The Ranch

Representative Test (2)

Since Tih only has parkour class, he walks a lap around the island while waiting for the others' classes to end. Kai explained that when they finish their classes, they usually have to rush to the start of the mountain, where the class takes place. Kai suggested meeting up there, since it'll be more convenient for Tih.

Hearing the word mountains, after he finishes his lap, Tih heads to one of the many side mountains. He explores for the rest of the hour, before heading back down the mountain to the meet up spot. He wouldn't have lost track of time if it weren't for the beeping sound of the message from Kai on his communication watch. The group gave it to Tih on their walk to the lecture hall.

Reaching the sign board, Tih sees Kai and the others, along with other children his age. Tih is the last one to arrive. The messages Kai sent earlier said,"Classes ended, so you should head over to the meeting spot now." "We're here." "Where are you?"

"Hmm? Who Is This I See? A Friend Of One Of My Students?" Instructor Henri lightly jumps off a branch and lands in front of the group without making a sound, still wearing his classic smile.

"Ah! Instructor Henri, this is...Tih. He's a student. He's been in a coma for the past month..." Kai tries to explain.

Instructor Henri talks to himself in a hushed voice,"Oh? So You're The One From The Rumors."

"That's why he couldn't come to class..." Kai adds on.

"And?" Instructor Henri turns his smiling face towards Kai.

Kai flinches,"A-and?"

"Do You Expect Me To Let A Thin Child That's Been In A Coma For The Last Month Train With Us? Do You Think Someone Can Handle It Without Any Prior Training?"

"Yes! Trust me Instructor. He's stronger than he looks!" Kai smiles back.

"...I See You're Determined. That's Fine, But I Won't Go Easy On You. We're Going To The Intermediate Course Today To Select Representatives For The Tournament. Is That Okay With You?" Instructor Henri smiles at Tih.

Tih turns to Kai. Seeing him nod, Tih turns back to the instructor and copies Kai.

The instructor claps his hands together,"Okay. Just Remember Not To Push Yourself. It's Always Fine To Quit, It's Only A Small Fee, After All."

One of Instructor Henri's pet peeves are arrogant people that like to overestimate their own abilities. He believes Tih is one of these people and plans to teach the child a lesson. He wasn't originally planning to let his students take the intermediate trail yet, but their abilities are up to par. "They'll have a tougher time, but they should be fine as long as I help a little along the way." Is what Instructor Henri is thinking.

He takes them to the intermediate course," This Time, Instead Of Following Me, You Just Have To Keep Along The Path. I'll Be Watching From The Sideline In Case Anything Unexpected Happens." He's already been training his students for a month and has witnessed their capabilities and potential. He doesn't want to lose anyone now. This, of course, includes the new student. He's not so heartless to let a newbie die on his watch.

Instructor Henri warns before they start," You'll Be Met Will A Cliffside In The Middle Section Of The Course. Be Extremely Careful, As The Rocks There Are Very Loose, And If You Fall From That Height...Well, You'll Break Something At The Minimum, At The Most...Well! Good Luck!" He claps his hands to start the race.

Knowing the tournament is a chance to show off their abilities for potential  apprenticeships, the soldier's immediate dash up the mountain.

Kai looks at the group of three," Lets go!" They weren't as fast as the others because the group's not putting their full effort into the competition. The have no desire to participate as a representative, and thus can take their time. Tih follows the three from behind.

The four move together at a moderate speed for a few minutes until they hear the instructor's voice," Ara~ Not Trying Our Best? Shall I Give You More Training Later, Since You're Bound To Have Extra Energy After This Ends?" The warm voice sends chills down the three's spines and they instantly pick up their pace.

Instructor Henri follows and observed the group from a distance.

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Now this is interesting... Tih, was it?

Lucien, Kai, and Sherlock's movements, flexibility, and endurance have improved over the past month. They're hard-working students.

Although they're not the most athletic of the bunch, there should be no way for a normal newbie to keep pace with them...especially one that been in a coma for a month.

So I wonder, why is this newbie able to keep up with them. Not only that, but he's been staring directly at me the entire time. He eyes follow me no matter where I am. I'd thought I'd hidden myself pretty well...no no, that's besides the point. How is he keeping up with the others without looking in front of him. He's evaded multiple roots, rocks, and trees without even looking in their direction. Even I have to glance forward every once in a while. Is it instinct?

Or maybe this is what that phrase 'eyes in the back of your head' means? I chuckle.

This child truly is a mystery. His body should have stiffened and his muscles weakened from being in bed for a full month, but one would never be able to tell from his appearance. Although, he is quite pale. I wonder if that's because of a lack of sunlight this past month.

The cliff is coming up soon. I'll admit, those empty blue eyes have given me chill and he's definitely showed an amazing skill, but if he plans to continue that, he'll be up for a rude awakening. It's imperative to watch exactly where you step, or before you know it, you will have fallen to your death. Of course, I won't let that happen.