Soldiers maintain a blend of astonishment and contemplation in response to my request. Alsten is the first to react, standing tall and executing a military salute.
"As you command, my general!"
The others follow suit, echoing the same words in disciplined unison. The diminished number of soldiers is attributed to their well-deserved week-long furlough.
Additionally, the scarcity of bullets for drills and imminent rifle model changes renders their presence unnecessary. Those without families have chosen to stay and attend to various tasks during this period.
Luan, in particular, appears surprised by something, her gaze directed towards Crusch with a mixture of longing and a hint of arrogance. I am uncertain about her intentions.
Crusch positions herself before me, her expression solemn, and I maintain composure in response.
"Congratulations, you have successfully passed the examination. Your rank will soon be bestowed upon you," I declare, opening the door to a conversation about the rank that will be conferred upon Crusch.
However, we must now ascertain Luan's plans.
We proceed to the second testing ground, as the first has become entirely unusable. The next one is a bit closer to where the cultists were situated, potentially making it more challenging.
A team that has lost its captain and a young woman asserting to lead them to victory.
"This could unfold into an intriguing tale," I murmur, drawing Emilia's inquisitive gaze.
Upon reaching the location, the squad readies itself. Comprising four men and one woman, Luan takes up the rifle, placing it upon her shoulder. She appears resolute; however, something catches my attention: the tips of her hair are dyed in hues of red, seemingly emitting mana consistently.
Luan regards the rest of the team with gravity, commencing an exposition of her strategy. It appears she has engaged in prior discussions with them, revealing a certain level of familiarity.
I ponder the extent to which she has orchestrated everything within a mere week. The fact that a team has consented to be led by her is astonishing and rife with anticipation.
I decide to issue the command:
"Squad, forward!" I exclaim.
All assume their positions, gazes held high, executing a military salute.
"Advance!"
We find ourselves in a forest in the midst of the afternoon, were golden sunbeams filter through intertwining leaves above, crafting luminous patterns.
Yet, instead of the serenity one might expect the remnants of fallen trees and decomposing matter turn the place into a disagreeable scene.
Perhaps not the ideal location one would have chosen, but options for elite training grounds are limited, and this terrain is what we have at our disposal.
Both Emilia and Beatrice cover their noses due to the odor, and I, too, strive to maintain appearances.
The nauseating stench permeates the air as my eyes fixate on Luan, whose gaze is steadfast on a singular point.
It is the countenance of someone who can only see victory in sight.
Upon entering the training field, I notice traces of blood staining the ground. It seems the mabestias have already feasted on the bodies.
We position ourselves behind safety glass, and the squad advances to the forefront.
The terrain resembles the previous one, but this time there are remnants of bones and decomposing matter, rendering the place even more repulsive. Although it wouldn't have been my choice, it appears to be the sole option for available elite training.
Luan positions herself behind her squadron, observing with intensity.
The air becomes fraught with tension as the mabestias emerge from the shadows, drawn by an instinct that guides them without the need for bait. Over ten Wolgarm, with salivating mouths and hungry eyes, materialize before us, fixing their gaze on the group.
The battlefield's atmosphere tightens, and in an unexpected move, Luan unsheathes her kukri, displaying a determination that contrasts with her youthful appearance and seemingly lack of training.
Is she about to attack without hesitation? Without preparation?
Confusion is mirrored in all our gazes, but before we can react, Luan swiftly cuts the palm of her hand, letting the blood begin to trickle from her wound.
"Cadet Luan!" exclaims Alsten, visibly surprised by the bold action...
The fresh scent of blood acts as a magnet, drawing the mabestias toward their target. Or so I thought. The mana contained in her blood triggers a terrifying reaction in the beasts, causing them to momentarily retreat, akin to hyenas facing a dangerous prey...
"Not so straightforward, I suppose. It's a clever strategy, indeed," murmurs Beatrice, comprehending the unfolding events.
In a perplexing act, Luan smears her blood over her own body and then does the same with the nearby soldiers.
Merely droplets of blood, yet the soldiers seem unfazed.
My eyes widen in astonishment as I finally grasp the unfolding scenario.
She wounded herself while sprinting towards Irlam in her escape from the cult; her blood holds substantial amounts of mana and can dispel the miasma, shielding her from the Wolgarms assaults.
But then, how did she realize she could wield her blood in such a manner?
Did she intuit it in her flight?
Or was she already aware of the latent potential within her blood from the outset?
An involuntary smile escapes my lips, marveling at the cunning of her strategy. In this moment, her action goes beyond merely fighting despite her injury; there is something more profound at play.
It transcends conventional norms and evolves into a shrewd and bold strategy that has come to life in her mind.
Although she would typically lose points for being injured in an examination, what Luan has executed surpasses those rules. Her plan is intelligent and courageous, yielding remarkable results.
"Fire!" commands Luan, and the thunderous shots pierce the forest air.
As the battle unfolds, the temperature seems to rise, indicating the intensity of the mana contained in Luan's blood.
Bang! The mabestias lunge forward, but when they are about three meters from Luan, their advance halts abruptly, as if colliding with an invisible barrier. The atmosphere becomes charged with tension, and the once fierce and ravenous beasts are immobilized in the face of Luan's terrifying presence.
"Impressive," Crusch murmurs at my side, her voice brimming with astonishment.
"Do you have any insights on this?" I inquire, seeking answers in her experienced gaze.
"I've never heard of blood harboring such potent mana; it's astounding that it emanates from a human." It appears that Crusch possesses some knowledge about this phenomenon, although the extent remains unclear.
I suppose it would be better to delve into the details later at the mansion.
As Luan wraps her wound with the provided bandages, her eyes shift towards the soldiers reloading their weapons. The mabestias multiply in number, now surpassing twenty in total.
Despite their efforts to advance, the mabestias repeatedly halt about three meters away from Luan due to the mana's effect.
It's a captivating spectacle to witness these creatures, once brimming with ferocity, immobilized as if sensing a primal and profound fear.
Surprise and intrigue fill the expressions of all present.
Bang! The echoes of gunfire persist, but gradually an intense chill seizes the atmosphere. The blood seems to have exhausted its effect, crystallizing in Luan's wound.
However, the sound of the wind is interrupted by a deep rumble that shakes the ground and resonates in the air. A deafening roar joins the chorus, heralding the arrival of the Wolgarm leader.
ROAAAAR!
From amidst the remnants of fallen trees emerges a Wolgarm chieftain, typically four to five meters in height, but now towering in a colossal figure of nine meters. All present fix their gaze on this imposing creature, and the gravity of the situation weighs upon us.
"General, we must halt the trial!" exclaims Alsten urgently. Logic would dictate stopping the trial, but the expression on Luan's face is that of someone willing to give her all, with an unyielding determination. Her radiant gaze reflects bravery, infusing courage into all of us.
"I CAN DO IT!" Luan shouts with a determination that seems to fill the entire forest clearing. "I will bring victory, no matter the cost!"
Luan's determination is palpable, her stance unwavering, and her voice resolute. She has lost much, as have many of us present here. Now is her moment to prove that she can endure, that she can overcome any adversity.
The mysteries surrounding her don't matter in this instant; I can feel her strength, her fervent will.
I glance at Emilia and Beatrice, who seem ready to intervene at any moment. A courage fueled by uncertainty and confidence in Luan fills me.
"The trial continues." I smile, though cold sweat runs down my forehead.
My decision elicits glares of indignation among the soldiers, yet I pay them no mind. If the mabestia attacks, if it poses a threat, we are here to shield ourselves.
This monster is no match for Emilia, Beatrice, or Crusch. We are poised to confront it and ensure no one sustains harm.
Luan once again cuts her palm, allowing the blood to drip onto the ground. The leading mabestia creates explosions where the soldiers stand, compelling them to scatter for survival.
This moment is critical; a misstep could alter the course of the battle.
Three soldiers seek refuge to the left, behind a log, while Luan and another soldier remain to the right. The coordination strategy is noteworthy: the rear holds steadfast while those up front protect.
"Attack the normals!" Luan shouts, seemingly executing a larger plan.
Luan's body cannot endlessly generate blood, and inflicting wounds in this manner will pose issues in the long run. She appears to be preparing something, but I cannot discern clearly what it is.
Soldiers fire upon the regular mabestias while halting the leader by aiming for its head. The skull of the Wolgarm leaders can withstand bullets, making it crucial to understand their anatomy to deliver a fatal shot. That is the key to defeating them.
The Wolgarm fall to the ground one by one; the group pauses for reloading in desynchronization, allowing some to continue firing while others recharge.
The coordination is superb; everyone appears well-versed in their roles. When the need for reloading arises, they fend off with bayonets to buy time.
The leading mabestia finally grows weary of its stealthy approach and lunges forward with ferocity. The trees around it shatter, victims of its imposing stature.
I am unsure how a beast of such size could mutate, perhaps a result of the cultists' bodies.
"Emilia," I caution, knowing she must be prepared to create an ice wall if necessary.
Emilia nods, but I continue to gaze steadfastly. Though I initially attempted to manipulate the trial to prevent Luan from fighting, this situation is causing me to reconsider. Luan has demonstrated more courage and skill than I anticipated.
She has a plan in mind, and I want to witness it unfold.
"Prepare!" Luan shouts, radiating bravery and filling everyone with her determination.
The leading mabestia charges at full speed, its steps resonating like thunder. In the blink of an eye, it is upon us. I shout to Emilia to create her protective ice wall, but my gaze remains captivated by Luan.
She hurls herself toward the mabestia in a movement that seems to defy logic and prudence. Before I can react, I see the other soldiers also rushing towards the monster.
It appears everyone is involved in a coordinated plan.
In her hand, Luan holds a fabric emitting mana so intense that I can sense it from this distance. She dashes straight towards the beast, capturing its attention. In the process, she hurls the blood-stained cloth she had in her hand toward the creature.
The bandage she had wrapped around her hand is gone, allowing the blood to flow swiftly. The mabestia opens its jaws to devour Luan, but she leaps and crawls across the ground, escaping momentarily from certain death. Emilia rushes forward, but I halt her with my hand.
"We must stop this!" exclaims Emilia, with a concerned look. I glance forward and observe the bandage encircling the beast's nose.
"Now!" shouts Luan.
Bang! Bang!
The soldiers begin to shoot as the mabestia starts behaving strangely. Without moving from its spot, it attempts to kick and do something, but it seems completely disoriented.
Its movements are erratic, as if blinded, and it eventually casts a spell of earth upon itself.
Boom!
An explosion of earth destroys one of the creature's legs, causing it to collapse helplessly. At that moment, Luan runs towards the mabestia with the intent to finish it.
Yet, I notice something peculiar on the ground just in front of Luan. The ground trembles, and my heart pauses for a moment.
"Luan!" I shout using Murak, rushing towards her, but it is too late.
Boom!
The ground shatters beneath her feet, and the colossal creature roars mightily. Its deafening roar fills the air, and the earth shakes violently. Luan is ensnared in the chaos, unable to escape the danger she now confronts.
The explosion pierces through the entire field; debris soars, and the thunderous sound deafens. The giant mabestia lies on the ground, and a cloud of dust rises, concealing what unfolds there.
"Marco!" Emilia glares at me with eyes full of fury, but my focus remains on Luan. If I made a mistake in allowing this trial, I will face the consequences. As long as the save point doesn't reset, I will be fine.
I can turn off the lights in an instant.
The soldiers watch us, Alsten and Crusch tighten their lips, expressing regret for not having intervened. I keep looking forward, trying to instill my trust in her.
A dust cloud hangs where the mabestia lies, but something cuts through that curtain of dirt.
"Die!" a powerful cry emanates from that dust cloud. The bayonet slices through all the dust, and from it emerges a girl with white hair.
The tips of her hair seem to burn in an intense shade of red, and her eyes gleam with a fiery crimson. Luan lunges towards the neck of the defeated mabestia, a determined expression on her face.
She lunges at the mabestia's neck, which growls with uncontrolled force on the ground. In this moment, Luan has shown more than I could have ever imagined. Her ability to plan and execute strategies, her courage, and unwavering determination leave me astounded. I stare at her, admiring her newly discovered strength.
"That's..." Alsten and Emilia look on in surprise. There's no other way to express it.
"The strength of will."
The indomitable will to overcome all difficulties. Luan thrusts her bayonet into the mabestia's jaw, and a powerful cry escapes her lips. At a crucial moment, she fires her rifle.
Bang!
The sound of the shot cutting through the air resonates in the surroundings. The projectile pierces the base of the jaw and continues its path to the monster's brain. The mabestia stops growling, becoming motionless.
Crusch and Emilia exchange a look of amazement and respect. The soldiers are also surprised, witnessing the outcome of Luan's bold strategy.
Luan skillfully removes the bayonet, her gaze fixed on the rifle. The beasts, sensing the death of their leader, retreat, carrying the bitter taste of defeat in the air.
The soldiers approach Luan cautiously, forming a circle around her, their faces reflecting a mix of joy and restrained excitement.
The trial has been surmounted, ushering in well-deserved recognition and opportunities for advancement that await some of them.
"I am Luan," her words reach me with a force that seems to defy the very wind, and her crimson eyes pierce mine like two intense flames threatening to consume any doubt I might have.
Her determination and strength strike me, causing me to swallow the words of skepticism that were on the verge of escaping my lips.
"We have completed the trial!" Her voice resonates with confidence and a spark of triumph, and in that moment, the smile forming on her lips is the first one I have the privilege of witnessing. A smile that seems to illuminate her face and melt the shadows around her.
"WOO!" The soldiers erupt in cheers, surrounding her with jubilation and hoisting her on their shoulders while chanting her name over and over: "Luan! Luan!"
The entire squadron pulses with the joy of having crossed this threshold, knowing that now their efforts will be acknowledged, and those who have distinguished themselves have the chance to attain positions of honor, even the coveted title of captain.
"Impressive," Crusch's voice sounds with genuine admiration as she observes the lifeless body of the beast lying on the ground. "Her combat strategy was exquisitely planned, despite the mabestia not being what was expected; as you told me."
Her words resonate in the air like praise that envelops Luan in an aura of accomplishment.
All eyes converge on Luan, and in that moment, we see not only a brave warrior but also an enigma shrouded in mystery. The white hue of her hair has returned to normal, and in that instant, I can perceive her clearly, without barriers.
Luan has exhibited her strength with grace, her courage with boldness, and her skill with mastery, surpassing any prior expectations.
This encounter has unveiled her potential in a manner that transcends the bounds of my imagination.
As the sun's rays imbue the forest with their warm glow, all of us are imbued with the tale of this battle, one that will be etched into the deepest recesses of our memory, reminding us that even in the densest darkness, the light of courage can find its way.