196. Target Practice.

We had joined the training late, since we needed some rest and food and by the time we arrived the men were already finished warming up.

" So here we go, people. " Zephyr spoke up once everyone was gathered. " Those not participating in the exercise, please go and observe from a safe distance, thank you. "

Nifa, my mother and the kids took a seat on the tables and munched on some salty snacks.

" First, we need to talk about the exercise itself. I know most of you are well trained and don't need words of caution or most likely this training at all, but I feel like we need this done just to understand the severity of the HUNT. "

He talked to all of us with a grim expression and an extremely serious tone.

" Once we arrive, our archers will join your newly selected man and stay in the town while us 6 will head towards the monster's location. " he said, pacing back and forth.

" Our training will include some crucial scenarios that I myself think will improve your chances in an actual fight. "

Too bad we didn't know a whole lot of information. Hori, our first target was an elephant beast. Large and powerful but also slow .. we hoped. Misao, on the other hand, was in the dark and will have to rely on the villagers and not much time to prepare.

Zephyr picked up a large bag from the ground and emptied it in front of us. There were small brown balls.

" These little helpers will be the main attackers' meaning, the balls will chucked at you at high speed, and your ability to doge as many as possible will be evaluated .. In an ideal world, you would all avoid them perfectly, but we will see. "

He finished with a big smile while he picked one up.

" Who's first? "

It might be something he thinks we all need, but even with his aim being garbage, those balls looked solid. But still, his captains wanted to prove themselves and ended up playing rock, paper, scissors, until Carlos won.

" Can I use my ability? " he asked as he took his place about 30 feet or so from Zephyr.

" Of course you can, this is a real simulation meaning. You all can use any weapon or tactic to avoid them or deflect them .. " he said.

As we waited how well or unwell he threw them .. nothing happened. 

He smiled as two identical men from his right appeared with apologetic smiles. 

"" Hello .. "" 

Zephyr handed them a ball each and walked towards us.

Carlos now lost his previous light attitude and took it dead serious, the Revel twins' aim was impeccable.

" Well done. " I said resting in his arms until it was my turn. " You couldn't hit anything, so choose people who can't miss. "

He rested his chin on my head, making me vibrate as he said. " I know my own weaknesses .. as any good leader would. "

" What are you two waiting for!? " asked Carlos, jumping around nervously in anticipation of a surprise hit.

Just then, another set of siblings with incredible aim arrived.

" Sorry, Zephyr, we were sleeping in. "

Aim and Mia Monroe ran over in light clothing.

" Please .. it was perfect timing. Grab those balls from the ground and let the test begin. It should be 10 for each of you .. good luck to you, Em. " he said with an evil smile.

Now we were all very nervous about our own turn. Those four with 10 balls each? 

" Alright then .. I won't shy away from a challenge, as you all know. Let's all .. 

( SWISH )

I brown blur was narrowly avoided by him, and the rest kept on coming. They did him a favour, and those balls came one by one.

Carlos was nimble on his feet and managed to avoid the majority of them and only allowed 5 hits. Not just that, but he didn't use his water ability to deflect them or cut them down. It was an overall impressive showing. 

He was out of breath when it ended but looked pleased with himself.

" Failed! "

I was a little shook when my husband suddenly announced his verdict above me.

" Why!? " - asked Carlos, walking over.

" Well, for one, they took it easy on you .. even though I told them explicitly they couldn't do that. " he answered, looking at the four behind Carlos.

From their facial expression they're knew this was coming.

Carlos, on the other hand, took his words seriously. 

" Don't worry, this was the first round. In fact, this little insubordination gave me an idea. We will raise the difficulty as we go along. The first round was demonstrated, so that will give you an idea of what to expect as we go on .. next? "

As Lucian took the stage, we huddled together with the girls and reevaluated the need for this.

" We can't back down now .. can't we? " asked Demelza whispering.

" No, we can't, even though I wanted to do this as well, and it might be useless for us, but we're here now non the less. " I answered. 

Dem and Eli sadly nodded along with my thoughts. If we back down now, Zephyr will lose some respect for us .. probably not .. but he wounded make fun of us, and that was unacceptable.

As the boys all succeeded, avoiding most of the first round, I took the initiative and took place.

The twins and sisters were also having some fun with this even if they looked tired of doing it.

" Ready Lylly!? "

" Yes, and don't hold back with me. " I answered Mia's question, making sure they're didn't hold back with their attempts for any silly reason.

The balls came relentlessly, but I did very well .. until one of Fipna's ball hit my left leg with such force, it made me lose my balance. Another 5 quickly followed, and I ended up with a 30/ 40 score.

I was beyond disappointed. This was only the first level .. also, these little shit balls hurt like hell.

I felt a familiar hand on my head. " Come, I'll help you. "

My husband was there with a ' I told you so' smile but his hand was appreciated.

" Just you wait, by the end of this training program, I will be able to avoid them all on the highest difficulty .. " I said and actually believed it.

However, the task was difficult as is, and honestly, I had no faith in my ability ...