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My body shuttered beneath the chill wind and rain that pelted me. As my heat dwindled within, it was quickly replaced by adrenaline racing through my veins. Leather and metal pressed deep into my palm as I gripped the handle of my sword much tighter, all the while a bow and quiver bounced against my back. The fallen water screamed with each splash through the wet grass as I charged towards a soldier that had his weapon drawn at me. Iron soon screeched as our two blades clashed against each other, which then quickly turned into a flurry of parries. After the seventh clack from our swords, I managed to push his blade leftwards with mine as I immediately forced it down and around. With it out of the way, I instantly lunged forward while slashing my weapon against his stomach. Afterwards, I then kicked myself through the continuing downpour towards my next opponent. Thinking fast once I got in range, I soon ducked and slid under this guy swinging an axe at me, and at the same time as I passed him, I coiled my tail around his right leg and pulled him off his feet. Once he crashed down into the mud, I had already clawed my way up to him and had the tip of my sword meet his back. With him done, I immediately got back up and sprinted full force towards a third foe. Before he could attempt anything at me, using the speed I built up, I leapt up into the air while bringing my weapon down at my opponent. With my legs split open and my momentum thrown into him, the soldier landed flat on his back as I sat on his gut. The metal of our swords struggled against each other as my left hand was gripped on the wrist of his blade arm as my tail was wrapped on his free limb. I eventually used his own resistance against him as I then pulled back and caused him to swing his weapon away, giving me a window to strike. It was awkward for the angle, but I managed to draw my iron upwards against his chest before he could react again.

Following that, I pushed myself back up as I continued running, clicking my sword into its sheath. With three more targets in view, I had readied my bow as I pulled out three arrows. One after the other, I fired each ballistic and striking them without stopping my sprint. With them out of the way, another knight grew closer in my peripherals as I managed to speed past him. I grinded to a halt, being so careful not to slip from the wet grass as exhaustion was finally catching up to me.

“Clear!" He instantly shouted.

“All right, I want the three of you over here now before the paint washes off." Gerbera ordered as I handed off my practice sword and bow to the other instructor.

The three soldiers that acted as my opponents rushed over as the two leaders began examining the marks left and discussing what they witnessed. As I waited for the result, the adrenaline within me had finally washed away as the cold rain resumed draining the heat from my body, leaving me to rub myself for any warmth.

“Okay, Telaraya, come here." Gerbera spoke up, “Going in order of each encounter, looking at Emil here, you gave him a strong horizontal slash against his gut. From the amount of paint that's still on him, with a real weapon and lighter armor this is certainly a kill. With Orion, it's obvious you would have impaled him in the back. He's dead. Now onto Leo, yes you managed to restrain him, however looking at the results, your upward cut most likely wouldn't have killed him from how light it was. You've left him with a scar; he's wounded, but still capable of getting back up and fighting. He's not dead. A different strike against him would have probably been more beneficial. Now let's look at the ranged targets. Sergeant?"

With everyone's attention being directed to the dummies, the knight by them then spoke up.

“Looking at the first result, I don't even really need to study it. This is a clear throat shot, he's dead regardless, but even if he did somehow survive this hit, you managed to pierce it through the back which would have hit the spine and leave him paralyzed. He's not getting back up. The next target however, he's still standing. You shot him in the shoulder, he's hurt, but still standing. This guy can still live to fight another day. Now for your final target, it's questionable. As we can see, it's a stomach shot, you've probably hit some vitals and the arrow is…about an inch and a quarter deep. Will this man die? Definitely at some point, but in a battle, he's probably got some strength and adrenaline left to keep going for a few more swings before he drops. I want to give this one to you, but we're looking for immediate kills here. For this course, half of your targets have survived."

A disappointed sigh left me as I pondered on how I could improve.

“Telaraya, why don't you go ahead and get out of the rain for now and get something to eat in the mess hall."

I turned to Gerbera's sudden statement. “Huh? You sure? I can keep going for now."

“I am. Go ahead and take your break. We'll resume afterwards."

Being honest, she's probably right to call it now since my teeth are beginning to clack as my body shivers. Before heading out, I at least made sure that I didn't accidentally hurt the soldiers during the exercise, to which they boasted that they were fine, so with that in mind I hurried off.

The cafeteria was massive in size, allowing a couple hundred to maybe even a thousand people to fit in. The interior was made of polished oak flooring and walls as a sequence of windows covered the eastern side of the building. On the western side sat two large doorways that people were entering one door and exiting out the other with trays of food in their hands. At the northern end of the room across the sea of tables looked to be a built in brick fireplace, and despite being at the entrance, I could feel some of the heat emitted from over there. Before I could go much further, I was asked to head over to a sectioned off area with some others so we could dry off and not track water or mud to the rest of the building. After that was all done, I decided on a spot close to fire before grabbing anything to eat just so I could get some of my warmth back.

“Hey, Tela, how you holding up?"

I turned to the voice as the source eventually sat down across from me. “Hey, Albert. Doing my best I guess."

“Do you at least feel like you're improving?"

“I can say I'm finally getting better with my close quarter combat, but I still need more work with the bow." Considering I've been doing this for eight straight days now, I'd be disappointed in myself if I hadn't learned anything from the training at this point.

“Well as long if you can say you mastered one thing, I'd say this was still worth it."

“I guess…So, what do you got there?" I asked as I pointed to two little boxes he sat on the table.

“Lunch. Mira made an extra portion that she wanted me to give you. She at least wants you to eat properly as you're going through all this."

She didn't have to do that for me, but I won't say no to a homemade meal.

With my mouth taking in the taste of the sandwiches Mira made, I gradually noticed the room fill with more knights as a few that I've just been acquainted to took seats next to me. First there was Macha, a young beastwoman who I initially mistook to be a raccoon until she corrected me that she's actually a raccoon dog. Macha stands a little over five feet tall with walnut brown fur covering the vast majority of her body. A darker shade of brown fur sits over her brilliant emerald eyes, acting like a natural mask for her soft fluffy face. A black bob hair style rests gently on her head while small rounded brown ears poke out on top. Sticking out her backside was a very bushy tail matching the color as the rest of her coat while having a darkened tip. Despite her armor giving her a broader look, I know she's actually slender with a somewhat toned stomach. I also know thanks to us showering together, that she does have quite the attractive chest, but manages to be smaller than mine, to which I don't know how to actually feel considered my circumstances. Lastly, when I've heard Macha speak, it's quite energetic that manages to carry a sly undertone in her words.

Next was Sarah, a human that if I were to guess, she's probably in her mid to late twenties despite her youthful face and pale complexion. She stands closer to my height, and while not being over six feet, she is pretty close to it. Sarah has long silky blonde hair that manages to reach down to her spine while a few strains hang over her soft sapphire eyes. Her pure face emanates a gentle expression with a small, but kind smile that mixes with an aura homeliness that radiates off her. When she has spoken to me before, her voice carries a nurturing yet reserved tone. However, even though Sarah brings to my mind of a good nature housewife, I know under her armor that she's basically a brick house with some defining muscles. Even though she's nowhere as built as Darter, I wouldn't doubt that she could knock me out if she decked me.

Finally…there's Farrell. While annoying, his attempts to hit on me fortunately haven't been offensive like what I've already dealt with. From my assumption, Farrell isn't as old as Sarah is, but he's definitely older than Macha by a few years. Also, it's hard to judge from them shifting around, but I would have to guess Farrell is probably the taller one compared to Sarah by maybe an inch or so. For a knight, his peach skin and dark glossy hair seems much more clean as a faint scent of fruit lingers on him as if he's trying to impress those around. His hairstyle was somewhat long, reaching down to his shoulders, and curly as his bangs where brushed aside off his face, while hanging down the back was a small ponytail. With no obstructions, his young angular face hinted that he does keep himself in shape, but to what extent I do not know as I opted out of looking at him in the showers. Once his passionate hazel eyes turned towards me, I focused back on my food.

“Ahh my dear, Tela, how has your day fared?"

It seems that my groan of disinterest was mistaken for one of frustration. Though that's probably applicable too.

“What's eating you up?" Macha leaned over trying to snag a sandwich.

“I think it's just some stress from her training getting to her." Albert answered.

“Well that's no good! Should you request it, I can offer you my services to help you relax." Farrell offered his hand.

“I'm good…" I sighed. “I'll just keep pushing through it. I have to get better."

“I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you push yourself too much, you'll burn yourself out before you have your test with the Captain." Sarah chimed up.

“No, it's not that. It's just…I don't know…Maybe I can run the courses better that Gerbera has set up for me."

“Is that all? You shouldn't feel bad about that. Tela, it's okay if you're not perfect, you just need to know your limits so you can at least pass."

“Hell, just look at me. It took me a few tries before I could perform at an acceptable level." Macha added with a toothy grin as she took a bite out of one of Mira's sandwiches.

“My offer to help, still stands my dear." Farrell chirped.

“Even if it doesn't work out for you, you can still rely on us." Albert reassured.

“I appreciate it, but there's still some things I have to do myself."

“If it's okay to ask, but what if you don't find what you're looking for out there? What if you don't like what you find? Then what?" Sarah inquired in her soft voice.

I paused for a moment to think. Then this would be the rest of my life. Avery would be gone, just a memory of who I used to be as I have to live out the rest of my days as Telaraya. Would I have to deal with that sort of situation? Could I even give up who I used to be just to become someone else? Maybe it'll be easier just to accept what I've become and live my life accordingly. I…I don't want to have to deal with any doubts now…especially since I'm preparing for a journey that concerns my whole life.

“You could always go back to being a cute barmaid at that one inn." Macha smirked.

“How dare you say that, Macha! Someone as fine as this young woman deserves more than just being some barmaid." Farrell interjected.

A very audible groan escaped me as I was about to plant my face into my palms thanks to these two.

“Ahh, I'm sorry, Tela." Macha spoke in a sly tone as she wrapped her arms around me and nuzzled her cheek against mine. “You can be anything you want."

“Please don't tease me."

“Now, now, go ahead and release Tela, Macha. And eat your own food while you're at it." Sarah lightly scolded.

“Then how come Albert gets to share with her?"

“I'm just being nice and brought Tela her lunch." Albert replied after taking a bite of his food.

“Don't you think Mira would get jealous?" Macha smirked.

“Mira is the one who made the sandwiches for Tela."

“Oh." Macha tried to turn away nonchalantly, but I could she in her eyes that she embarrassed herself.

I don't know why, but seeing this got me to chuckle for a bit. Maybe because it took my mind off of any future failures. Maybe because it made me feel normal for a moment just because I was included in something so casual and mundane.

Honestly, if it wasn't for everyone I've met so far, I think I truly would have gone insane.

“Hey, there's a smile!" Macha started.

“I'm feeling blessed seeing this. Thank you my dear." Farrell grinned.

“I know you want to think about your future, but it's okay to take a moment to relax in the present. You really do have a pretty smile." Sarah lightly giggled.

I could feel my cheeks becoming rosy with my flustered heart. “You guys, please don't."

“It's okay, we mean well, Tela." Albert added.

“Mind if I join you?" A woman suddenly spoke up, causing the others to completely straighten as they greeted her by her rank.

“Yeah, it's fine. Go ahead, Gerbera." I responded as she sat down.

“Telaraya if I may, I want to give you my current impression on your progress. You're certainly improving with what I've crammed into you so far, but your rushing to perfection is what's holding you back. I know you want to learn as much as possible, but if you don't slow down, you will just end up making mistakes."

My response was a melancholic sigh as the fun left me. “If I can't learn as much as I can, then what am I to do once my time is up?"

“Be smart. I'm not training you to be the best, I'm making sure you're efficient. You're planning on going into a profession that can be dangerous, and what you need to learn is that if you act to fast and rashly, then all of this was for nothing."

“Sorry…"

Gerbera exhaled strongly; “I know why you want to do this, but you need to learn to walk first before you can run. If you can pass my test, then the rest you want to learn will come from experience in your journey. Just remember there's only so much I can teach you. I say this not as a knight to a civilian, but as one person to another."

As her words lingered in me, I couldn't help but ponder how far her experience goes. This then made me wonder one other thing. “What about magic?"

“Pardon?"

“With all the physical work you've put me through so far, will I be also learning magic while I'm here?"

“Well it's not an impossibility, but it wouldn't fit in with the schedule I have planned for you."

“It'll take a long time to learn magic?" I quizzically cocked an eyebrow.

“Yes, and if you're willing to stay longer you could be taught, but also we would have to find an appropriate trainer first."

“Wait. An appropriate trainer?" Gerbera wouldn't teach me?

“Yeah, we would need to contact the Royal Academy for a qualified mage. They could teach you and any others that would be interested once they arrive."

“Starfall or Gardenia Ray?" Farrell curiously peaked up.

“Nebel Mond. It's actually the closest one to here, so we'd be able to save some time."

“But wouldn't you be able to teach me?" I asked.

“Unfortunately no. As embarrassing this is to admit, I have a very low affinity for magic."

“Does that mean you can't use magic? Like at all? So would that mean that if I also had low affinity that I wouldn't be able to use it?"

“Not necessarily. It just means that it'll be much harder for you to learn it and perform." Sarah informed.

After turning to the others I asked; “So do you guys know magic? What's involved with it?"

All eyes became focused on Sarah as she lifted up one finger, soon after that there was a spark of energy from absolutely nothing as a tiny flame materialized and hovered over her appendage. It seemed so effortless that I had to contain any excitement as she continued speaking. “I actually have a much better affinity towards wind magic, but I decided to learn fire spells just for the utility of it. To answer your question, an appropriate teacher would examine you first to see what kind of magic you have a stronger connection to, and after that you'd be taught Soul Arts so that way you can began casting spells."

“Okay, but what's Soul Arts?"

“To easily explain it, well Soul Arts is the method of manipulating one's own spiritual energy to interact with existence beyond standard capabilities. Almost like you're becoming a part of nature itself. An example as you just saw, my knowledge of fire magic allows me to control it how I please, versus someone who has never studied it wouldn't be able to have any sort of flame act according to their will. And aside from just elemental spells, people are still discovering a wide variety of ways to use Soul Arts."

I'm not sure what kind of understanding you'd need for using magic or Soul Arts itself, but I get what she's saying.

“If you struggle learning Soul Arts like I have, there are alternatives, Telaraya." Gerbera then placed an inch long red gem on the table. “I'm certain at this point you've become accustom to mana crystals. If you know the design of a seal and combine it with a mana crystal, then the average person can essentially create a reaction like they're casting a spell."

I picked it up and after examining the thing a bit, I asked where they came from.

“That one in your hand is actually a mass-produced pseudo crystal created by a market of sages. Real ones have to be searched for and mined."

“What's the difference between them?"

“Well pseudo crystals are made from basically polished glass, they can't be recharged, and can break easier than an actual one. Real mana crystals are actual gem stones that resulted from a divine war, are extremely durable, and its energy can be replenished by infusing it with the correct element type."

This may actually be insightful. Even if I can't find whatever the reason why I came to this world or why I was transformed, then maybe I could still find a way to reverse things. I don't know if I can use magic, but I still have the option of using mana crystals if I'm clearly thinking ahead. Though this begs the question of how long would it take to actually learn to use either option. This also makes me wonder what it would take to get into one of those academies just to look for any relevant information. For now I should just pace myself, I've decided on becoming an adventurer, so I need to get situated with that first.

As I put these thoughts into the back of my head for now, I lightly slapped Macha's hand as she tried stealing another one of my sandwiches. My lunch eventually finished, all the while the rain let up from its downpour to becoming gentle tapping against the glass. With Gerbera returning back out on the field, I readied myself as I proceeded to leave the mess hall as well, only to briefly stop myself as I glanced at my own visage in the reflection of the windows. There was a sudden feeling of comfort growing in my heart.

Hopefully this is all worth it.