The instructor allowed a moment for the students to familiarize themselves with the enhanced observation lenses. The room was filled with the soft whirring of the devices as students adjusted the focus and experimented with the magnification.

"Alright," Instructor Elric said, his voice cutting through the quiet hum. "Let's put these tools to practical use. You there, step forward."

A student, slightly surprised by being called first, rose from his workstation and approached the holographic projection table. His spirit beast, a fist-sized armadillo-like creature, jumped from his shoulder and stayed at the workstation.

"Observe the displayed sector," the instructor said, zooming in on a mountainous region with dense forestation and winding paths. "Identify three potential ambush points and explain why you chose those locations."

The student peered through the enhanced lenses, carefully scanning the holographic terrain. He noted narrow passes between steep cliffs, dense thickets bordering open trials and sharp bends in winding paths where visibility would be limited.

"Well," the student began, pointing to a narrow pass, "this chokepoint would force any traversing force into tight formation, making them vulnerable to attack from the higher ground on either side. The limited space would also hinder maneuverability."

The instructor nodded curtly. "Reasonable. Second?"

The student continued, his finger moving to a dense thicket bordering a trail, "This area offers excellent concealment. An ambush force could remain hidden until the last moment, launching a surprise attack on unsuspecting travelers. The proximity to the open trail provides a clear line of engagement."

"And finally?" Instructor Elric prompted.

"The sharp bends in the path," the student concluded, pointing to a series of curves, "would naturally slow down movement and create blind spots. An ambush positioned just around the bend would have the element of surprise, and the terrain would limit the ability of the ambushed force to see the threat until it was too late."

"Good," the instructor conceded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "You. Your turn," his finger pointed at Rowan.

Rowan approached the table with a sheepish grin. The instructor presented him with a different sector of the holographic map, this one featuring a more open, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation and deep ravines.

Rowan took his time, his gaze steady through the observation lenses. "My first point would be these deep ravines," he said, indicating a series of shadowed fissures. "They offer excellent cover and concealment, and an ambush force positioned within could easily target movement across the open ground above."

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"Secondly," he pointed to a cluster of large boulders near a narrow passage. "These provide natural barricades and firing positions. An ambush here could effectively control the flow of movement through the passage."

"And thirdly," Rowan concluded, his finger pointing to a seemingly open stretch of rocky ground, "while it appears open, the uneven terrain and scattered boulders could conceal smaller groups. An ambush could be sprung from multiple concealed positions, creating confusion and disorienting the target."

The instructor's expression remained impassive, but there was subtle tightening around his lips that suggested satisfaction. "Acceptable. You both demonstrate a foundational understanding of identifying potential ambush points based on terrain. However, this is only one aspect of risk profiling."

He tapped the holographic table, and the terrain map was replaced by a series of data streams—simulated troop movements, energy signatures, and environmental readings.

"Now, consider these additional factors. Beyond the terrain itself, you must assess the capabilities of a potential enemy. What types of spirit beasts might they employ? What are their likely attack patterns based on their known doctrines? What are the environmental conditions—visibility, wind direction, ambient energy fluctuations—and how might these factors influence the risk?"

Instructor Elric launched into a detailed explanation, using the simulated data streams to illustrate his points. He spoke of recognizing the subtle signatures of cloaked beasts, predicting attack vectors based on troop formations, and understanding how weather patterns could be exploited for concealment or to mask movements. He emphasized the importance of not just seeing, but interpreting the information gathered through long-range observation.

He stressed the need to consider the potential cost of engagement. "What are your objectives? What resources do you have at your disposal? What are the potential losses if the risk is miscalculated? A successful scout understands when to engage, when to evade, and when the information gathered is worth more than a direct confrontation."

Throughout the lesson, the instructor peppered his explanations with anecdotes from his past experiences, though he never explicitly stated his former profession. He spoke observing enemy movements for days, piecing together their intentions from the smallest details, and making crucial decisions that had significant consequences. His calm, calculating demeanor lent weight to his words, and the students listened with rapt attention.

As the hour drew to a close, Instructor Elric summarized the key takeaways. "Long-range observation is not simply about having good eyesight or advanced optics. It requires a sharp mind, an understanding of terrain and tactics, and the ability to analyze and interpret data from multiple sources. Risk profiling is the logical extension of this observation—the ability to assess the potential for danger and make informed decisions. This is a skill that will save your lives and determine the success of your missions. Practice your observation. Analyze every movement you encounter. Consider the risks before you act."

The bell chimed, signaling the end of the class. A thoughtful silence filled the room as the students began to pack their things. The encounter with Instructor Elric had been different from the previous two instructors. It had been a lesson in the cold, hard logic of survival and the strategic importance of seeing the world from a distance not just with their eyes, but with their minds.

Aston felt a newfound appreciation for the subtle art of observation and the crucial skill of calculating the inherent risks in the shadows of the distant horizon.

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