Martial

VIII.

The training stadium stretched out before me, a vast canvas of activity framed by towering walls. The air buzzed with a mix of nervous excitement and a sense of impending challenge. Rows of recruits, each dressed in their uniform, were scattered across the arena, each absorbed in their assigned training.

To my left, recruits practiced basic survival skills. I watched as they constructed makeshift shelters, identified plants, and shared tips with one another. The atmosphere was a blend of earnest learning and occasional laughter, a fleeting escape from the looming tension.

On my right, the physical training section unfolded. Instructors barked orders, and recruits executed drills with precision. The thud of footsteps and the clash of bodies created a rhythm that echoed through the stadium, emphasizing the intensity of their preparation. It was a stark reminder of the physical demands that awaited us.

Further ahead, a group delved into the art of tracking and hunting. Their movements were calculated, eyes sharp as they navigated a simulated forest. The tension among them mirrored the delicate dance between predator and prey, a dance they needed to master for the challenges ahead.

Teams were scattered throughout, each focused on a different aspect of rager preparation. Rivalries emerged, and an undercurrent of distrust lingered, echoing Esma's warning about the true nature of those around us.

The monitors at the field displayed the hours, minutes and seconds left before the rager began. No pressure.

As I moved through the stadium, I felt the weight of the impending rager. The challenges were not only physical but also psychological.

"Henrie and I are going to perfect our shooting at the range, wanna join?" Esma asked, nodding her head over to a section of the field full of dummies. I hesitated for a bit before responding.

"I'll join you guys later," I answered. They nodded and walked off. Sighing, I scanned the field to feel a wave of anxiousness hit.

We'll be in an undisclosed location picked by Kane. The most sense would be to sharpen the basic skills of making a fire and hunting. I don't plan on killing anyone unless I have to.

I made my way through the field to see some trainees have their bracelets scanned and given permission to enter a building. From what I could see when the door opened, the building was a makeshift wilderness, but you were able to choose the environment.

I jogged over to the building and waived my wrist to be given entry. I entered and the smell of pine and smoke hit my nose. The building was considerably huge from the inside, providing much needed space for the recruits. However, we still had brutes watch us from every corner.

Some recruits were bettering their aim as they threw knives at flying birds in their section. Others were shooting at them. In another section, there were people swimming in a tank filled with all types of fishes and they tried harpooning for them.

Goodness, where am I.

There was a small box full of weapons in the middle of the room. I picked up a knife and spotted a section filled with logs and grass. I commuted over to begin my basic skill training.

I chose a small area to do the fire as I picked up a pile of tinder and bark and moved it to be in front of me. I kneeled down and looked for a few logs.

"Now if I remember correctly," I trailed off as I grabbed one and placed it in between my legs to keep it steady as I began sawing down the middle. The log was putting up a fight but within minutes, I split the log in two. I then proceeded to create a v-shape notch on the inside of the log. I made a small depression adjacent to it. Placing bark under the notch, I picked up a stick similar to a spindle and placed it into the depression of the fireboard.