Book of Tales: Testing Ground

In the last chapter, Leaf and the other young elves leave the safety of the settlements to complete their rights of passage and become full-fledge adults.

After leaving for the forest, Leaf is seen walking among the other elven youth. Some where talking but in a hush voice while the others are tensely focusing on the surroundings.

Though these youths have played outside the settlements before, most of them didn't go far. Therefore, many are nervous despite them being in a large group - especially the girls.

But not all are nervous and afraid. Others, like Leaf are showing incredible calmness. It's not like they are unafraid but rather they have prepared thorougly for the test.

After walking for half a day, the group decided to take a rest and eat their provisions. To make sure that nothing uncertain happens, they take turns guarding while the others rest.

Having rested enough they resume their journey. After several hours of walking, and seeing that the day is almost over the group decided to pitch camp. To make sure that no wild animals or magical beast bothers them while they sleep, they scattered some powdered dung of a powerful magical beast.

Scattering magical beast dung is a method most hunter used when they are camping. The dung of a especially powerful magical beast will scare most beast prowling around.

Sitting next to the fire the group discussed what they would do once they reached their destination. Though trolls are dumb, they are big and incredibly strong. No elves can match them in this regards. Unfortunately, none of them can use any powerful nature magic yet. Thankfully they are all good at using the bows, and some can even set traps.

After a deep discussion they have finally settled on a plan. Knowing that a plan was made, everyone decided to call it a night with the exemptions of some who voluntered to take turns guarding.

Waking up early, the young elves continue their journey to their destinations. After three more days of walking they finally arrived at the testing ground where they are greeted by some senior hunters. The senior hunters are there to supervised the examination but they are only there to make sure that no one cheated. As for the danger the youths are gonna face the hunters will only interfere if there lives are truly at stakes.

Seeing everyone arrived safely the hunters nod with approval. Without letting them rest the hunters told the younglings to gather. Knowing that they are already aware of the mission the hunters only told them the rules and some safety precautions. The hunters also tells them that a participant only need get a fang from the troll in order to pass. So killing a troll is not necessary but are allowed to do so if they find themselves in danger.

So with everything explained the real test can finally begin. Leaf and the others enters the territory of the trolls.

To be continued...