Three weeks passed since they got here. Linda had told him what happened after the explosion. Their collaborators requested them to keep their connections hidden. They agreed with it, but this does not exclude their director Rod. Of course, he agreed to remain this a secret. He understood the grave situation they are in and advised them not to tell others as well as it would stain the reputation of the organization.

For now, the Glade has not accepted any kind of request from the fixers throughout the continent as they are busy rehabilitating the compounds that were destroyed during the rebellion of the Renegades. The other directors reluctantly agreed with it since there is a lot of death and injured on their hands, might as well focused on their damaged rears. They have a lot of resources hidden in their stash which is why they’re not worried about stopping their operations temporarily.

The heads of the Glade are busy sorting out the funds while continuing the subtle activities. The trainees' practice as of now continued. There were other mercenaries from the Glade who came home to help the current situation they’re facing in.

There were familiar faces that come, but Alastor didn’t mind coming to reach them. He has matters that should deal with first, like training Sherry in the old compound in the middle of the forest. The compound was alike a destroyed building. The intention was to allow the trainees to feel like they’re in the war zone so that they will take the practices seriously.

Ken watched Alastor and Sherry sparring. Alastor easily parried Sherry’s attacks. He caught Sherry’s fist and twisted it. His palm cut through the wind and locked his feet behind her before he pushed her to the ground, outbalancing her stand against his strength.

Alastor lends her a hand and stands up.

“What’s with this training?” She asked. Sherry has stated before that she’s prepared for the harshness of the training, as long, she’s able to get stronger. “I thought you’re going to teach me how to use magic.”

“It is too early for that.” He blandly said.

“Uh, hello… I kicked Theo’s ass back there. I’m supposed to be treated special.”

Alastor unconsciously lifted his brow and threw a chilling glance at her. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He put a barrier and consideration of her position, including his.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. There are things that you need to know before jumping to a self-conceited conclusion.”

“I’m serious here. I’m ready to learn magic.”

“If you are, then how about show me the power you execute against Theo.”

“Err.” She stammered. “The thing is that I can’t access it anymore.”

“Ah-huh. Very well, if you can’t use that power then there’s nothing you can do when you engage in physical combat given that you’re lack experience.”

Sherry was set on edge with Alastor’s fair view of the argument and they continued sparring until the afternoon. Sherry is currently beaten into pulped by Alastor. At least, she put up a decent fight. Unlike the others in his year, it took them weeks just to get recognized by their instructor to be able to combat.

At the end of the day, Sherry breakdown on tiredness. She tried her best but her effort was squash easily Alastor. He was far too harsh to her.

“That’s enough for today. You can go back to the mansion now.”

“At last.” Sherry gasped. She walked unsteadily out of the compound.

Ken jumped out and land on the ground. He glanced at Alastor cautiously.

“It is so unlike you.” Ken started.

“What? Being harsh on her?” Alastor asked.

“Yes.” Ken said. “but also letting the training ended early. Normally, we’d end at 6.”

“Oh, that. Since Rod permitted me to become an instructor, I use the liberty to end it early because I don’t want to miss the dinner.”

“That’s unfair to us. We have to pack up and stock for supplies before eating.”

“Well, I guess I’m just lucky.”

Ken retorted. “I can become an instructor too, y’know.”

“Yeah, right – right.” Alastor ignores his prattling. “You can dream.”

“Hey!”

Ken waited for Alastor to rest and enjoy the breeze for a few minutes before walking.

“What do you think about her?” Ken asked.

“About Sherry?”

“Yes.”

“She has the spirit, but lacks in talent.”

“You think?”

“Yes, and I don’t think that anytime soon she’ll be ready.”

“Is that so?”

“You know the procedure, Ken. It takes more than a gift to be ready. A talent with no training is like spilling a coffee to a rock.”

Ken’s brow arched. “Your figure of speech does not make any sense, you know, that right?”

Alastor's hearing didn’t work properly this time, he might have missed a few words in Ken’s sentence.

“Precisely, that wouldn’t make sense. Honing the body enables to adapt in different situations.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

They saw the light from the mansion twinkling from room to room and to the red light that sprung above. The red light indicates that everyone should get back to the mansion before the curfew. Their feet quickly sprang on top of their strength and kicked the ground, sprinting towards the mansion. They also saw the trainees came rushing back. Some were briskly pedaling their bikes and park outside.

Time passes and they finally made it. Ken takes a moment for a heavy breather. Alastor is seemed unaffected by the long tiring run. Alastor headed to the dining area wherein the trainees picked up the plate and line for the food that the staff displayed in an orderly manner. He glanced at the fried pork and brew stew. He used the knife to slice it and minced it through his teeth. As usual, the pork is tasty and bearable, unlike the stew. He did not feel any disgust for the food, yet the stew somehow is bland.

He looked around and saw the students added their stew with pepper and salt and then mixed it. He did the same and when he tasted it, he finally gets why they eat it like that. He learned something tonight.

His dinner ended up with a full stomach.

Alastor had another nightmare again. The time where he feels no hope against Theo. The concept of Death did not cross his mind once before. He’s always confident that there’s always out, but it doesn’t mean he’s a slacker. He always keeps his guard high, no matter what. But when comes to Theo, there’s no coming out alive if you stand against him, alone.

He jumped out of the bed, rasping for air. He gets out of his room and to the kitchen drinking water. He washed his face in the bathroom before going out and climb on top of the roof.

He heard a faint voice. Alastor got alert by the unknown presence and saw Linda sat beside him. She wore a robe and does not seem to have anything beneath it. He avoided and glance away. He doesn’t even want to think about it.

“Geez, don’t panic. We’re safe now. There’s no need for you to hype.”

“What’re you doing here?”

“Can’t you guess? I can’t sleep too.”

Alastor flat back and glance at the stars wildly blinking.

“Where are they, Linda? Reia, Glox, and the other kids.”

He hasn’t heard of them for a while, the directors were too busy handling transactions across the regions and didn’t come across to his mind to ask about them.

“Rod said that he didn’t allow them to get here.”

“Why is that?”

“Because of the Renegades. Instead, they were sent in the Shahaya along with Henrick.”

“That’s good.”

“Why do you care about them? This is the first time I see you’re worried about someone.”

“I can’t help it. After all, I owe her, she saved my life.”

“I see.”

Alastor took a deep breath before going back to his room. Thinking about Reia, it gave him the right dosage to forget the nightmares, damning him in his dreams.