Orchard Drills: Next Level

"The orchard obstacle course had proven itself to be quite effective for the young brats, however, they still need further improve their awareness. If those pitiful scouts return here, I want every kid to come to learn how to respond to those situations calmly and decisively." Heuk Cheon said to his gathered members quietly, making sure no child will overhear their conversations.

Seo Ryung while gently nodding in agreement. "I have prepared a couple of new simulations for them to challenge. I believe with that, they should be able to learn how to spot signs of infiltration before our enemies could manifest an attack."

Lee Jin-Ho while looking at his scribbled list of to do's, "And on top of all of those I still believe that we should have a consistent schedule for lessons in reading, strategy, and basic first aid. We can't forget about nurturing their academic minds after all. If they do not know what to do at the first sign of trouble, all of this training won't be able to be of any help."

General Kang whilst in the middle of folding his arms, "As for my update, we have further increased our patrols as we initially planned. Some of my men are very formidable scouts, they are used to these type of forest terrains, and they have also found a fresh set of footprints right by the river's creek. They probably are those watchers, however, they disappeared right before we could catch up."

The look on Heuk Cheon's flashed with a bit of annoyance.

While the adults were in the middle of finalizing their strategies, a small group of kids were huddling near the gate of the orchard, they were talking amongst themselves in a silenced voice. Han-ju was standing at the center of the group, his posture was a bit tense but he was able to control it as best he could. Chul-woo climbed up on a low branch that was above their heads, he was swinging his legs around with restless energy. Ae-rin, Su-yeon, Jin-mu, Dae-hyun, Woo-jin, and Min-ah was forming a loose kind of a circle, each of their faces was showing a mix of both eagerness to learn and a staying worry.

Han-ju was the first to speak up with a serious expression drawn on his face. "All of us did good in yesterday's course, BUT we cannot let that success get into our heads. Did all of you see how Master Heuk first reacted when those bad guys came to our home? He was about ready for anything."

Chul-woo while jumping down from the tree's branch, "Yeah! Though, he can't be everywhere and anytime at once. SO, we have got to be a good back up for him. You know, like how we were cooperating with each other in the orchard course."

Ae-rin was looking at Su-yeon. "B-But what if... what if those mean people come closer? I-I am not sure I am ready for a real fight."

Su-yeon replied to her doubts softly, "Don't worry neither am I, but if we panic and lose our heads, that would make it all worse. Let's just trust the training our Master is giving us and each other."

Jin-mu while holding onto his bandaged arm, "I am with Su-yeon on this matter. If something were to happen to our home, we should stick to Master Heuk's teachings. We don't tense or freeze up, we will move.

Woo-jin who was just listening, suddenly spoke up with his eyes brightened with conviction. "And we should all stay together. I hope no one goes off alone."

Min-ah gently nodded with a flushed cheek. In her usual hushed tone, she added to the conversation, "This orchard... Master Heuk was right... it's kind of like all of us. Growing little by little like little saplings."

For a couple of seconds, there was a moment of silence. Then Chul-woo with a big grin on his face. "Wow, Min-ah, that was very deep. I totally didn't expect that from you. BUT you're right, we will keep growing and growing until we can stand as tall as Master Heuk one day!"

Han-ju couldn't stop himself from giving everyone a warm smile. For all of their fears, the kids were sharing a sense of unitedness that felt unbreakable.

Later, the middle of the morning brought forth a soft lull, most of the Murim Alliance guards were outside of the estate, patrolling. And the children's orchard training session was scheduled to begin after they had their lunch. Seizing the morning's opportunity, Heuk Cheon called out to Ae-rin and Han-ju to come with him to a barely visited part of the Redwood Estate. It was an old storage shed that was hidden between two large oak trees.

Han-ju could not contain his curiosity and asked, "Master Heuk, why did you bring us here? If I remember correctly, we don't usually use this shed to store anything valuable right?"

Heuk Cheon while pushing open the rickety door, "Something changed last night. We were sent and received a letter, it was a discreet deliver and I wanted the both of you to see it first."

Inside the shed, there was stacked crates and a bunch of dusty tools that was lined up on the walls. In the corner of the shed, a damaged chest was standing out. Its iron parts were getting dull with age. Heuk Cheon started to come towards it carefully, and then he proceeded to unlock the small chest with a small key. Within the chest there was a set of tiny yet expertly forged weapons, there was short swords, daggers, and even a couple of throwing blades. Each of them was glimmering with an unusual sheen, as if they were each crafted by a master smith.

The look on Ae-rin's eyes was widening. "Wow, they look... very special. But Master Heuk, who sent them?"

Heuk Cheon let out an exhale. "It was sent by an old friend of mine from the Murim's shadows. Fortunately, that person believes in purpose of the Redwood Estate. She must have made these to support our cause in secret."

Han-ju while touching all over a dagger's hilt, "Woah, these must be lighter than normal swords. They would surely suit someone our size."

With a gentle nod, Heuk Cheon very carefully gave them each a small blade. "Only make use of these if you are in grave danger. I want you all of you to keep training with wooden swords everyday. However, if those scouts, enemies, or watchers corner you when no adult is close by, try to remember the lessons you learned on the orchard, and these weapons could possible help you buy the time needed to escape or perhaps defend someone weaker.

Ae-rin gulped down hard, shaking with the responsibility given to them. "D-Defending Redwood Estate... we got it Master, I will do my best."

The look on Heuk Cheon's face softened a bit, though it only lasted a second. "Remember, this is not about turning you brats into killers. It is about making sure that you have a final line of defense, in case we aren't there to defend you. The Murim world can be an unforgiving place, it is better to be prepared." 

Following their set schedule, the kids returned once again to the orchard after they had their fill of lunch, the weapons they were gifted had been hidden away, each of their tiny little hearts were pumping hard with anticipation. Lee Jin-Ho and Seo Ryung had upgraded the orchard's course overnight, it was filled with more hidden targets, more sneaky traps, and even a tall tree platform that required every kid to climb or hop over in mid run.

Seo Ryung while clapping his hands to make sure every kid's attention was on him. "So for today's exercise, all of you will be split into pairs. You will partake in the course together, so make sure that you watch each other's backs. If one of you falls, then both of you will fail. Are we clear?"

Jin-mu while swapping looks with Dae-hyun. "Do you wanna go do this with me? I mean, we are up for it right?"

Dae-hyun answered him with a quick smile. "Of course! Let's stick close by each other, I am better at finding overhead traps, could you watch the ground please."

One by one, the pairs of kids were stepping onto the orchard's brand new course. Their alliance of trust was tested at every step, someone would fall and slip on wet grass, forcing their partner to pull them upright. Trap wires activated the swinging the tree's branches that forced them to make synchronized dodges. Above them, there was hidden sand bags that were dropped to simulate an ambush.

Han-ju's POV as he was running in the orchard with his partner Chul-woo

At a low hanging branch, Chul-woo signaled me to prepare for a duck, then he jumped over it with a flip. Although, I did not have enough time to envy his acrobatics because a moment later, I managed to block a side swinging trap with my wooden practice blade. Both of our hearts were close to pumping out our chests. Neither of us wanted to let the other person down. If an enemy really did appear and attack Redwood Estate, we need this kind of synergy with one another.

Sweat was glistening on each of their foreheads, a couple of minor bruises formed, but each pair emerged more confident. When Ae-rin and Su-yeon completed the orchard's course in near perfect synchronization, everyone gave them a round of applause.

Heuk Cheon while raising his voice, praised them. "Excellent teamwork you snotty brats. Remember, the orchard serves as a test for you reaction to the unexpected. Keep working on that instinct."

Ae-rin while breathing hard, "I-I felt like I could see her future movements, Master. It was like we were sharing the same eyes."

He answered them with a gentle nod. "That is the bond that the Redwood Estate will thrive on. Allow it to guide you when real threats loom."