Orion's expression relaxed as he nodded his head in understanding. After all, forgetting his chip was merely a mistake. As he walked into the compound, he was greeted by the boy who was still staring at him with a friendly smile. "Thank you for saving me the time," Orion said, appreciating the boy's assistance. However, the boy shook his head and replied, "Don't worry about it. I'm sure any of the others would have done the same." He paused briefly before extending his hand and introducing himself, "My name is Grim."
Seeing this, Orion also stretched out his hand for a handshake and said, "I am Orion." He felt Grim's grip tighten briefly before they separated, still engaged in a little chat.
"Have you awakened your gift yet?" Grim asked curiously. "You and Gorg are the only ones who haven't awakened your gifts. As someone with a six-star potential, I'm curious to know if you've awakened your gift yet and what kind of gift it would be."
"Yes, I have," Orion nodded his head. "I just awakened it yesterday." As Orion finished speaking, he watched as Grim's eyes widened in surprise before he quickly recomposed his expression and asked, "Can I see it?" Grim cleared his throat and corrected himself, "I mean, is it possible for you to show me what it is?"
Orion nodded thoughtfully and responded, "But not now. I can already guess that I am a little late, and we don't know what they might do to us if we arrive late on the first day." Although Grim's reaction to his gift had surprised him a little, Orion immediately understood. Awakening a gift was nothing out of the ordinary, as everyone who passed adulthood had experienced it. However, his gift was particularly unique. He had a six-star potential, and the prospect of discovering what kind of gift he would awaken was incredibly exciting.
Grim let out a disappointed sigh and nodded his head in understanding. Despite the setback, he knew that they would still be training together, so he would have plenty of opportunities to witness Orion's gift in action. "I suppose you're right," he replied. "It's probably best if we get going. We were just getting started with the meeting before the guard showed up."
With their brief conversation over, they quickly made their way towards one of the large hut that they usually used for their awakening ceremony.
As soon as they arrived, Orion's eyes scanned the room and rested on the sight of Mr Tog and two unfamiliar men and women, all of whom shared one striking similarity: their physical fitness was undeniable. "You're late," Mr Tog said with a raised eyebrow. "Fortunately, you've arrived just in time for us to avoid repeating all the essential information you would have missed."
Mr Tog stretched out his hand towards the mat where the others were already seated - Ursa, Gorg, and the daughter of the village chief's messenger - and gestured for Orion to join them.
With fewer mats available today, Orion nodded and quickly took the remaining space at the back of the group, while Grim darted forward to his usual spot at the front. Once everyone had settled in, Mr Tog cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Before we begin, there are a few things I want you all to keep in mind," he began, his eyes sweeping over the group. "The number one rule of being a warrior is to protect the village. No matter how strong or skilled you may be, if you are unable to fulfil this duty, then you have failed as a warrior."
"However," he continued, his voice filled with conviction, "Naka has always blessed us with many warriors over the years. So no matter what happens, we will do everything in our power to support you, guide you, and help you reach your full potential. Ultimately, how hard you're willing to work and sacrifice to become a warrior is up to you."
With that, Mr Tog released a deep breath, signalling the end of his speech.
Orion observed as Mr Tog stepped back, and one of the men named Grulm stepped forward. Grulm began to explain the reason why potentials were classified as stars, and it had to do with the black crystal that had been around for generations in the village. He went on to describe how powerful and vicious the Vylkr vines were, what would happen if they weren't able to destroy them, and how they were meant to be destroyed. He even mentioned a stronghold built outside the farm to stop the Vylkr vines from advancing into the forest and how the stronghold in the farm was meant to keep the tree nymphs in check and ensure the safety of the villagers working on the farm.
However, Grulm kept something else from them and told them that they would have to see it for themselves, as it was a secret. Orion wondered what else Grulm was hiding but understood that it was reasonable for warriors to keep certain things to themselves, considering their dangerous work. They couldn't reveal everything to the village.
As Orion sat and listened to Grulm's explanations, he realized why Fiona had been so tight-lipped about being a warrior. Unlike the regular villagers who would have been intimidated and shaken by Grulm's vivid descriptions of the Vylkr vines, Orion was eager to put his skills to the test and experience the thrill of battle first-hand.
Grim cleared his throat with a sense of finality, signalling the end of his explanation. "That's all the basics you need to know. Now, it's time for you to choose your weapon before we depart." He turned to face Mr Tog, who nodded and led the two women to one of the rooms.
After a brief moment, they emerged, carrying an impressive array of weapons including spears, cutlasses, and machetes.
They dropped it on the floor, close to Grulm, and walked back to their previous position. Grulm then spoke up, "All of you can come forward and pick a weapon."