Training Begins

The training was grueling for everyone. Every morning, they were jolted awake by the clanging of metal pots as soon as the sun rose. After a quick breakfast, training began.

Basic training sessions were held outdoors, mandatory for all new students. The morning regimen focused on stamina, requiring them to run several laps around the field, followed by strength training—lifting, pushing, and leg exercises designed to push them to their limits.

Once the fundamentals were covered, the focus shifted to weaponry. Every student was trained in the basics of multiple weapons to ensure they could adapt on the battlefield. Archery, sword and shield, axe-wielding, and spearwork were all included in the curriculum.

Bernardo oversaw the training, frequently providing comments and corrections on their techniques. Slyvia, Ian, and Gary excelled, while Monk and Kyle struggled to keep up.

Ray found the strength training tedious. He had to deliberately hold back to match the others, deciding to match Dan's level to avoid drawing suspicion. However, the weapon training proved useful, allowing him to develop proficiency with various weapons. His dexterity improved significantly.

After physical training, students were required to spar. Each student had been assigned a ranking based on their performance in the entrance test. Ray had been ranked last at 300, while Gary had secured the top spot. This pleased Gary, as it validated his skills despite holding a Black Sash.

Students sparred against the person directly above them in rank—Ray was paired with the 299th-ranked student. They were all equipped with enchanted chainmail, which provided extra protection and weighed more than normal armor. Their weapons of choice for sparring were made of wood, ensuring that no lethal injuries occurred.

If a student defeated their opponent, they would take their ranking number. The ranking system was further streamlined by special watches powered by beast crystals. The devices displayed each student's rank and automatically updated whenever a match concluded.

The system encouraged frequent sparring, even outside of official training sessions, as long as the students used non-lethal training weapons.

By the end of the first day, everyone's bodies ached from exhaustion. Bernardo gathered the students for a final word.

"You might feel like you've reached your breaking point, but don't worry. Tomorrow is a rest day. Rest is just as important as training. Even if you think you can push yourself further, doing so will only harm you in the long run."

This cycle of training and rest continued for three months. Despite their efforts, the Black Sash students had yet to receive any specialized training. Many, including Ray, were growing impatient. He had also inquired about whether they were allowed to leave the academy grounds, but the answer remained the same: "Not until you have completed your basic training."

Ray was eager to hunt magical beasts and raise his points to 100.

Finally, after three months, they began their special Black Sash training.

After completing their usual training routine, Bernardo addressed them again.

"You will now begin your specialized training based on your rank. Now that you have developed a foundational level of fitness, you are ready for advanced lessons. These will take place immediately after your basic training."

It now made sense why they hadn't started special training earlier. Watching the newer students struggle to move after basic training was proof enough that they wouldn't have survived additional lessons. But by now, everyone had adapted to the rigorous demands placed on their bodies.

Joe summoned the Black Sash squires to the mansion after they had completed their basic training. They gathered in a small, dimly lit training room, just large enough to accommodate them all. As their eyes adjusted to the low light, the room suddenly went pitch black.

Joe's voice echoed from various directions, making it impossible to pinpoint his location. 

"This is where your Black Squire training begins. In this room, you will learn stealth."

Ray felt a sudden hand on his shoulder—Joe's. It was a shock, as he had clearly seen Joe standing in front of them before the lights went out. No one had heard him move.

Instinctively, Ray activated his Dragon Eyes skill, tracking Joe's movements even in the darkness. Unlike Sir K, Joe wasn't entirely undetectable to him. He could see Joe creeping around the room, his voice shifting from place to place as he spoke.

"You will also learn how to pick locks, conceal yourselves from enemies, and scale heights you never imagined climbing."

Joe provided them with specialized armor—lightweight yet durable, designed for stealth. Its dark coloration made it harder to be seen in low-light environments.

Their first lesson focused on silent movement. Monk was a natural, mastering it quickly, while Ray struggled slightly. Gary, on the other hand, couldn't grasp the concept at all.

Next, Joe introduced them to lockpicking, demonstrating different levels of difficulty. Ray resisted the urge to use his Dragon Eyes, determined to learn the skill properly. Lastly, Joe trained them in climbing walls—something Ray found effortless due to his superior strength.

Despite initial challenges, they all grew to enjoy the Black Knight training. The techniques were fascinating, and Ray committed to mastering them. Everyone improved—except Gary. Each day, his frustration grew more apparent.