"Right." Nero ran a hand through his hair.

Then he asked, "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. You'll meet your teammates at the western gate at dawn. The hunting ground is about half a day's ride from the city—a stretch of woodland that borders Malady's Garden but isn't quite as dangerous. Still crawling with Abominations, but manageable for a properly trained team."

Nero had absolute confidence in himself to handle Abominations of such rank. However, he was not so sure about this... "team" of his.

Granted, he didn't believe they would be incompetent. After all, most Templars did come from the noble families. He couldn't help but think they were probably much better equipped to fight the Abominations that he was.

"Is there anything else I should know?"

"Yes, actually." Lyon set down his paper and fixed Nero with a serious look. "These two candidates you'll be working with—they're not like the people you've encountered before. They've been training for this their entire lives. They have resources, education, combat experience from controlled environments. Put shortly, they are skilled and well-equipped."

Nero raised a brow,

"You're saying they'll look down on me..."

"I'm saying they'll underestimate you, which can be either an advantage or a liability depending on how you handle it." Lyon paused. "Don't try to prove yourself by doing something stupid. Work with them, follow their lead, and contribute where you can. The goal is to complete the mission successfully, not to display hubris."

Nero nodded slowly. "Understood."

"Good." Lyon walked to the door and opened it, gesturing for Nero to leave. "Get some rest today. Make sure your equipment is in order. And for gods' sake, try not to get killed tomorrow. You have terrible luck, so I doubt it will be easy, but try your best. I've invested too much time in you to have you die before the trials even begin."

"I'll do my best," Nero said with a dry chuckle at Lyon's humorless joke.

He walked past Lyon into the hallway, but paused when the doctor called his name.

"Nero."

He turned back.

Lyon's expression was unreadable. "Earn your place."

The words caught Nero off guard. Lyon wasn't one for encouragement or sentiment, and hearing it now felt oddly significant.

"Thank you," Nero said quietly.

Lyon nodded once, then closed the door.

Nero stood in the hallway for a moment, processing everything, then turned and headed back toward his quarters.

Tomorrow would surely bring new challenges and new headaches to deal with...

But for now, he had the rest of the day to prepare.

And maybe, just maybe, he could actually get some rest.

***

The western gate of Liedenstorm loomed large in the pre-dawn darkness, its massive iron-reinforced doors still closed against the night. Torches burned in sconces along the wall, casting flickering shadows across the cobblestones and illuminating the small gathering of people waiting in the courtyard.

Nero arrived with the sky just beginning to lighten in the east, a faint gray creeping across the horizon.

He'd barely slept.

He wore simple but sturdy clothing—dark trousers, a fitted shirt, and a leather coat that provided some protection without restricting movement. Gungnir was kept safe in the mark of Mephistopheles since it wouldn't be so easy for him to use it.

In its place however, he had received new weapons from Lyon, courtesy of the commander.

A spear, and a short sword. Although the sword was a normal weapon, the spear was quite special and was made with special materials. However, it was not a relic, only incredibly sturdy.

Two figures stood near the gate, clearly waiting. Even from a distance, Nero could tell they were the other candidates.

The first was a young man, probably close to Nero's age, with dark hair tied back in a short tail and sharp features that suggested both intelligence and arrogance. He wore well-fitted armor—not the heavy plate of a Blizter, but lighter gear made from layered leather and metal scales that gleamed dully in the torchlight. A sword hung at his hip, the scabbard decorated with engravings that caught the soft lights of dawn gloriously.

The second was also a young man, slightly shorter than his companion, with auburn hair braided back from his face and keen green eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. He wore practical traveling clothes reinforced at the joints and carried a large waraxe slung across his back and a crossbow alongside a pack that looked professionally organized.

Both of them turned as Nero approached, and he felt their gazes assess him in an instant.

When he finally arrives, the dark haired young man spoke first.

"You must be the commoner the Doctor mentioned." His voice was cultured and educated, with the kind of confidence that came from being nobility, Nero figured.

"Nero, correct?"

"That's right. And what do I call you, my Lord." Nero kept his tone neutral. Amongst other things, he had also received basic etiquette training. If he angered the wrong people, they could easily have his head as the life of a commoner was truly not worth much.

"Arthur Koh." He said.

The other young man gave Nero a small nod,

"Jacob Brimm." His voice was much lighter, and far more indifferent than the first.

Nero nodded.

Then an awkward silence fell over the group. Nero could feel them studying him. He used that time to study them in return.

Both men were obviously the same age as he was. However, they were both at least half a head taller than he was, making him the shorter one in the group. Their skin was clear and unblemished, catching the light softly. They were both incredibly good looking too, with defined proportions. Nero firmly believed what Sergeant Vane had told him now.

These nobles were indeed a step greater than the common man.

Arthur cleared his throat,

"Now that introductions are out of the way—"

Jacob suddenly cleared his throat, stepping forward slightly. "Have either of you worked in team formations before?"

Aurthur raised a brow, "That's an idiotic question. Of course I have."

Jacob folded his hands then turned to Nero.

"And you?"

Nero hesitated for a moment then shook his head.

A slightly cold sneer appeared on Jacob's face,

"This is a problem "

"Agreed," Arthur said. He turned to face Nero more directly. "No offense intended, but given your limited experience, it will be best for Jacob and myself to take point on tactical decisions. You can follow our lead and provide support where needed."

Nero's eyes twitched slightly.

"That would be ideal, sir." Nero said with a nod.

If Arthur was surprised by the easy agreement, he didn't show it at all. "Good. Then let's go over the basics while we wait for our escort."

"Escort?" Nero asked.

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