The next morning they start their journey before the sun has even risen, prior to leaving though one of Braz group members can be seen sneaking over to Seren’s tent ‘Time to get this kid used to the way we do things at the academy,’ the group member moves the tent flap aside to sneak in and commit his deed only to find the tent empty and so heads back over to report to Braz only to see.

‘Huff huff, I gotta admit getting actual weapons practice for once is very different from just having got used to my weapon of choice in the pit.’ Seren is panting while saying this across from Braz in an open area of their camp.

‘To be honest you have a solid foundation, with using Tonfa blades they more so than other weapons at the beginning stage are truly part of one's body and if the Pit taught you nothing else then it taught you to move.’ Braz replies while casually holding a shield the size of a door and a greatsword to match it. ‘It’s just bad luck that I happen to be a sword and shield fighter, even if I was a weaker warrior this would be a poor match up for you.’ Braz is circling the training ring they’ve quickly created with their feet while saying this.

While also circling the ring Seren responds ‘That was seniors most important physical lesson for us. He would always say he wasn’t familiar with human fighting methods because he hadn’t reached the level where he could transform into a humanoid species prior to being captured, so instead he told us that he would make sure our bodies were in the best physical condition they could be at all times so that if we did find a teacher we could at least have some foundation. As for weapons guidance he just told us to take it slow and sense if what we are doing is wrong through a connection to the weapon. I was only ever able to achieve the most basic level of this, but I could use it to make sure I was practicing in a way that wouldn’t harm me and eventually gave me better control of my weapons.’

With a downtrodden look at Seren once again unknowingly mentioning his crazy talent he asks ‘You say you entered the first level of this feeling? If it is what I think it is then I can tell you havent been using it so far in our spar so please by all means come at me.’

Hearing this Seren breathes and crouches lower ‘Fwoosh, as Seren takes off charging along the circle perimeter to Braz’s left but his shield is already there upon arrival, Seren jumps and places his Tonfa on the upper flat edge of the shield and holding himself there he spins to try and kick Braz in the head but Braz simply spreads his legs to bring his body lower while at the same time furiously lifts hsi shield even higher throwing Seren off. While Seren is coming down to land Braz is turning to swing his great sword at where he’s gonna land. Seeing this Seren use’s his telekinetic field to push himself away from the sword as it rushes in to strike his chest. He's still sent flying back into a tree but manages to land feet first on the trunk before stepping down and bowing slightly to Braz from outside the ring.’

‘That was a much better fight, I could tell you were trying to see every option but didn’t let it get in the way of your instincts. To be honest your biggest weakness right now is the fact that your Vital energy hasn’t been awoken. Add that to the table even at just the first level and you’ll take off in your combat abilities.’ Braz smiles slowly while the rest of the camp has gathered behind him all the same smile on their faces before he continues. ‘Luckily for you it's gonna take two months or so to get this caravan back to the academy, we still have a few more towns to hit for supplies and potential students. Which leaves us plenty of time to get the kind of food in you that you need to bust open your Vitality.’

With wide eyes he exclaims ‘ You guys can help me open my Vitality up before we get to the academy? Can you guys also help me fuse and form Mortal energy? My senior mentioned that it could actually be a blessing that I hadn’t unlocked it already because the academy should have even better techniques for it.’

‘I forgot how unfamiliar you are with the energy typings haha. Yes we can definitely help you with your Vitality. The caravan is called Ether Rocks because we are all Ether users which is the energy formed from the fusion of Vitality and Aura. As for the Mortal energy, while I do know the basic unifying technique, your senior was right, that's gonna be best done at the academy under their guidance. After all what I have is the most basic one just in case I manage to unlock my Psychic energy and with your ability you’re definitely gonna qualify for a higher class technique.’ he replies upon seeing the excitement on Serens face. ‘So with that being said I certainly don’t think we're gonna have any problem getting you up to the 1st hand in Vitality, in fact I’m a bit higher than that for you, the biggest thing holding a Vitality practicer back in speed is the inherent strength of their body from the start, you with the Aural boost from your noticeably more solid than average Aura, plus tactile telekinesis also boosting your durability you’ll be able to push harder for longer, and heal faster, and push through the early levels faster all while keeping a sturdy foundation so with all those advantages I don’t see any reason we can’t get you up to the 3rd hand of strength within Vitality.’ as he says this the rest of the caravan has gathered around him and start cracking their knuckles, stretching out, as if they’re getting warmed up for something all while grinning like devils at Seren.

‘Umm Braz why do I get the feeling that even with all my advantages getting to the 3rd hand in two months isn’t gonna be easy.’ looking around nervously Seren replies while backing away slowly.

Braz stands up and Seren is suddenly reminded of when he first met Braz at the guild HQ and how he seemed far more intimidating, goofy, and action before thought seeming than he had been acting recently and with that being said Braz’s voice booms out ‘HAHA Thats becasue little brother is smart, I certainly hope you’re ready because the next months are going to be some of the most fun ones of your life so far, I guarantee it.’ all while his skin has started to glow slightly and the rest of the caravan has spread out to surround Seren.

Seren turns around and gets ready to run only to find Cela already behind him looking at him with only a bit of pity but mostly the same crazed excitement as the rest of them. ‘You too Cela?’ he whispers while looking slightly hopeful.

‘Of course me to little brother, after all once you’re at the academy it’s only gonna be even more rowdy than here, so good luck Seren.’ smiling wide she answers while crouching low as if she’s getting ready to pounce.

Seren backs towards the center of the entrapment and starts quickly looking around, ‘so we can’t talk about this’ maybe talk over some different options or strategies.’ he croaks while still desperately searching for some kind of ally or escape route.

They just circle in tighter the same way ambush predators do when they know you’ve got nowhere to go and that they have all the time in the world and after a few moments you hear just the first of a child’s cries in this stretch of woods and onwards for the rest of their return trip.