A World With/Out Home

Chapter 6: What can and can't be done. (Part 2)

Just like that the two made their way out the other exit to the room. As soon as Kyle stepped over the threshold the atmosphere shifted considerably. He had been in the Garden only a day but had become used to the tranquil environment. Now once again he felt the disciplined pressure of the world's military. It was a simple corridor leading to other offices and had a stair case going down both ends but it was the view from the window that took his attention. Far larger than the flattened field in the Garden was an expansive training ground of simulated and mixed environments. Even with the height advantage he couldn't capture it all. Deserts, swamp, cliffs, towns and so many things in between. In each where men and women, some in full armour acting as Knights and others operating weapons he had only caught glimpses of before. They didn't just practice against each other but also against mechanical dolls that resembled demons. If it had been a few nights ago Kyle would have had no idea what they were but the way they moved chilled his bones with the memory of Jana's last stand.

Valandus clasped his shoulder, "Welcome to the main hall. This thing takes up nearly the entirety of this level. We've got everything from drill practise to weapon testing here. Just be careful where you go and at what times. Trust me you don't want to accidentally walk in when they're practising a bombardment."

"Yeah...," Kyle could only nod in awe. "But why is it in here? Wouldn't it be easier outside?"

"It's for peace of mind. We can't let ordinary citizens see what goes on behind the scenes. Remember to most people it's the Eternal Hero who does all the work against the demons." He flicked Kyle on the side of the head. "Come on we have a few children to find."

With Valandus leading the way Kyle kept close beside him trying to not attract attention which ended up being more difficult than he thought it would. Even though he wore the uniform of the Hero's Guard, according to his rank, his appearance really didn't suit. To make things worse he recalled Maila's words that most people would default him to a girl and couldn't help feel self-conscious as they walked. Thankfully Valandus didn't lead him to the crowded areas and instead the two remained on the higher levels that observed the training grounds from above.

"That should be him there," Valandus pointed to a nearby area beneath them. Several members of the Hero's guard were sparring against one another. It didn't take Kyle long to spot Tai as his blue hair was an easy give away. He was fighting with a sword in hand against several people at once while others around them paid close attention. Both sides' movements were sharper and faster than what Kyle could cope with. To him it was mostly a blur but he could still tell the serious amount of effort that was being applied. Tai especially went above and beyond showing that Maila's teachings hadn't gone to waste.

"What are they doing?" Kyle asked.

"An induction. Hero candidates are given the rank of Special Officer which sits outside our usual system. It's mostly given out to outstanding people who work with us for..., well special reasons. Not everyone can just jump straight into the front lines." Valandus watched him and nodded, "The kid has good skills. He'll fit in pretty easily."

Kyle continued to watch them and as Tai managed to pin down the last of his opponents the rest clapped, "So right now he's earning his position?"

"Exactly. From today onwards he'll train here and show his face around. Jana and Lillia had to do the same thing, so did the candidates before them. Humans' are jealous creatures Kyle. We complain easily when we think things are unfair, especially if we've worked hard for it."

Kyle nodded in understanding. He was probably in that unfair position himself. All members of the Hero's Guard were selected from the elite of the four states. If someone just appeared and had a better position to boot, it would be sure to annoy some people, especially if they were as young as Tai was. From the looks of it however he had already earned the respect of the Guard members he had been sparring with. It probably helped that they were used to people like Tai as Special Officers being introduced.