Chapter 44:

Chapter 44:

Darins warning signaled the end of their short break, and a rumbling sound was heard not long after. The cadets, including Abel, silently looked in that direction while holding their weapons. The relatively high ground allowed Abel to spot them first.

There are five of them.

Abel breathed a sigh of relief on realizing who they were, there were only five of them, but they were ordinary supply planes. Judging by the way they were moving, they didnt seem to have noticed Abels group yet.

Abel gave his group a signal before acting. It was nothing too complicated. Do we stay hidden or make contact? Their answers came quicker than expected

The group decided to make contact. Abel also belonged to the latter. This was because he thought it was better to gather as much information as possible rather than act rashly.

Theres no reason to fight among the cadets in the beginning anyway,

Organizing his thoughts, Abel shouted in a loud voice before getting closer.

Whos there?!

He could see the other side looking around, searching for where the voice was coming from. Two turned their heads around to find the sound source while the other two crouched down to look first.

This is bad.

However, not everyone felt that way. There was someone who replied in a voice that was beyond calm, and it was cold.

This is Ioline from class B.

Why are you approaching this way?

Abel didnt bother to reveal his identity, instead, he asked another question. Ioline stared at him for a moment, then opened her mouth.

Its not like I noticed you or anything. Our paths simply overlapped.

I see.

There was a moment of silence. An easy opponent would have tried to dig some information, but Ioline was not like that at all.

Its obvious that she wouldnt be willing to talk about cooperating or exchanging information.

Making a quick decision, Abel spoke again.

Well, dont come anywhere near here and just pass by.

Okay.

As expected, Iolines answer was brief, and she began to leave that area with the other cadets. Abel made a mental note of the direction she was taking when they were out of sight.

I guess the scope of the training grounds isnt as wide as I thought since we crossed paths with Class B.

Kalian spoke first, and Abel nodded.

Yes. We may have to compete against other groups during this practice.

It was just a guess but what Abel said was true. The practices were technically just as important as the midterm exams. This is because the midterm exam is mostly theoretical, and the evaluation received during the practice period is reflected in the grade at a fairly large rate.

Thats why Im evaluating everything.

Abel chimed in with a few words, and everyone else chimed in as well, exchanging opinions. After a five-minute break, Abel spoke again.

Now, lets get moving. Oh, and Darin

Uh, yes?

Surprised that he was suddenly called, Darin answered, startled. Abel then said to him.

Do you feel anything around you?

Uh I dont?

Alright.

Darin replied as if he didnt know why he was being asked such a question, but Abel knew he had a talent for the seeker position. It wasnt a coincidence that he was the first to notice Ioline and her group approaching earlier. He had yet to be properly trained in that position, and though he was clumsy, his talent was real.

Abel thought as he slowly maneuvered his craft, The more I think about it, the more amazing the composition of the group is.

- -

The Del Mordor Academy began as a training center for outstanding knights. However, as soon as the era of peace ended, the academy was transformed into a training center for Gigant Riders.

Young children, barely out of their teens at best, were being sent into dangerous places in the name of becoming a gigant rider. She didnt like it. In particular, she didnt like that they pushed ahead with the practice at a time when all sorts of dangerous groups were on the rise in the Empires territory.

Tsk. What the hell was Master thinking?

Fleta muttered to herself and put down her pen. Her gaze returned to the map. Sunlight was peeking in through cracks in the ceiling.

The sun has risen.

Turning her head slightly, she saw the sun rise above the horizon, and for a long moment, she stared at it as if longing for light.

- -

Silver gigant, glistening in the scorching sun, were galloping through the wilderness.

Kung, kung, kung!

The ground shook as if there had been an earthquake as the five gigants ran. However, Abel, who was running in the lead, didnt seem to mind and focused on running faster. Soon after, Abel spotted a large building up ahead.

Thump!

Abel raised his hand to signal a stop and slowly slowed down before coming to a halt.

There is a building ahead.

At those words, others also noticed that the buildings were lined up. The navigation was also pointing to those exact buildings.

It could be a trap, so lets approach it slowly.

Everyone nodded silently at Abels words. Everyone already thought of Abel as the leader. Of course, Kalian still had a bit of defiance left. In any case, Abel slowly approached the building with his sword in his hand. He soon noticed someone standing in front of the building.

Hey! This way! Stop right in front of me!

A very familiar voice shouted. It was none other than Karl. Karl didnt just stop at shouting, he also gave a signal that had been sent before practice.

That signal it meant that it wasnt a trap or anything in that scenario.

The other cadets saw it, too, and after exchanging a few words, they followed his instructions and got off the gigant.

Woo-

A cool breeze cooled Abel as he stepped out of the cockpit. Abel was tired from operating the gigant for hours. Although he was tired, he walked towards Karl without making it obvious.

Good work, everyone!

Karl exclaimed, spreading his arms wide. Of course, no one ran into his arms for an embrace. Abel kept his distance and asked,

Where are we?

Hmmm. Its an intermediate base. Youve heard of it in class, right?

Oh, yes.

The intermediate base had its own meaning. The longer you operate a Gigant, the more fatigue you accumulate. If youre without a Gigant, you can sit somewhere and relax, but while on a Gigant, you cant.

Even if you stay still on the gigant, you will only accumulate less fatigue and will not be relieved. Therefore, an intermediate base was essential for operating Gigants. Its a place where you can get off the gigant and relax safely and even do simple repairs.

You all can take up to six hours of rest here. However, if you leave in the middle, thats the end of the rest.

Karl continued to explain to the cadets.

Intermediate bases like this one are located throughout the practice site. And its the cube that tells you where it is.

He was referring to the cube that Abel had been calling navigation in his mind.

Whats next after this?

Daniel asked Karl, raising his hand. It was a question Abel hadnt asked in the first place because he didnt think hed get a proper answer, but Karl answered surprisingly.

Endless battles.

An evil grin hung on his lips.

[To be continued.]