.

"But there are many members that are more talented and experienced than I am. What makes me different from them?" she asked.

"Your desire, " he spoke calmly.

"My desire?"

"You might not be showing it but deep down I believe you want to become stronger and strength doesn't come without desire."

"You really believe in me that much?"

"I do. Now, remember what I told you," she turned her around and pointed her bow at the target, "Concentrate. Let the wind guide you to your goal," she closed her eyes and took another arrow from her quiver.

'Here we go,' she opened her eyes and aimed. The arrow flew and hit the target. It wasn't a bullseye but it was close to making her captain satisfied.

"That's the way. You're close just keep working on it, " he smiled.

"Um, captain!" a member called.

"Yes?"

"We need you to take a look at these files."

"Right, can't forget about the paperwork," he said, "Keep training," Edmond lifted his hand and left.

Since then, she kept training from morning to late in the evening. Perfecting her aim, position and swiftness, she didn't let fear or worry get into her mindset.

A few weeks later, she was called outside with the rest of the members.

The captain clapped to get rid of any chatter that was going on among them.

"Time for a team exercise!" he announced, "Last night, I left 50 magical items scattered around the forest. Some of them are in plain sight and get you easy points and others are harder to notice but you get double the points."

"Seriously? This again?" Some of the members moaned as they weren't up for it.

"Whoever gets the most points, gets a rank up and they'll be accompanying me on our next mission."

"That's not a bad reward," one said.

"Maybe, it's worth a try," another added.

Kay listened to her teammates' chatter. It would be great if she was to join him on a mission. It would be her first time going and out of all of the new recruits, she never got the invite. She blamed herself for her lack of work ethic but that wasn't the only problem. Emotionally, she wasn't well, having lost her grandfather just a few months back. In a very cruel way too. She knew that he was different from other parents and grandparents but he was her only guardian and family but he now he was gone.

"You have 3 hours to collect as soon as you hear a bell, you must immediately return to the base," he took out his bow and arrow, "When my arrow hits the ground, the exercise starts," he aimed his bow upwards and pulled it back on the bow to about halfway.

A mild wind blew as he released it. They all looked up at it as the arrow gained height and eventually, through the force of gravity came back down. As soon as it touched the ground, everyone ran into the forest with intentions to be the victor.

In the conflict, three members spotted an item hanging from the tree. It was a threeway. They all looked at each other before running towards it.

"It's mine!" one shouted. He was taller than the other two so he had the advantage.

"You wish, you giant!" another interfered and kicked the guy and jumped to get it. Before she could reach it, the third individual tackled her.

"My sincere apology but the jewel is all but yours," he spoke lifting his hair.

"I'm gonna get it," the giant from the back charged but before he could, his legs were grabbed making his falter.

"Not quite big guy!" she kicked the guy off of her and got up but before she could get anywhere her leg was grabbed by the giant like karma.

"Not quite princess!" he smirked which made her even angrier and the sound of complaints and punches being thrown could be heard.

Kay just watched from the tree branch with the item around her neck. She whistled to alert them.

"You guys are pitiful like seriously,"

she gave them a boring look.

"Wh-when did you get here?" the girl, surprised, demanded an answer.

"Umm, 5 minutes ago, " she shrugged, "For people who have been longterm members of the guild, you guys act like children."

The third guy with the rough blond hair was not pleased by her statement.

"What was that! We are your superiors. We-"

"And yet you don't represent that," she interrupted him, "The only orders I will take is from the captain."

She backflipped off the branch and continued her search with speed.

The three gritted their teeth.

"Oh, that so? I'll make you suffer just you wait" the boy swore as he turned around and went in the other direction.