Fanfic:The Art of the Hunt/Chapter 5-The Field

J eren stood alone, contemplating his next exercise, even though he knew exactly what it would be. This lone field, in the middle of nowhere, completely devoid of life... He liked to come here for his training now, and today was the day before the pretest. His ability to pass on to the main test depended on him being in top physical condition; he needed to successfully kill a Great Jaggi with five supplied minions, and then gather a Jaggi Frill from each one. Not very easy, but very simple were the instructions. Nevertheless, he knew that if he messed up--was too slow, or too dull--he would be dragged out by fierce felyne comrades paid to haul his unskilled carcass away. So he had to pass this test.

He stretched his legs and arms as he contemplated the beaten trail leading around various trees and obstacles that he had beaten out over the past two years. It wound around and about until it returned to this spot. A perfect running track. He was the only one who used it, at first; but when his friends found out, it became a popular weekend hangout to practice runs, play Predator & Prey, or various other small games of little skill or little rule.

Finally, the boy turned his attention back from memory to the track. He breathed once. Twice. And let it go. Breathing in again, confidence and determination ignited in his mind, and he shot forward like something launched from a bowgun.