Valebright: The arcane batalion

Chapter6

Three weeks had passed since the League first spotted Asterian riders on the horizon. The training grounds had become a relentless cycle of sweat, steel, and bruises. Dawn drills bled into midday sparring, which dragged into evening endurance runs. Every muscle in Astra’s body ached with a familiar, almost comforting soreness. She had grown stronger, faster, and far more stubborn than when she first arrived.

She stood near the edge of the training yard, arms raised as she stretched the tension from her shoulders. The late afternoon sun beat down on the packed dirt. Across the field, Sergeant Gray was dismantling another pair of recruits with terrifying efficiency.

A sharp whistle cut through the air.

“New blood!” a corporal shouted from the main gate. “Line up!”

The yard paused. A column of twenty fresh recruits marched in, young and painfully green in their crisp uniforms. At the very back walked a young woman who immediately stood out. She was about Astra’s age, shorter and slender, with vibrant green hair the color of fresh spring leaves braided neatly down her back and tied with a simple leather cord. She carried only a light satchel and a wooden staff topped with a small, glowing green crystal. A soft, gentle smile rested on her lips, though her eyes often drifted shyly downward.

“Whew, that one’s quite pretty,” Tomas commented, suddenly beside Astra.

Miera shot him a glare while testing the edge of her dagger. “Shut up, Tomas. You don’t want Sergeant Gray tossing you across the yard again.”

Tomas shivered. “Please don’t remind me.” Still, his gaze lingered. “But seriously… she really is pretty.”

Miera’s voice turned dangerously calm. “Beauty is a useful distraction—if you’re the type who gets distracted easily.” She sheathed her dagger with a sharp snap and walked off.

Tomas blinked. “What’s wrong with her?” he asked Astra.

Astra shrugged innocently. “Beats me.”

Sergeant Gray stepped forward, arms crossed, scarred face impassive.

“Recruits!” he barked. “You are now part of the League’s 7th Auxiliary. That means you bleed for us, you sweat for us, and if necessary, you die for us. But first, you will learn to survive. Fall in!”

The new arrivals scrambled into line. The green-haired healer moved gracefully to the end, head slightly lowered, cheeks faintly pink.

Gray’s gaze swept over them like a blade. When it landed on her, he raised an eyebrow.

“Name and role,” he growled.

The young woman gave a small, respectful bow, her soft melodic voice carrying across the sudden quiet. “I-Ivy, sir,” she said gently, almost whispering at first before finding a little more strength. “Healer… third circle of the Verdant Order. I was assigned to support the 7th Auxiliary.”

Whispers rippled through the veterans. “Verdant Order?” “What’s someone like her doing out here?”

Gray towered over the slight healer. “Healers don’t get special treatment here—even from the Verdant Order. You patch them up after I break them. You fall behind, you get left behind. Clear?”

Ivy’s fingers tightened around her staff, but her gentle smile remained warm and sincere despite the tremble in her voice. “Y-yes, Sergeant,” she replied softly, a quiet but heartfelt eagerness slipping through. “I understand. I’ll do everything I can to keep everyone breathing and well. That’s… that’s why I’m here.”

For a split second, approval flickered in Gray’s eyes before his scowl returned. “Training resumes in ten minutes. Veterans, show the new ones where to stow their gear. Dismissed!”

As the recruits dispersed, Astra drifted toward the green-haired healer.

“You’re braver than you look,” Astra said with a small, practical smile. “Most new recruits look ready to bolt the second they see Sergeant Gray.”

Ivy lifted her head. Her gentle smile brightened, though her cheeks flushed deeper pink and she fidgeted lightly with the end of her braid. “I… I’ve seen worse than Sergeant Gray,” she replied softly, voice warm and shy. “Though I admit, he’s very… large.” She noticed the bruises on Astra’s arms and her eyes filled with quiet concern. “Are you alright? You look like you’ve taken quite a few hits today. If you’d like, I could ease some of those bruises. It’s no trouble at all—really.”

Astra hesitated, then shrugged. “I’m Astra. Been here three weeks. Still getting my ribs rearranged regularly.”

“Ivy,” the healer replied with a sincere little nod. “It’s really nice to meet you, Astra. I’d be happy to help however I can.” There was a sweet, almost wistful note in her words, as if offering healing brought her genuine joy.

Astra rolled her shoulder. “Sure. Why not?”

Ivy reached out. Her hands glowed with soft green light, touch feather-light and slightly trembling with shyness. The magic flowed warm and soothing, like a gentle spring breeze. The deep ache in Astra’s shoulder and ribs melted away.

“And… it’s done,” Ivy said with a bright, hopeful smile.

Astra stretched her arms high overhead, then arched her back with a satisfied pop. “Wow… I feel like I could run ten laps. That was incredible. Thank you, Ivy.”

Ivy’s cheeks pinked again, but her eyes sparkled. “I’m glad it helped. Healing is what I’m best at. If you ever need anything else, just tell me. I want to be useful here.”

Astra studied her for a moment. “You’re not like most people who come here. Why join the League if you’re from the Verdant Order? This place is rough.”

Ivy looked down at her staff, tracing the glowing crystal. “The Order helps where they’re told… but I wanted to help where it matters most. The north needs every healer right now.” She smiled gently. “Besides… I believe everyone deserves a chance to come home alive.”

Astra nodded, respect growing. “That’s a good reason. Welcome to the 7th Auxiliary, Ivy. Stick close—I’ll show you the ropes.”

Ivy gave a soft, musical laugh. “Thank you, Astra. I’d like that.”