Chrono Hunt

Chapter 5: Trial by Fire

"Is the training at Stormreaver really this difficult!?"

Jon howled, his face covered in dirt as he strained to finish the obstacle course before him.

"Difficult?"

Elysia Thornheart, the tall and stern woman overseeing his training, scoffed. Her muscular frame and caramel-colored skin were a testament to her formidable strength and experience.

"This course doesn't compare to being out in the field."

She leaned against a nearby tree, a shard of bone in hand as she picked her teeth, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"And they certainly don't pull punches at Stormreaver."

Jon heaved a sigh, feeling the weight of the physical and mental challenges that Stormreaver Academy presented. He had sought Elysia's guidance to gain a firsthand experience of the rigorous training at the academy, and it was proving to be an eye-opening endeavor.

As he caught his breath, Elysia approached him, her authoritative presence commanding attention.

"The training at Stormreaver is not for the faint of heart."

She stated firmly.

"It demands resilience, adaptability, and a hunger for growth. But if you can endure and rise to the challenges, it will shape you into a hunter capable of facing any situation."

Jon nodded, a mix of determination and apprehension swirling within him. He knew that this training was a taste of what awaited him if he chose Stormreaver Academy as his path. He was beginning to understand the level of dedication and sacrifice it would require.

Elysia extended a hand to help Jon up from the ground, her grip firm and supportive.

"You're doing great, kid."

She said, her voice laced with encouragement.

"Remember, training isn't just about how strong you are. It's about honing your instincts, thinking on your feet, and pushing beyond your limits. This is just the beginning, and I see real potential in you."

Jon felt a surge of motivation, a renewed sense of purpose fueling his desire to become a hunter worthy of Stormreaver Academy. He accepted Elysia's hand, grateful for her guidance, and together they walked toward the next challenge, ready to face the trials that lay ahead.

It had only been a few days since Jon had met Elysia. Initially, she had been dismissive, only showing interest when he mentioned his father. But as they trained together, Elysia's demeanor had softened, and she had started to recognize Jon's dedication and potential.

As Jon and Elysia walked toward the outskirts of the training grounds, their conversation flowed with a newfound ease. The initial formality between them had given way to a more friendly and relaxed exchange.

"So, Jon, have you ever hunted for food before?"

Elysia asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Jon chuckled, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Well, not exactly. I've gone fishing with my father a few times, but hunting? That's a whole different experience."

Elysia nodded, her gaze scanning the surrounding woods.

"Hunting is about patience, observation, and understanding the natural rhythms of the creatures we seek. It's a skill that can be honed over time."

As they entered the dense forest, Elysia guided Jon through the basics of tracking and stealth, pointing out signs of animal presence along the way. Her words were peppered with anecdotes and practical tips, creating an engaging and informative conversation.

"See that? Those tracks belong to a deer,"

Elysia whispered, crouching down to examine the imprints in the soft soil.

"Deer are agile and have a keen sense of hearing, so we need to be quiet and move with precision."

Jon's eyes widened as he studied the tracks, eager to put his newfound knowledge into practice.

"So, what's our strategy?"

Elysia grinned, her voice hushed.

"We'll move slowly, using the natural cover of the trees and foliage. We'll use the wind to our advantage, so our scent doesn't give us away. And when we're close enough, we strike swiftly and accurately."

They continued deeper into the woods, their senses heightened, attuned to the sights and sounds around them. Elysia shared stories of her own hunting experiences, describing the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of providing for oneself.

As they settled in a concealed spot, Elysia handed Jon a small bow and a handful of arrows.

"Remember, Jon, aim true and be patient. Hunting requires focus and precision. Observe the deer's movements, anticipate its path, and when the time is right, release the arrow with confidence."

Jon held the bow in his hands, feeling a surge of anticipation mingled with a touch of nervousness. He glanced at Elysia, who offered him an encouraging smile.

"Trust yourself, Jon. You have the potential to be a skilled hunter. Take a deep breath, find your center, and let the arrow fly."

Jon held the bow, pulling back on it's string and feeling the tension it gave as he aimed. There sat a medium sized mule deer that Elysia had guided them to. He focused, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Just as he was about to release the string there came a loud snap from somewhere left of them. As the deer ran off frightened by the noise Jon began to feel a sense of dread. He turned, looking towards the lining of the trees where the sound came from. He squinted his eyes.

Jon froze, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared into the depths of the forest. The source of the loud snap revealed itself, and his eyes widened in disbelief. There, emerging from the shadows, stood a towering figure—

A troll.