Theo knew that unlike Rowan with her enthusiastic personality, Ryel was taciturn, serious and highly individualistic. Applying a language-based approach was unfeasible, but Theo had another way.
He spoke softly to G:
"G, collect all data on how Ryel moves, observes and gathers information."
G responded with a familiar mischievous voice but this time with more liveliness:
"Recommend Host focus on observation. Otherwise, data collection and analysis will not be optimized."
Theo gave a slight smirk—a rare expression—at G's "response." He immediately accelerated to follow and observe Ryel, letting his logical thought stream operate at full capacity.
Theo silently assessed: Ryel was a flawless reconnaissance and long-range attack unit. He had sniper-like precision shooting range, movement and concealment abilities nearly impossible to detect, along with peak experience and intelligence. Even more terrifying, Ryel had no obvious weaknesses—even his close combat skills were not bad at all.
Unlike Liam—a sponge eager to absorb everything—Theo was "paper already drawn on in detail" with his own knowledge foundation and values. He couldn't learn spontaneously but needed a more logical method. He clearly identified only three points worth learning from Ryel:
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Archery skills: Strange techniques—crystallized wisdom of this world in combat—things Theo's previous world never had.
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Mana and magical weapons: The fast, powerful arrows with concealment abilities Ryel had demonstrated the day before made Theo feel extremely helpless—nearly impossible to counter.
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Experience and close combat: Ryel's close combat skills weren't for attacking, but an insurance developed from experience to neutralize his own weakness—an absolute self-defense skill if pressed close.
Theo knew that observing Ryel would be the most valuable lesson right now and in the future.
Ryel seemed to sense the recruit's gaze. His cold face still showed no emotion, but his footsteps became more graceful; small actions like choosing observation positions or finding traces became more refined. A wordless teaching from a veteran warrior had begun.
The journey back to Oakhaven was a silent journey between two scouts: one displaying skills, one focusing on learning. This journey wasn't long enough for Ryel to show everything, but just enough for Theo to confirm and solidify impressions of the target he would have to strive for in the future.
Meanwhile, the same applied to Liam. Though still awkward with Ronan's unfamiliarity, Liam chose a direct approach with his sincerity.
"Hello... hello sir, I'm Liam."
He paused a moment, taking a deep breath.
Then, he seriously bowed his head, words ringing clearly through the forest:
"I HUMBLY REQUEST YOUR GUIDANCE!"
He stood straight with the Zaravand short spear in hand, eyes full of emotion and enthusiasm.
Unlike Theo, who always seemed distant, though Liam was poor at communication, his natural interaction ability was strangely high. Everyone always had gentle goodwill toward Liam; even animals preferred contact with him over Theo.
Ronan paused slightly at the resonant words behind him. He turned to glance at Liam, looking straight into those earnest eyes.
Then he turned back to the original direction, voice deep and clear:
"Follow behind me, watch how I hold the spear, recruit."
From that moment, each of Ronan's steps became more deliberate yet powerful. Sometimes, his spear shot out with full speed and force, shattering branches blocking the path. Sometimes, he stopped to point out weaknesses to note when clearing paths—a practical teaching that couldn't be more intuitive.
After a long reconnaissance and movement journey, Oakhaven finally appeared before Theo's eyes—a familiar yet relieving sight.
Not taking too much time, the Night Hawk group stopped at the familiar clearing. Discipline in movement formation immediately dissolved when they halted.
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Vesper didn't waste a second on flowery words. He clapped twice decisively, voice ringing out to end the mission:
"Entire group dismissed! Everyone free to rest. Theo and Liam, remember to focus on Sol's Day morning."
The 7 Days of Power
The week is an eternal cycle, where the power of the Seven Powers permeates every moment of the mortal world:
Sol's Day: Night is banished by a golden oath. Under Sol Invictus's gaze, this is a day overflowing with glory, where temples blaze with fire and covenants are signed under righteous rays. This day's restorative energy drives prosperity and hope.
Wildsday: The day when forests whisper their secrets. Wildheart makes the air carry wild breath, full of rustic beauty and nature's capriciousness. People bow before ceaseless growth and listen to the heartbeat deep in mother earth.
Mariner's Day: Waters carry the silver of destiny. Under The Mariner's protection, seaports call out. Sails filled with destined winds carry goods and tales from distant oceans. This is the day of journeys and discovery.
Shahday: The day of solitude and buried secrets. Sand Shah casts suffocating silence over space. People devote time to quiet work, digging deep into earth or into inner selves seeking truth and material persistence.
Fangday: Blood flows in the rhythm of the hunt. Greatfang breathes primal aggression into the world. Steel is sharpened, muscles tensed, and the roar of survival echoes through the jungle. This is the day of uncompromising action.
Forger's Day: The forge's hot breath shrouds the sky. Forge Father's hammer beats the rhythm of creation. The craftsman's sweat transforms raw metal into destiny. This is the day of glorious labor, where material is refined into art.
Chillday: The world sinks into frost's silence. Under All-Winter's cold rule, everything stops, reaching the cycle's end point. This is the moment of rest, where people retreat to warmth, contemplate darkness and prepare energy for returning light.
Theo acknowledged Vesper's order. Sol's Day morning was the first day of the week, carrying the highest energy. Clearly Vesper was ready to begin the official training phase for two recruits. He immediately felt alert, forgetting the long journey's fatigue.
But right then, a jet of icy water suddenly shot straight at his and Liam's faces. Rowan laughed mischievously, the woman's hands still had water rings swirling around—a playful minor spell.
After teasing Liam and Theo, she waved goodbye while gliding toward Finn, using her elbow to nudge him lightly:
"Hey Finn. Are you sure you won't cook more of that cream chicken soup? I wouldn't mind another bowl at lunch."
Rowan spoke while hugging Sable's arm tightly.
Finn stroked his chin thoughtfully:
"I need to figure out his formula. It's truly a strange combination."
He began checking the provisions bag, worried about having to return to dried meat rations.
Rowan, Finn and Sable all headed toward the provisions warehouse. Though being pulled along, Sable still turned to glance at Theo and Liam one last time, as if evaluating the two new members once more.
Liam, after being shot with water by Rowan and becoming more alert, quickly found Ronan. He bowed seriously in thanks:
"Thank you, sir, I learned so much!"
Ronan only nodded slightly, saying no excess words. He removed the spear from his shoulder, checked the spear tip then walked straight toward Oakhaven market.
Ryel was completely silent, not interacting with anyone. He neatly stowed bowstring and arrows, then quickly melted into the shadows of nearby houses.
The two giants Boris and Torvin nodded greetings to Theo and Liam, movements synchronized as always. They walked toward the tavern, rubbing their bellies as they went—clearly the light breakfast was somewhat lacking. (Theo silently recorded this in the database.)
Vesper didn't wait for anyone. Right after giving orders, he turned heel and proceeded straight to the command quarters. The mission had ended; now was time to prepare new missions.
Only Theo and Liam remained standing in the clearing, becoming the center of the space that had just been noisy.
Liam used his shoulder to gently push Theo, breaking the silence. He asked:
"What's next?"
Theo slowly wiped his face dry with his handkerchief, the calm action contrasting with the bustle just ended. He answered:
"Go retrieve Shadow and Swift."
He explained further:
"Yesterday we left both Striders at the inn. Need to check their condition once at the mount care area, then... return to base."
Theo and Liam crossed the muddy backyard of the main inn then proceeded toward the stables.
The stables were a long, low and sturdy structure, built from dark oak wood with a thatched and gravel roof. It wasn't glamorous at all but exuded a neatness and cleanliness surprising for a small town facility.
The air inside carried a characteristic mixed scent: the warmth of freshly replaced dry straw, the smell of leather and animal oil mixed with the light musk of riding beasts. Though it housed horses, donkeys and even tall Striders, the packed earth floor was still thoroughly swept, with no mud or scattered waste.
Light from simple oil lanterns hanging along the walkway cast shadows on wooden horse stalls. This area was divided in two: one side was stalls for horses, and one side had narrow yards with high barriers to contain energetic Striders, ensuring they didn't damage equipment or quarrel with other riding beasts.
This was clearly a place managed by people who valued professionalism—exactly as Vesper calculated when choosing this place to entrust their transportation.