Chapter 5: Returning To Base

• “This training is going to be harder than I thought,” Kalen thought, as he walked through the forest looking for a place to wash the blood off his body and clothes. After about twenty minutes of walking, he found a stream nearby. He subconsciously looked around the area for any kind of threat. He quickly rushed up to the water as soon as he noticed he was in the clear.
• “These four days remaining are going to be a pain in the ass,” he thought out loud.
• He looked to his right, and he was shocked to find a jackfruit tree. He eyes brightened immediately. “Thank you, God. There is something to eat beside meat. He brought his dagger and climbed the tree for the fruit while staying alert.
• “I can’t let my guard down. My life is more important than this fruit. He knew that if he let his guard down like a fool that was hungry, he could be attacked and killed. Suddenly he thought about his friend Aledos, as he probably in same situation as him.
• “Make it through this brother. You are not allowed to die yet as we are going to become true Knights of Camelot.”
• Once he reached the jackfruit. He decided to rest on the branch of the tree to rest. He checked his injury from the augmented tigon.
• His wound was almost healed. “Got to love being augmented. I don’t even feel the pain anymore.” The rest of the day went uneventfully, as he stuffed himself full of meat and fruits. Once night fell, he made camp as it was the most convenient place he found in the forest.
• “Jack tree, it must have been fate for me to find you. I hope this can be the start of a great relationship, you provide food for the great Knight General Kalen as he protects you from thieves.” He shamelessly blurted out a bunch of nonsense to a tree. It helps justify his decision and conscience to stay there.
• Screw the experience, God led him to a comfortable place. “Don’t worry. I will enjoy your fruits while I am here.”
• He started to feel sleepy as his belly was full of all the meat and fruit he ate. “It is evening already, I guess it is time for me to sleep.” That is what he did. He just watched the jack tree as his eyes closed.
• ****************
• Kalen wake up the next day and decided to train around the vicinity of the jack tree. He trained hard as he massacred any creature that was around the jack tree. He used them as practice targets for his training.
• There were a few times he came close to death, as he faces few strong predators. He made it through these by increasing his battle experience. He did this routine for the next three days.
• ****************
• He woke up on the last day of training feeling revitalized and fresh. The only setback was his smelling body. He refused to remove his uniform to have a proper bath in the last few days.
• “He didn’t know what lurked in the depths of the stream or if any strong augmented beasts would adventure towards the stream.” This was the reason he came himself. “At least this part of the training is finished. I wonder what is next for us.” He wonders out loud.
• “I survived this ordeal. Who cares about body odor? That is a girl’s problem, I’m a man.”
• He sat down at the foot of the jack tree waiting. He was not anxious as he knew that the military placed a GPS tracker. Every squire as received one during their implant operation.
• Whop! Whop! Whop! Kalen looked up through the tress once he heard the helicopter. It landed in a clearing that was about hundred yards from Kalen position. He stood up and jogged over to the helicopter. He immediately saluted the Sergeant.
• “Good morning, sir,” he greeted.
• “Good morning squire, climb in.” The sergeant didn’t waste any time with words, as he invited Kalen in. Kalen didn’t hesitate either, immediately climbed in.
• The helicopter took off to the base, he silently heaved a sigh of relief as his first phase of training was complete.
• After he got into the helicopter, he began looking around for his friend. He finally found him in the corner giving him the biggest grin. Aledos nodded at him with a smile and, he smiled and returned the nod.
• He felt relaxed and happy. He felt a huge weight was lifted off his chest has knowing they both survived.
• He later found out that everyone in his group survived. He knew this a miracle, as everyone was not as exceptional as him and Aledos is.
• Once they reached the base, the first thing both did was search the line of people for someone. Kalen saw him in the forefront of the line. Haywoode, looked more mature than five days ago.
• “I am going to be the best squire out of this batch of squires,” he silently encouraged himself. This was something that he kept to himself, not even his friend knew about this.
• Knight Captain Reede broke him out of his thoughts, with his loud voice.
• “Squires,” he boomed; “I am glad to see that 280 squires from the original 300 came back to us.”
• “That is amazing results. I am happy, so today everyone gets a free rest day.” He smiled, which didn’t help in lightening the mood, as it made him even more ferocious and ugly.
• No one dare say anything to him about it. He was the knight captain after all. “I bet only his future wife, will be the only one to tell him to his face,” Kalen thought mischievously.
• He felt relief that they might have to drill all day if they performed poorly.
• “Rest and prepare yourself today, because your suffering continues tomorrow," Knight Captain Reede said with a grin. “The government is providing everyone with 1000 Commonwealth credit. Take the credits to buy some beer, food or go enjoy yourself,” he continued.
• “Dismissed.” The squires saluted and left the field in an orderly fashion.
• Kalen grouped up with Aledos as everyone was leaving. “Aledos, I can’t believe that the government is giving us 1000 credits, that is so awesome. Let’s add it to our savings so that we get more money for our gear after we become Knights.” He muttered excitedly.
• “I agree. I will give you, my credits. Let’s go get some normal food at the dining hall,” Aledos replied.
• “Kalen, how was it out there?” Aledos suddenly asked as they were walking. “The adventure out in the forest. You know what I mean,” he clarified.
• “Oh that? You know me. I bulldozed my way through that place, by killing plenty of animals. I even killed a Tyrannous Rex. This training was too simple and easy. That I didn’t get enough to stretch my muscles,” Kalen said with a straight face.
• “Sure, I know Kalen. I know that the T-Rex you faced was your grandpa, right? You must have brutalized him.” Aledos replied, while also keeping a straight face.
• "Fuck off, Aledos," Kalen said as he bumped into his friend.