Chapter 61: Prepare for Battle

We reached home just in time for dinner. Aisha was waiting for us near the door to welcome us with a sweet smile and took us directly to the dining table to have our dinner.

"Allen was great today Mom. He was able to hold 5 fire ants at the same time so Daisy can take rest" Kathy said while her mom asked about her day. I wanted to disagree with that as I am an experienced soldier who was trained as a Bowman and can only be used as cannon fodder in close-range fights.

I was about to say that when I saw Joe's face and he signaled me to not interrupt the mom-and-daughter time. It was like a precious time between then and he didn't want me to ruin it. They continued speaking about the day till we finished our dinner.

Our initial plan was to take a rest for a couple of days before going for the hunt. But now, I want to go for a hunt the next day. After fighting the fire ants, I realized how weak I am in close-range combat.

As Kathy said, I was able to hold the line alone today, but I had a little help from Joe, or else I would have died. I am still not sure why he didn't want Kathy to know about it so she can be more vigilant during our hunt.

I used my 'corporal stage' skill 'pure strike' on the surprise attack by a fire ant, but still, it didn't die instantly. So I have to focus more on my attack power.

I slept as soon as I hit the bed and had a peaceful sleep after a long time. I woke up only when Jack pecked my ears the next morning. I decided to concentrate on training which I didn't do for a year due to my tragic loss.

As soon as I woke up, I started the mana exercise but it was too painful. Since I have already done the exercise when I was in the military I know it shouldn't be that difficult, so I decided to do it only while training or fighting.

I didn't have to worry about mana purifying as it is automated due to the new mana purifier I have. It will be a slow process as it mostly purifies the mana that I observe from the surrounding once I use the mana inside my system.

I have to stop using my mana so my body doesn't have to observe new mana and the purifier can purify the mana that is already in my system. Currently, my mana is only 12% pure which is not good to be use against stronger opponents.

I went downstairs so I can clean the blacksmith shop before starting the training for the day. When I was about to open the door to the blacksmith I heard a loud argument. From the voices I heard, I can figure that the argument was between Hoger and Joe.

But they suddenly stopped arguing. "Come in Allen, we know you are listening," said Hoger. They could have sensed my presence, but not sure how they guessed it was me as Kathy is also in the same low-level private stage as me.

I opened the door and went in and I felt awkward as they think that I was trying to overhear their argument. In truth, I don't know what they were arguing about and was anxious to know about it.

I could see the situation is so tense and I didn't want to be involved in it. I just stepped into the room and closed the door behind me. I noticed Kathy sitting on a chair in one of the corners of the room. Now I understood how they know it was me and not her as she is already inside the room.

"Take a seat kid. We are talking about you and Kathy's training. It will be productive if you share your thoughts too" Joe said in a calm tone which was completely different a few seconds ago.

"About our training?" I asked again as I got confused. I have already been trained in the military and Kathy doesn't need any more training as she is great at using the crossbow crafted by her father.

"Yes Allen. The training you guys had is not good enough for the upcoming battles. We have to prepare for battle. I decided on a new training program which Joe is not accepting." Hoger said while looking at me and Kathy.

"I don't accept it as it is not a training program, but a suicide mission." Joe said to Hoger while looking at me. I wanted to know about the program they are talking about.

"I will accept the training program if Allen agrees to accompany me." said Kathy while looking at me and Joe who was standing in front of me. I know Joe would have agreed to anything Hoger says if there is no mortal danger. But if he thinks it is a suicide mission, I have to think more calmly and carefully before coming to a decision.

"I need to know about the training program and some time to think about it." I said with a straight face as this decision I am going to take will not only decide my future, by Kathy's too.

Hoger explained to me all the details of the training program, but he also mentioned not to discuss it with other people as it is a secret that is kept to protect the way of life we have now, at least for the time being.

Once he explained all the details, I asked for 2 days so I can try to figure out how dangerous it is going to be and how we will be able to get stronger if I accept it.

After Hoger left the house, I cleaned the blacksmith shop and started my training as if nothing happened. I continued training in 'pure strike' as it is still not strong enough to kill even a fire ant warrior.

2 days passed just like that and Hoger came back to know my decision and to start our training according to it. I was thinking about the training all the time except when I am training my skills as it is a difficult decision to make.