I wake up when the sun rays hit my face. Rather early, it’s valuable when working at a place like the tannery, doubly so when I need to make a good impression at the hunting troupe. I got dressed, with what I considered to be my best hunting gear, essentially a coarse linen pant with a pure cotton shirt. Not to mention, I didn’t have much in terms of clothes. Hopefully, they provided training gear of some sort, I would hate to have to turn this shirt into a patchwork.

Uncle Rufus was also awake by now. He would leave to work as a storehouse inspector in half an hour. I promptly fixed an oat and honey breakfast for the two of us, gave him a quick hug and left the house to the sound of a “good luck, do your best”. I didn’t run, despite my enthusiasm, as there was no sense in being tired even before training started. In a small satchel, I brought along a metal water bottle, and a rough cloth to wipe any excess sweat. To be honest, I probably should have gone over with Uncle Tim what I needed to bring. Still, in the end, I could just bring whatever I needed the next day, so I should stop working myself up.

A heave a deep sigh, feeling some of my anxiety at this new situation flow out. And instead, I remember just how thankful I am for this opportunity and my resolve to do well. I walk at a relatively brisk pace, fully intending to be early and make a good impression. Of course, this time, I keep a lookout for any racing horse carriages, not wanting a repeat of yesterday’s close shave. I wonder, would the hunters teach me to ‘maintain awareness’ of the area around me? Or would it be something that came with experience, or an ability?

With thoughts filled with both facts and fantasies about hunting, I arrive at the hunting campgrounds. Occupying almost half of the western side of town, within sight of the gate that faces the wilderness is the camp. Naturally, most full-time hunters would stay and train here, with only someone semi-retired like Uncle Tim finding time to walk around and run the tannery. Actually, doesn’t he have someone doing that for him? He must either have more free time or be much more critical than I thought, to be able to while away his time as such.

The hunting camp is, for lack of a better word, slightly empty. I honestly thought that it would be packed with people. Perhaps they are out hunting? Regardless, I took a deep breath and strode forward. I had no clue what I needed to do or who to find, but hopefully, I could find some to ask.

Or let someone find me. A bored-looking man, seated underneath a tarp with a table and bench, called out once he saw me.

“Boy, what are ye hear for? This is the hunting camp, don’t just be coming in without permission. Lads like you just might get hurt.”

I push down any annoyance and the casual dismissal of my skills because I know how powerless I am. Given that he is the first person I’ve met in the camp, why not make a good impression?

“Good morning Sir, I’m Kyrios, Kyrios Brand. Uncle Tim told me to report here for training? I don’t know where to go, so if you could point me in the direction, I would be so grateful.”

I could almost see the bored man straighten up the moment Tim’s name was mentioned. It seemed he has a reputation here. I could also see the amusement colour his eyes when I specified that I was referred by Uncle Tim. This did not bode well.

“Ah, so you’re the kid that had everyone grumbling. “Pity selection” they’re calling you. Personally, I don’t care either way, as long as you contribute. But you better watch your back, you definitely have most of the trainees and some of the hunters itchin’ something fierce. Anyway, I’ll let the Commander know that you are here, that’s Tim’s son, mind you. Anyway, head straight there, down the path and then turn left at the building with a cross on it. Keep going till you hit the field then talk to the shiny looking person in charge. Best of luck.”

Oh dear. That wasn’t good. Can’t help it though. If I had to fight people to keep my only chance of getting stronger, then I would. Nevertheless, I had hoped to enter the camp and join training in an understated manner, keeping my head down while I focused on growing strong and contributing. Now that that plan is dashed, I guess I’ll have to unleash my outstanding talent and beat everyone at every training. Oh dear, who am I even kidding? The only things I have going for me is my drive to succeed, the goodwill of Uncle Tim and the smallest, tiniest possibility that I may awaken to a power. Nevertheless, that is the central ember of hope within me that will keep me going long after I can’t think. That’s the plan at least.

From the entrance to the training ground is not too far of a walk. I estimate it only took a handful of minutes. Of course, I spent the whole time gawking like a tourist, while trying to not look like one. Despite being part of the same town, such plainly militaristic architecture was new to me, and I could not stop looking. If nothing else, the style of architecture hinted that things were going to be different.

As I reached the training grounds, I realised my impression of the Hunting troupe as being a small, one town affair might be wrong. Because this training ground was massive. And I mean massive as in not just a few houses big but huge as in this is probably enough to fit a good part of the town. Either there’s some trick of the eye, or I’m crazy because this place is definitely more spacious than it looked.

What really tipped me off to the fact that this was more than a small-town affair was the fact that the training ground had multiple flags. They were planted at regular distances in front of me. While the flags had their backs to me, I could definitely tell that they were of the city guards of neighbouring towns. At the centre, naturally more significant and raised higher than any other, was the Imperial flag, a beautiful burnished red sun, gleaming behind a silver shield and morningstar. That I’d seen before, as well as the flag beside it. More significant than the others but smaller than the Imperial flag, was a purple flag with a crossbow and dagger cross, with the background of a claw mark splitting the flag nearly in two. I’d always assumed that it was just the flag of the local hunting troupe, but it appears that these hunters were not only local nor were they a troupe.

The training ground was rectangular, with the other three slides having multiple buildings, left and right seemed like barracks to me. The building furthest from me was built like a mausoleum, the standard brownish-red brick nowhere to be found. Instead, it had a midnight black colour that definitely intimidated me. By now, I’d spent so long just staring at everything that it was no surprise someone came to ask what I was doing. Nevertheless, as surprised and confused as I was, I jumped out of my skin when they spoke, giving them a good chuckle.

“Hey kid, wh- ha! That’s quite the jump! Sorry about that, what are you doing here? Normally most recruits would come around and then try to find a commander or the chief instructor for instructions. But you’ve been just standing here looking around for quite a while. Do you need help?”

This man was a jovial looking sort, blonde-haired with a body well-tanned from hours in the sun. He was clad in a simple khaki shirt and pants, with a leather belt and black boots. He definitely made the attire look good, with it accentuated by the few combat scars he had that dotted his body. He definitely looked like someone high ranking, with lean muscles like his he was bound to have been a hunter for quite a while.

“Sorry sir, I’m the new trainee referred by Tim. I was just looking at all the flags and the buildings. Especially the one in black, it’s beyond impressive. Do you know where I should go? I was told to talk to the shiny instructor.”

“Shiny Instructor? Gah, Thomas is putting weird thoughts into visitors again. It is apt tho. You see the instructor over there? The one with the full metal arm? Yeah, that’s the chief instructor, talk to him when he free and get your instructions from him. People tend to not appreciate it when people get a free pass into an elite guardsman corp from a Major.

I know Tim, and I know he feels the same, so you are going to definitely have to push yourself to remain here. You don’t need to tell me that though, you probably already know that once people know of you, they are going to gun for you. Don’t let that warp your experience with the hunters, once you become a hunter, you are a brother for life. As a trainee, though? Eeeehhh. Good luck and have fun is all I can say. Now get moving.”

He shoos me away with a wave of his hand, but I can tell he doesn’t mean anything by it from his smile. He was very informative, though. Uncle Tim is a Major? That must mean he is rather powerful. I guess all I can say is that you can’t judge a person by their looks. A Major’s recommendation is definitely a precious thing to have, especially for someone of my stature. Come to think of it, how did my parents hire a tutor like him for me? Probably asked him as a family friend. More questions and more favours I owe. I really hope I don’t let him down. I can’t.

I walk around the outskirts of the training ground, making my way to the chief instructor. I can’t help but notice how the training ground is built of substantial slabs of smooth grey stone perfectly fitted together. Such masonry and artistic skill are definitely unusual. Sometimes I wonder why a training camp of such quality and stature is located in a dinky town like this. If I had to venture a guess, it would probably be because of the wilderness nearby, given that this town is pretty much on the edge of Imperial territory. That is a worrying thought, however, because if such a camp is necessary, boy oh boy was it far more dangerous outside than I thought. Thank goodness I didn’t try my luck outside.

As I get closer to the crowd of trainees practising certain combat stances and strikes, I notice the chief instructor finish observing and turn to head to the black building. I wasn’t sure how I would be received if I were to disturb the instructor currently going through the training with the trainees. Instead, I quickly jogged over to intercept the chief instructor. Naturally, I was quickly spotted, and the chief instructor along with another person stopped and waited for me. I reach them, only mildly out of breath but even that seems to have earned their disapproval. Or maybe it was my disturbing them. Or my attire? Deep breaths Kyrios, make a good impression.

“Good morning sir, Kyrios Brand here reporting for training. What should I do, sir?” Up close, I could see every detail of the chief instructor clearly. From him perfectly manicured short moustache, to his perfectly ironed and pressed uniform. Of course, I could also see the metal arm that had veins and flexed as if it was organic. And it was so, so shiny.

“Ah, I’d been expecting you. A while ago, in fact. Nevermind, keep your bag at the side, wear your training gear and get on the field. You are being assigned to the Grey Wolf platoon, A Company, that’s your local guardsmen group. Anything you need, speak to quartermaster Derrick here.” He says with a hefty pat on Derrick’s back that had him struggling to regain his balance.

” Do your best, young man. You missed the opening briefs, but I’ll sum it up for you: Fight or Die. That’s the world out there, and you are going to need to embody it to be strong enough to fight outside the walls. Dismissed.”

With a crisp nod, the chief instructor turned on his heels and continued walking towards the black building, within which he vanished.

With the Chief Instructor’s swift exit, I turn to Derrick.

“Sir, uh, Derrick? What do I need for training? I’ve only brought a towel and a bottle with me.”

With a heavy sigh, Derrick rubs a palm over his face, muttering something that sounded like “Leave it to Tim and Dubois to dump more work on my head” before turning to me.

“Come on, Kyrios, let’s get your uniforms fitted. You’ll be allowed to go home today, but after that, you’ll be staying with the rest of platoon in their building. I’ll run you through the equipment list, and you tell me if anything’s missing, got it? Only the first issue is free, you’ve got to pay for everything after that. Hopefully, we finish by dinner time.” He says, mumbling near the end as he motions me to follow and begins striding over to the storehouse.

I follow, quickening my steps to keep up with his longer pace. I didn’t realise it before since Dubois dwarfed him, but this man is actually quite tall. Or maybe I’m just short. Either way, free equipment. Definitely going to have to take care of everything judiciously, since I’m definitely not going to be able to afford to get anything repaired, much less replaced.