Jared didn't look very similar to James, apart from their hair colour: black, as well as their age, both probably around nineteen. It seemed like they couldn't be further from brothers. Jared had a thin face, a long nose, and a slim body, while James had a strong, developed face with a short nose and a built body.
"We had different fathers," James said, knowing what Ryan was thinking.
"Alright, you four! Back here!" Shouted Sir Clifford.
The four trainees waddled over.
"Now that I've seen how terrible you are, Ryan, it's time to start training for real," said Sir Clifford.
That training we had 5 minutes ago was not 'for real'?" Ryan nearly wept.
"We'll start with your stances! I want all of you to get into your, 'Long Fang' stances."
Eleanor, Jared, and James quickly went into their Long Fang stances while Ryan clumsily tried to copy them.
"Perfect! All of you except… Ryan." The balding knight walked over to Ryan, and controlled Ryan's body like a puppeteer, "Keep the wooden long sword pointed straight, knee bent further, and at least have the proper grip!"
Ryan made an attempt to improve his stance, but all he received in return was further berating.
"Keep the long sword steady!"
"Raise your arms higher!" Shouted Sir Clifford, spit flying out of his mouth.
"I have a small penis!"
Ryan made up that last quote.
—————
At last, the large clock on the training hall's back wall, marked 14:00, signifying the end of today's training session.
"Ryan, if you aren't in the training hall by 7:00 tomorrow morning, you will not be leaving at 14:00, you will receive a personal session that lasts until 17:00!
I think this lesson was already personal enough…
Ryan wasn't even able to respond to Sir Clifford's torrent of words; he was just too tired.
Sir Clifford walked off, seemingly quite happy with his own performance, leaving Ryan standing but about to collapse.
I'm so tired that I'm barely able to think.
James, who stood right in front of him, had to snap his fingers to gain Ryan's attention.
"HEY! Great, you zoned out for a minute, come with me, and I'll bring you to the mess hall.
"Mhrm," was all that Ryan could squeak out, slowly trailing after James.
By the time they reached the food hall, Ryan was half unconscious; thankfully, Toris who was already eating, hopped up to help and rushed over to Ryan.
"Rejuvenis," said Toris, who touched Ryan's shoulder.
Ryan felt a warmth course through him from the spot that Toris touched.
"Thank you, Toris."
"My pleasure, but why didn't Clifford use this spell on you? He is an Acolyte mage as well as a knight."
"That fu-"
"Careful what you say about higher-ranking soldiers, Ryan; although you will be excused due to your status, you don't want to make an unnecessary enemy."
"It seems that I already have, and I'm not even sure why." Replied Ryan.
Toris sighed, "It's probably because every other hero that has come to this world has been a psycopathic bastard: like the eldest elf hero, who has murdered countless humans, including many of Sir Clifford's family who used to live in this area. So he doesn't have a great opinion of you right now, on top of already being a tough trainer to normal trainees."
"Every other hero? Do you mean… Ryan is a—he's a hero?" James said, barely able to contain his excitement.
"It seems the news hasn't spread around the hideout, yet. Yes, Ryan is the first human hero." Toris said, casually.
"It's an honour to be with you, Ryan; you will be the turning point in this war!" Said James, bowing his head awkwardly.
A few other soldiers in the room began to stare at the weirdos who had just entered the food hall.
"Enough of that, it's time to eat," said Toris, realising that Ryan just wanted to have some lunch in peace.
As Toris, James, and Ryan entered the heart of the food hall, the comforting aroma of cooked meals enveloped them, offering a brief respite from the day's trials. The hall itself, though plain in its construction with rocky walls like the rest of the fortress, was bustling with activity. Toris led Ryan to a vacant table in the dead centre, where they claimed some chairs.
The food hall was alive with the sounds of clinking cutlery and lively chatter, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Toris wasted no time in filling his plate, for the second time, with an assortment of dishes, while Ryan followed his choices.
Huh, the food looks pretty similar to Earth's,
Ryan observed.
As they began to eat, James joined them at the table, his own tray laden with food. He greeted Ryan with a smile, even friendlier than before.
An awkward silence over took the table as Ryan scoffed down tonnes of food, and James simply watched him eat.
Mhmm, this world isn't so bad if I get to eat this every day.
Suddenly, James, who had many pent up questions, started asking things like it was a quick-fire interview: "So how did you become a hero? Oh, and what were the divine like? What was your last life like, whe-"
"That's enough questions, James; Ryan has enough to worry about, being in a new world and all." Interrupted Toris.
Toris glanced at Ryan with concern, noting the fatigue etched on his face. "You look like you could use another rejuvenis," he suggested, reaching out to touch Ryan's shoulder.
"No, I'm all good," physically... I meanhow the hell do you two expect ME to fight a psychopathic elven hero who has been on this world, most likely, far longer than I have. Ryan pondered.
"Good." Said Toris monotonously.