A Witches Home

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: A HELL OF A YEAR

Previously:

Link hops forward between the trainers and me and turns to me. [Now that we all know each other time for your skill assessment test. This will provide your trainers with the best possible information about your basic skills and what you need to work on. Now to the arena!] Link says as he hops towards the massive circle structure in the distance.

<<Ugh. This is going to suck.>> I think as I trudge towards the structure with a heavy heart, following the four pillars of my future pain.

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Astrid POV

As I approach the massive arena, my heart sinks further into my stomach. The structure looms large, a ring of stone and metal that looks like it was forged for trials and tribulations. Link leads the way, his enthusiasm contrasting sharply with my own dred. The four trainers are in front of me, their imposing figures casting long shadows over the ground.

We reach the arena's entrance, a pair of heavy doors that creak open to reveal an expansive, open space. The floor is marked with various training zones: a combat pit, an obstacle course, a magic practice area, and a defensive obstacle course. The sight of it all makes me shiver. I'm about to be tested in ways I can only imagine.

Link turns to face me, his eyes gleaming with excitement. ["This assessment will gauge your strengths and weaknesses, so each of your trainers will test you in their specialized area. Do your best, and remember, it's all about learning and improvement!"] He says with a grin before hopping over to a small raised viewing area.

Vergil steps forward first, his imposing presence dominating the space. His gaze is intense as he motions for me to follow him to the obstacle course.

"We'll start with your hunting skills," he says, his deep voice rumbling like thunder. "You'll need to demonstrate your ability to track and confront a target. I've set up a series of dummies, each representing different creatures in the obstacle course. Show me how well you can engage and neutralize them." His tone left no room for arguments.

He leads me to a set of lifelike targets hidden behind obstacles. I'm given a brief explanation of the exercise and told to use my weapon of choice out of the massive assortment on the wall next to him. My task is to identify and strike the dummies efficiently. I take a deep breath, trying to channel my nervous energy into focus.

I look through the weapons and one catches my eye. <<Weird I thought it was all going to be spears and clubs.>> It's two daggers. One is a parrying dagger and the other is a rapier and they both have beautiful red handles and simple metal work on the hilts. I used to fence because my mom forced me to when I was younger so these weapons are the most familiar to me.

Vergil lifts an eyebrow at my choice of weapons but doesn't comment on it.

With my weapons picked out I make my way to the starting line. As I move through the course, I manage to hit almost every target, though not without stumbling. Vergil watches with a critical eye, nodding approvingly as I finish.

Next, Obsidian steps into the center of the arena, his graceful movements betraying his athletic prowess.

"Time for your combat skills assessment," he says with a calm demeanor.

"You'll face off against a series of opponents in simulated combat scenarios. The goal is to demonstrate your fighting techniques and adaptability."

A series of practice opponents—wooden and stone figures programmed to mimic combat styles—emerge from hidden compartments. Still using my twin daggers I engage in a series of fights, trying to apply the nonexistent combat training I've had. Obsidian's violet eyes follow every move, assessing my form and strategy. By the end of the session, I was winded but pleased with my performance, even if Obsidian's critique remains more reserved.