Aelric amongst the other 31 trainees watched the empty stage, watching for Commandant Varis. Today were the culling trials. The very thing to decide their future as a soldier. Suddenly, a blonde woman in armor walked onto stage with a man with pearly white hair. They stood off to the side as Commandant Varis and another soldier walked onto stage.

  "Ooh, it's going to be exciting. Don't you think, Aelric?" Maddie asked. "Oh, yeah." Aelric replied. To be honest. He was fearful. He didn't know how Maddie was so excited. Maybe she was a masochist, but he wasn't sure. Augustus stood beside Aelric. Isaac stood beside Augustus. Commandant Varis walked to the front of the stage. He coughed once and stroked his beard, staring at the trainees with a slight smile.

  "Today is the day you fight to become soldiers. Today begins the Culling Trials to determine which one of you is fit for the corps." Commandant Varis said, "As long as you pass, you will become soldiers for Eldenus."

  Aelric felt a new sense of courage in his heart. He hadn't forgotten his goal. To come back to his hometown a hero and restore honor to his family name. "Now, I read out the chosen members for each group. Now, remember, there will be groups of 4." Commandant Varis spoke as he took a piece of paper from a familiar woman. Ah, yes, that's right, Captain Valeria. Next to her stood a man with white hair, who had a scar on his right cheek. He didn't know who that was.

  "I will have Commander Sylas Simmons explain the rules as he can do it better than I can." Commandant Varis said as he backed up, stroking his beard. The man with the pristine white hair walked up. "The rules are as follows. A group of 8 will be picked and will run the trials first. If you are hit once, you are out." He spoke.

  Out? So, if he was hit, then his efforts would be over. He had to do this. He would pass the Culling Trials. Aelric was confident. As long as he wasn't chosen first in the first group. Then he might've pissed himself there. "Now, I will have Private Bright read out the participants in the first group for the Culling Trials." Sylas said as he stepped back and watched Private Bright.

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  Private Bright walked to the front of the stage with a list in his hand. "Group 1: Barrett, Elijah. Bowles, Madison. Caldwell, Blake. Cross, Julian. Marola, Aelric. Pritchett, Michael. Williams, Augustus. Johnson, Lenny." Aelric looked down at the ground. Yep. He was in the first group. He was hoping to watch the first group, but now he had to run in blind.

  Sylas stepped to the front of the stage. "Now, I ask of the group participants to please get ready for their test." He spoke. "I wish you all the best of luck and remember your training." Maddie looked at Aelric. "Aw, hell yeah, we're first!" She said with a grin. Yep, definitely a masochist, he thought.

  They walked to the armory and suited up in soft leather armor, coving their knees, chest, and shoulders. After Aelric suited up, he walked to the bin and grabbed a wooden sword. It was lightweight as he gazed upon it and took a deep breath. Augustus walked behind Aelric, "So, wait, the first course is running a mile? That's stupid." Augustus said. "Indeed, it is. Nothing we can do but just do it." Isaac said. "But you taught us that breathing technique. The first course should be easy!" Maddie said, with a smile. "I didn't teach you. You just eavesdropped." Isaac said with a blank face.

  "Still counts as being taught." Maddie said with a smirk on her face. For some reason, Maddie loved agitating everybody but Aelric. He found it odd, but he paid it no attention. Maybe him telling her his story really struck her. Isaac grunted and walked to the gate. Aelric and Augustus followed shortly after.

  All the other groupmates shortly followed. "Why do I get the worst team?" Michael asked. "Shut up, Pritchett." Elijah said who stood to the side of Julian. Ah, yes. Those two were the more tactical guys. They could easily improvise a plan during battle. Not to mention, they were good at sword combat based on what Aelric could remember.

  Michael seemed agitated towards Elijah. "Don't even try me." Michael said. Elijah didn't respond. Aelric noticed Sylas approaching the group. "Now, you all should know the courses. The first one is running a mile straightforward once you leave. After that, you'll meet a field, filled with our actors, who are ready to eliminate you. The second course, you'll have to climb a small wall, and then, on a rugged terrain, you'll have to save hostages and fight more actors." Sylas said, with a small smile.

  Suddenly, he sent the signal for the soldiers above to open the gates. "Good luck, Group 1. I hope most or all of you pass. Now, go on. Your trial begins." Sylas said. Aelric gulped as all the other trainees jogged past him. He turned around and joined them. The sun rose as their path seemed perfectly illuminated.

  He seemed confident to do this. He followed the group, immediately initiating Isaac's breathing technique and jogged in front of the group. He spent 7 weeks training as a soldier. He wouldn't let it go all to waste. It was time to become a real soldier.