Chapter 40 - Apprentices, Our Special Training Starts Now!
I wake up refreshed after a quick shower, as usual. This morning, I'll be in charge of the new apprentices' training. If anyone's still hungover, I'll splash them with a recovery potion and add extra drills to their routine.
I head down to the underground training grounds early and get my own training out of the way. I take a potion created by alchemy to push my limits in a doped state. While the potion can enhance my physical capabilities to the same degree as Physical Enhancement Magic, it lacks the exhilaration of using magic. Maybe Physical Enhancement Magic is more potent than I thought. When I use it, I feel incredibly high. Both methods have their pros and cons.
Next, I combine the effects of the potion and Physical Enhancement Magic. Even if it doesn't double my strength, the combination far surpasses using either method alone. I train my body and mind to adapt to this heightened state. Just because someone gains immense power doesn't mean they can use it immediately. Training is essential.
My goal is to eventually achieve this level of enhancement using either magic or potions alone. After a while, the assembly time approaches. As a former Japanese person and the president, I insist on punctuality in the Kikyo Society.
Fortunately, everyone starts gathering well before the time. Excellent. Sophie stands beside me, and we're ready to begin.
I cross my arms as the apprentices gather in front of me. Roberta and Violante stand at the front, looking eager.
"Good morning. Today's training will be led by Sophie and me. We're starting with new apprentices today. I assume everyone has gotten to know each other by now. I won't tell you not to fight or to be friendly, but here's the rule: No matter how much you dislike someone, never drag them down. Hindering others goes against the Kikyo Society's interests. Betraying your fellow members is absolutely forbidden. If you join us, you must be useful. There are many ways to contribute, so find your own method."
With so many people, conflicts are inevitable. I need to set the tone to avoid internal issues.
"First, you must become strong. This is the bare minimum for Kikyo Society members. As I've said before, joining the Kikyo Society is a matter of life and death. You're still in training and not official members, so if you're not satisfied, you're free to leave. But the Kikyo Society can make you stronger and eventually help you earn a living. Show us what you're capable of for your own sake!"
Some show determination, while others look anxious. I haven't explained it poorly; it's a matter of resolve. However, starting training with unresolved questions isn't efficient. I encourage anyone with concerns to speak up. A worried girl steps forward.
"Um, do you mean strong for everyone, including me?"
The smart girl is likely wondering if this applies to those who don't want to join the Combat Unit. The new apprentices are still at the basic fitness level, far from the standard training of the Kikyo Society.
"Of course, everyone. I've said it before; the Kikyo Society is a life-or-death commitment. Whether you're in the Combat Unit or not, you must have basic combat skills. Right now, you're all still building your foundational strength. Take it step by step. With proper effort, everyone can improve, so there's no need to worry."
Among the attentive listeners, a brash girl steps forward.
"Excuse me, but we're different from the others. We have good physical strength and some combat experience. Will we be doing the same training?"
She ignores Graylease's attempts to stop her. It's refreshing to see someone speak their mind, even if it's youthful arrogance.
"Of course. To us, the differences are negligible."
"That's a bit much, isn't it?"
"It's the truth. The Kikyo Society is a unique place. You don't know yet, but it's understandable."
"Yukari-san, many have questions. How about we start by showing the differences in skill?"
Sophie suggests this, and I nod. Yes, this is the plan.
"Alright. Sophie, show them what you can do."
The apprentices look surprised. Of course, this is unexpected.
"President, and Sophie-san, can fight?"
"Of course. In the Kikyo Society, everyone can fight, not just the Combat Unit. Currently, Sophie and Frederica are the weakest, but they're still far stronger than you."
Sophie looks like a kind neighbor, and the apprentices find it hard to believe she can fight. I select a few volunteers, including the brash girl, to face Sophie. I also open the armory for them to choose any weapons they want.
"You can bring weapons from the armory if you like. But at your level, you won't even touch the weakest member of the Kikyo Society, Sophie."
This is the truth, not just taunting. From my observations, the brash girl and her group, except for Graylease, are no match for Sophie in a one-on-one.
The brash girl, wielding a dagger, rushes at Sophie, who stands calmly without a weapon. From Sophie's perspective, her movements are slow. With a slight shift and a gentle push, the brash girl falls on her own.
Sophie doesn't follow up, offering a hand with a gentle smile. The brash girl, blushing, accepts it and stands up. The brief exchange clearly shows the skill gap, leaving the apprentices stunned.
"Next!"
A tall girl with a club steps forward. Sophie waits, and as the girl hesitates, Sophie grabs her wrist and disarms her. The girl drops the club, and the match is over.
It's difficult for someone unaccustomed to fighting to suddenly wield a weapon against another person.
After a few more demonstrations, the atmosphere changes. Sophie delivers a final message.
"Everyone, I am the weakest in the Kikyo Society. I don't specialize in combat. However, I'm much stronger than you because, as I've said, it's a matter of life and death. Try to become stronger to protect yourself and your comrades. You can do it. I've become this strong, so you can too."
It's a heartfelt speech, and I hope the apprentices take it to heart. Sophie uses magic in real combat, especially her Hindrance Magic, which is quite effective against human opponents. She's improved from using only minor spells to casting sixth-level spells.
Lower-level Hindrance Magic can be quite troublesome in combat. Sophie has potential and can improve further.
"Even if it's not immediate, with consistent training, you can reach Sophie's level. And the Combat Unit is even stronger. If you're interested, train harder and more seriously."
With a change in mindset, their training will improve. Everyone has potential, and I want to see them grow.
For the remaining time before breakfast, we focus on basic strength training. After a hearty meal, we have a study session. This is also a time to learn about the Kikyo Society and its members, as well as the basics of magic and efficient mana usage.
We gradually discover each apprentice's magical aptitude and specialties. If some have skills, it can benefit the organization and is also fascinating.
Skills can be acquired through effort or be innate. Some may not even realize they have a skill, which is where Frederica's Appraisal Magic comes in handy.
We report our findings to the regular members, but we respect personal privacy. I don't reveal everything either.
After a light lunch, we prepare for the afternoon training. Running is crucial, but the underground training grounds are too small for a large group. We need a larger space.
Previously, we split the group between Sixth Avenue and the Headquarters, but now we need more dedicated trainers. We'll start with daily runs to the forest, allowing the apprentices to use Physical Enhancement Magic, even at a low level, to push their limits.
We adjust the load based on individual capabilities. The stronger ones will have heavier loads, and I'll carry the heaviest, setting an example. We have sample backpacks with iron plates for them to choose from.
I carry a custom backpack with tungsten, much heavier than iron. I let them try lifting the heaviest one, and I easily pick it up, changing their perception of me.
"Let's get going. The forest is about an hour's drive, so give it your all. If you can't keep up, drop the weights. If you get injured, tell us immediately. We have recovery potions."
We travel in Jeeps to the city gates, where we ask the gatekeeper to watch our vehicles. They're usually helpful, and I offer a small tip.
I lead the group, setting the pace, with Sophie at the back to ensure no one lags. She has recovery potions to help anyone who needs it.
We aim to run to the forest. With Physical Enhancement Magic, even at a low level, everyone should be able to finish. I encourage them, and we make it to the forest without any dropouts or complaints. It's a good start.
I'm tired too, but everyone collapses in exhaustion. Running the same distance back would be challenging, but we have a secret weapon.
It's time for the recovery potions. I pour the cold potion into large cups and distribute them, thanks to Sophie and Violante. The apprentices, too tired to be curious, drink the potions and are amazed by the instant recovery. Some are experiencing recovery potions for the first time.
While the potions restore strength and mana, they don't heal injuries. We take a thorough break to avoid muscle strains. Pain tolerance is also part of the training, but we use healing potions if necessary.
Surprisingly, Lily, the flower mage, carried the heaviest backpack and kept up with me.
"You're stronger than I thought."
"Hehe, fieldwork is my specialty."
Lily, who claimed she could go anywhere for rare flowers, wasn't exaggerating.
We run back to the Headquarters, repeating the process. Even with the recovery potions, it's challenging, but that's the training.
After returning, we still have time before dinner. We gather in the training grounds and open the armory, allowing the apprentices to choose weapons they might use in the future. It's a fun and practical activity, and many show interest in swords and spears.
After the playful session, we have dinner and free time. They can go out if they want, but most prefer to rest, exhausted and with limited funds. The day is long, but it ends well.
Before bedtime, we extract mana from magic stones, storing it for future use. With the increased number of members, we have more mana than we can handle, a problem we need to address.
For now, we focus on basic training. Roberta and Graylease, along with the others, still have a long way to go.