Why I Hunt

Chapter Seven

7

We were all in the square by six. Dave announces that our equipment is done being made, so we head there straight away.

All of our armor is iron and Rathalos shell. Basic, but it felt great and would definitely do the job. Our weapons were made the same way for the most part with different materials where needed. For example, there was a bit of bone and wood used in Charlie's hunting horn.

Once we exit the blacksmith shop, Pete tells us, "You all are going to hate this next part of your training. We're going to the arena. Let's go."

- - - - -

We all enter the arena. Entering the arena created a sensation of importance. Only our beloved teams practice here. It feels amazing standing where so many of our villages legends have heard.

For some reason, Pete had told us to leave our weapons outside of the arena; we wouldn't be needing them"

"Ok, so what are we doing? Do we have to dodge or run from a monster's attacks, or what?" Dave asks, eagerly.

Pete has a nasty shit-eating grin on his face. I'm scared. "You guys need to get used to moving around in those suits. Start running. Gimme fifteen laps, but listen closely for my voice." Everybody looks at Will waiting for a complaint, but none come. Together, we start running. As we separate, Emily begins to lead the pack followed by me, then Charlie, then Dave, and (far behind) Will.

Three laps in, Pete calls out, "I want you running sideways to your right!" We obey. This motion is so much harder when you're in a suit of armor. I'm sweating like crazy and my legs feel like they are going to give out. In a few minutes, Pete tells us to run sideways to our left. Eventually, we are allowed to run normally again... until he tells us to run backwards. Only a few seconds in, Will falls on his ass. As David laughs at William, he follows, slipping and landing hard on his back. Pete urges that they get up and keep going. At lap eight, Will collapses. Felynes race out to him, but then leave him lying on the ground. Apparently nothing was wrong with him. Pete grabs him, pulls him to his feet, and pushes him onward. He collapses again at lap eleven. Pete gives up at this point. By the time we all reach the end of lap fifteen, we drop. None of us plan on getting up any time soon. Dave throws off his helmet right away and loses his dinner. Emily, feeling as though he got too close to her, boots him further from her and reluctantly rolls over.

By now the sun has set. A messenger felyne approaches my brother. After a brief conversation, Pete tells us we are done for the day and to be up at dawn tomorrow. Then, he leaves. I assume he must go on a quest.

After twenty minutes of lying on the ground, we begin to get up and walk out of the arena. We agree to meet in the square and get some food after we get out of our armor.

- - - - -

"That was hell," Will says, last to approach the table we claimed. We don't get mad at him. We only agree.

"We don't have much time for that if we're gonna be ready by the end of the week," I say. "With that in mind, I doubt we'll be doing that much more."

"I sure hope you're right."

"Will he be back tomorrow in time to train with us?" Charlie asks.

I answer, "He'll probably give us a training procedure we can do on our own. He's gonna be out all night on whatever quest he's on, so-" I am cut off by a booming voice from a large man.

"William!" the man exclaims. "I don't suppose you have my money yet, do you?"

"No, sir," Will whimpers. "I'll have it soon though."