"H-hi again". Evie presented herself in a polite manner and even went as far as bowing to Ellie.

"Okay that's enough. I'm not that scary. I apologise for harming you both. But I knew it wouldn't kill you". Ellie has 40 years of adventuring under her belt, she isn't dumb enough to kill someone by accident. Of course, she definitely is capable.

"Evie. Do you know what you did wrong in the spar?". There were many of things she did wrong but for now she can't exactly solve all of them at once.

"I didn't shoot fast enough?". Evie thought it was quite obvious.

"Yes, but no. The most vital thing you did wrong was that after you shot, you stood still waiting for the result. How dense are you? Do you think Monsters will sit there and wait for the arrow to him them? Of course not! You have to move almost instantly and reposition, and go for another shot". Ellie got kind of riled up as she thought it was pretty obvious. Her expectations seem to be getting lower by the seconds, especially since they're supposed to be Heroes.

"For now, your main problem is combat experience, and how to actually use a bow. Sure, you know how to use it, but the way you use it is beyond inefficient".

"Inside the cupboard over there, there are targets to hit. I don't really have a goal for you so come back to me when Bow Efficiency is Level 5". Ellie paused and added something; "For reference, it should take an hour for you to complete the task by my standards, especially since you know how to use a bow".

Evie just nodded her head.

[This is completely ridiculous, I know how to use a Bow. The bows here are made out of bloody wood, it feels like it's going to snap if I pull it back too far. She's treating me like a child. I'll show her I can do it]. Evies thoughts were going wild with mix emotions.

Ellie turned to Jackson.

"You. You don't understand the fundementals of an Assassin, nor do you understand how to use a Dagger, especially two. Since Assassins learn by sparring, that's what you'll be doing until Evie's done. Of course, I still have expectations, however my standards are significantly lowered based by your performance, atleast Evie tried to attack. You just stood there, in fear - in a spar match for Christ sake". Ellie couldn't help but tut at the sight of the boy.

Jackson erupted, not holding back. "What do you expect from us?! We're 15 year olds for fuck sake. We're still teenagers. Still in highschool and we have never had to consider killing anyone or anything to survive. Not only that you expect us to kill a Demon King in 11 years, whilst we're constantly being undermimed wherever we go, do you know how many people have called me useless in the past few hours? 15. 15 people who I have never met and who I crossed whilst I was being walking here. You don't understand our situation and you never will".

Jackson still carried on his rant - Ellie waited until he was done.

"The reason why I'm so harsh is because I can relate, not because I hate you both".

Ellie rolled her eyes and continued. "Evie come here now".

"Yes ma'am!". Evie was nervous because she could hear what Jackson was hearing.

"I can relate to both of your situations. I was raised in a peaceful village, but because I had a talent for both the bow and dagger, I was forced out of my village into this Kingdom. I'm an Elf, not a Human. I've been cursed at many times, and the only times I started to get respect was 30 years ago. That's 10 years into my adventurer career. After I've helped slain many monsters, and even thugs. It took me 10 years. Sure, I've never exactly been weak. But I've been considered weak because of who I am. When you get out of the Castle into the real world, you'll be known as inferior heroes because this Kingdom bragged about summoning you all here. What happens when you're beyond weak and can't kill a single mob on your own? You'll be ostracised almost instantly and will never live peacefully. I don't think any of you 'Heroes' understand your position. You need to take it seriously. It's vital for your own survival. If I wanted to I could just leave you alone to fend for yourself".

Ellie looked at them both.

Silence continued throughout the training room for a few minutes.

Evie bowed and went to her targets whilst picking up the Bow and Quiver.

"I guess we better start then". Jackson picked up both his Long Daggers.

"Still going with two?". Ellie asked in a harsh tone.

"Twos a bigger number than one right?".

Ellie laughed aloud.

"I can't argue with that".

Before starting, Evie drew a box with her daggers surrounding them both.

"I'm going to use my daggers, however I won't use any throwing knives or a bow".

Ellie took the initative and ran towards Jackson whilst unseathing her weapons.

Jackson did the same expect he seemed to be in a defensive stance. Ellie rolled her eyes as she was running and Jackson was sent flying in almost an instant.

Jackson crashed into the weapon area and they all became jumbled.

"Why are you even bothering to defend? Our stats are not comparable you can't defend against any of my attacks, get up or I'll come to you".

Jackson got up almost instantly and wiping a cut off his arm. He nodded to himself and ran forwards.

He swung for Ellie, only to be turned upside down with her arm. She didn't even need her daggers.

Ths continued for another five times, by this point Jackson was covered in cuts and blood. Throughout all of this Evie was focusing on her Targets. It had been an hour since the lesson started.

"Evie, what's your Bow Efficiency?"

"F-four".

"Let me look at your stats, including you Jackson".

Ellie - Human - 15

Occupation: Archer Assistant

Level: 1

MP: 50/50

Strength: 2 (+1)

Agility: 8 (+1)

Endurance: 1

Magic Power: 2

Intelligence: 1

Dexterity: 2

Skill Slots:

★ Bow Efficiency: [Level 4]

★ Hitpoint: [Level 1]

Inherited Skill:

None

Jackson - Human - 15

Occupation: Fletchling Assassin

Level: 1

MP: 25/25

Strength: 5

Agility: 6 (+2)

Endurance: 3

Magic Power: 0

Intelligence: 0

Dexterity: 2

Skill Slots:

★ Dagger Efficiency: [Level 1]

★ Backstab: [Level 0]

Inherited Skill:

None

Ellie stretched.

"This isn't working. Not only are you not progressing quick enough, you both aren't getting efficient stats. You both started gaining Endurance stats which is pretty pointless". Ellie was running out of ideas.

"There are two options which I will let you both decide on".

"Monster Hunting".

"Or gaining stats through running (Agility), weights (Strength) and for Evie, getting quivers from her back quicker (Dexterity). You didn't even gain a point in Dexterity".

"If you pick the second option, the sessions will run from morning to midnight, I will also lump in your mage friend and the weird Orator, since I'm assuming you're going to party with them?".

Evie spoke suddenly. "What will they do about their classes? And how do you know that they're our friends?". She was quite confused, but Ellie was being ominious.

"They will obviously do their classes during the session too whilst running. Also, I have acute hearing due to my race. Before we even get close to the 'Hero' Room, I could hear you two, and two other voices quite clearly. As we walked in you four were huddling so I asked the other mentors who they were, and then I assumed they were your friends".

Evie made quite the quick decision. "Okay, we'll all train together then".

"Good choice. I'll speak to Luxie and Elo".

"For now, go back to your dorms".

"Uhm, actually I want to stay until I get Bow Efficiency to Level 7".

Ellie smiled at Evies resolution. "Knock yourself out".

"And you?".

Jackson hesitated. "I guess I'll go running outside, what should be my goal?".

"Agility 10. It should be done by midnight, I'll bring food here later since you're supposed to be having quite a lavish meal at your dorm". Ellie laughed whilst walking out.

Jackson and Evie looked at eachother.

"Did we make the correct choice?". They didn't say anything, but they both thought the same thing.