My Soul card is a Reaper

As the first one wasn't troubling enough, Hailey introduced five more stages, each one being more difficult than the previous one.

"Once you pass the first trial, you will become a fifth-tier cadet. Then, your training phase enters the second stage. This one is almost identical to that of the first stage except that everyone will be wearing weights totaling 500 kilos from morning 9 to evening 6.

Throughout the phase, you will start your day by going through the exact basic exercises that you have gone through in the earlier stage, however, three times more. Luckily, you are allowed to use soul energy to reduce the burden on the body and get more used to it. Then, you will be trekking mountains located in different environments.

To pass this level, you will be given 3 hours of time. During the interval, you need to run 400 km, 4000 squats, 4000 push-ups, 4000 pull-ups, and 4 km of hanging leg tucks (200 rounds). Soul energy is allowed but no skill cards, item cards, etc... Rules breaking will cause an expulsion.

You will become a fourth-tier cadet upon being successful.

Once you become a fourth-tier cadet, you will be deemed as physically fit for the Elite Forces.

The third level is where you will be trained in weaponry. During the training, you will have to choose at least three ancient weapons and one of the modern weapons. Based on the weapon, you will be allotted to different classes.

The only way for you to pass the third trial is by defeating your instructor in front of everyone with your skills. There won't be soul energy or any external assistance either.

After becoming a third-tier cadet, you will start receiving low-level missions, like rescuing a civilian hostage, helping the police in apprehending civilian-level criminals, etc…

The success of the mission will earn you merits and likewise, failure will earn you demerits. Merits usually decide the promotion but you can also exchange them for unique materials, weapons, skill cards, etc…

Meanwhile, as you entered the fourth level, you will go through mental training. You will be put through extreme sleep deprivation, coupled with physical tasks like weapon training with your partner. Losing concentration or control will not only endanger yourself but also your partner too.

Then, you will be taught how to evade the capture from enemies, and possibly signal allies to come to rescue you. Then, you will deal with the situation of being captured like resisting interrogation, enduring certain techniques designed to disorient, break down, isolate, and exploit you in your weakened state. Most of the cadets will drop out from this phase because it will become a living nightmare beyond belief; something that has to be experienced in real life to fully appreciate this training.

Here, your Lieutenant Commander will decide whether you are ready to become the second-tier cadet or not. It means the final decision rests with me.

The fifth level of training will be done in the Arcana World where you will be taught how to explore the wild. Basically, you will live inside the wild zone 24/7, make campsites, and deal with beasts during the day as well as at night. You will be given random missions by your squad leaders about finding a specific type of beast and bring its hide to the campsite.

These missions based on their difficulty have points as a reward. You just need to stack the points and reach your end goal of a hundred thousand. And you will become a first-tier cadet as soon as you passed the fifth level.

But, I should warn you though. This isn't easy as it sounds because sometimes, you might even have an unlucky encounter with the Region's Overlord. If you die, then, that's it.

And the last stage of training, the sixth level. There's no training here. You will just tag along with the trained Elites of the organization as they do high-level missions. Based on your performance, our commander will take the decision of whether to recruit you as a formal member or you still need more experience. Any questions, so far?"

Hailey stopped the presentation for a minute and took a look at these newly recruited cadets to see their reactions.

A pin-drop silence filled the room.

"As expected," When her eyes fell on Snivy and Gideon, she quickly ascertained their feelings. A look of panic could be seen clearly on their faces. Then, she looked at others.

Claire was in contemplation, not about how difficult this training regime is going to be, but was wondering how she can go at the same pace as her boyfriend.

As for Azzy, he was just indifferent on the surface, so, it was difficult for even an expert like her to find out his inner feelings but in reality, he was cursing himself for accepting the offer.

He doesn't know whether he could do it or not but Azzy spent 3 years just climbing the gravity stairs to temper his body and he thought it was torturous. But, when he compared to what he will have to go through in the future, Azzy felt like the training at the Violet Pavilion is laughable.

The Reaper felt that it was funny as he read Azzy's thoughts because he knew more than anyone, more than even Azzy himself, the extent of Azzy's current strength and his potential.

However, not intending to give a spoiler, the Reaper stayed silent and let Azzy worry about his non-existent problems.

With no one speaking out any question, Hailey continued her presentation, "This is everything you have to know regarding your training regime. Now, let's talk about your salary. Without any fail, as long as you stay in the organization, you will be paid on a weekly basis, provided that your attendance is full.

As all of you were recruited into Elite Forces, until you complete your training, all of you will receive a stipend of 20,000 Credits per every week, which will increase to 200,000 credits of weekly salary once you become a full-fledged member.

According to the contract, until you graduate from advanced studies, you will be training every third week of the month. Nevertheless, you will receive your full stipend.

However, in my opinion, it will be very tough and time-consuming with this kind of arrangement but it is what it is. So, rather than not dwelling on it, try your hardest to complete your training.

Lastly, I'll leave you with a piece of free advice." Particularly glancing at Snivy, she said as stood up on her feet, "if anyone feels like they can no longer continue the training, it is okay to drop from this training in the midway. You can still apply for Special Forces or General Forces."

***

<strong>Garcia Palace, Death Clan Village;</strong>

"So, what do you think, Kylan?" Qridus put forth his proposal for the marriage of his favorite grandchild and the temporarily exiled niece of Kylan, the leader of the Crescent clan.

Kylan was overwhelmed in surprise as he never expected it from this old man. But, he wasn't happy with it, "Lord Qridus, I would have agreed if it was anyone else from my clan but Izora is my late sister's daughter. I promised my sister to keep her safe. Just like you, Vesyrn is the direct descendant of the founder. The curse of Eros will affect him the most. I don't want my niece to die before me."

Suddenly, a tremendous amount of pressure appeared in the surroundings, forcing him, a peak-stage Legendary Realm expert to kneel on the floor.

Continue to sit on the throne, looking at him coldly, "Kylan, listen to me carefully. This marriage is extremely important for our clan's future. I don't have any interest to care about your emotions.

Whether you agree or don't agree, this marriage will happen. I'll use force and replace the Crescent clan's head if it's necessary. So, I'm asking you again. Will you agree to it or will you not?"

Qridus then dispelled the pressure created by his aura and waited for his reply.

Kylan felt humiliated and rage in his veins was at its peak. But, he knew that even the entire Crescent clan couldn't defeat the clan head.

So, he could only swallow all of his anger and give a nod. "I agree but on one condition. Izora will be the only wife of Vesyrn until he dies. He will not marry any other woman or be fathered to different children. For proof, I need his Blood oath or else, even if you kill me, I won't ever agree to it."

Qridus stared at him. The latter has a determined expression. After a brief silence, he nodded, "very well. I hope you convince your niece very soon."

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