Humans Don't Make Good Familiars- Part 87

Jake’s POV

“Are you saying that in order for one of us to be chosen for the Wyvern Brigade, every one of us has to pass this portion of the exam?”

“That is exactly what I am saying recruit. In real situation your teams success or failure can be entirely determined by a single member of that team. If one Neame fails, you all fail.” The Major explained.

“Fantastic,” I mumbled. Through our private connection, I could faintly sense Suma’s feelings as well. It caught me off guard for a second as it isn’t normal for me to be able to do that. Usually, it only happens when she is feeling something strongly; like when we were attacked in the alley, and she was afraid. This time she felt… annoyed, or maybe nervous; possibly both.

“Your mission is to defend your position against an attacking team. The winner of this exercise will decide which teams moves on to the third section, and which is dismissed immediately.” The Major explained.

Oh, so it’s like capture the flag. I though to myself.

“How will victory or defeat be decided?” The other Neame whose name, assuming he had one I guess, I didn’t know, asked. The Major then used magic to lift a large silver metal sheet, with several teal-colored symbols in the center, into the air and place it onto a rusty pole.

“With this. If the enemy succeeds in destroying or taking this crest, then you lose. However, if you are able to withstand their attacks and defend the crest, or you attack and destroy their crest, then you win.” The Major explained. Then, two Neame flew to the Major’s side, both using mana wrapping to carry a huge hourglass, and placed it by the Major. “You will have until the last grain of sand falls from the top to the bottom of this device.”

It’s literally capture the flag!I thought surprised.

“You will not have long to think of a strategy before this section begins, get to it.” He finished. With that, the other and I gathered together.

“In order to form a proper strategy, we will need to know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.” The new Neame said.

“I’m sorry, what’s your name?” I asked.

“I do not possess one, but my cadet number is two.” He replied.

“Jake, please do not do it.” Suma begged over our private connection.

“I-I wasn’t going to,” I stuttered.

“It will be good to work with you again Sir Lauric,” Two said.

“And you as well.” He replied kindly.

“You know each other?” I asked.

“Yes, we were on the same team during the climb up Dragon’s Hoard.” Two said.

Suma interrupted to get us back on track, “I specialize in Bonding Magic and Healing Magic, and my weakest form is Soul-Magic.”

“I specialize in only Nature-Magic, but I can use all the types exceptionally well. As for weaknesses, I am rather untalented in any aspect of Soul-Magic as well.” Lauric stated.

“I’m a Chaos Mage… I guess I’m pretty good at attack spells, but I’m still kinda slow to use them. I’m way better with my weapons though.” I said.

“I’m a Soul-Magic user, specifically I specialize in Illusion-Magic and Emotion Magic, my weakness is Energy-Magic. I’m afraid I can’t even form a single fire spell.” Two explained.

“Yes, I remember you mentioned that, like me, you prefer to fight with your own specialty than any standard attack spells.” Lauric mentioned.

“So, how do we use this to our advantage?” I wondered. “We need a plan that puts everyone where they will be most useful.”

“Yes, you are correct.” Two acknowledged. “Lauric, of the three of us, you are the most versatile and-“

“Four,” I corrected flatly, one eyebrow raised, but he wouldn’t know what that meant so it was pretty pointless in hindsight.

“…Yes, four of us. You are the most versatile and best suited to defend the crest. I think you should stay close to it, while the rest of us attack or intercept the other team.” Two said.

“You might be correct, but I’m not sure I can defend the crest alone, even with Loyalty by my side.” Lauric stated.

“What if Suma or Two stayed behind, and the other one and I attacked?” I suggested.

“But Jake…” Suma started, but I stopped her.

“I know, but we need to win. I don’t like splitting up any more than you, but you're not an attack mage, you’d be better off staying here with Lauric while Two and I tried to destroy the flag.” I told her.

“It might work.” Two said. Suma seemed to dislike the plan, but agreed.

“Fine,” she said.

“It’s our best solution.” Lauric agreed. “But please leave the close-range fighting to me Madam Suma.” She nodded her head.

“All right recruits, time’s up.” We heard the Major yell from a distance. “This section begins.. now!”

“Well then Sir Sentinel, let us be off.” Two said and flew to my armor’s perch on my shoulder.