As time passed, Vexana and Terrmomix formed a strong bond. The same happened with Marco, who had become an inseparable friend.
One afternoon during training, Marco and Son were sparring with wooden katanas, while Terrmomix, Vexana, Roberta, and the other four students watched from a distance, sitting on the grass, amazed by Marco's skill level.
"Come on, Marco, use your technique. Impress us," Son said while holding his katana.
The test
Marco took his attack stance, gripping the handle tightly and saying:
"Flame Technique: Flame Burst."
From Marco's wooden katana, flames formed around the blade. He swung into the air, sending bursts of fire shooting toward his master. Son dodged the attacks swiftly and dashed toward Marco. Marco managed to avoid some of Son's strikes, but eventually they became too fast. Son appeared behind Marco and struck him with the katana, knocking him to the ground and winning the match.
"You need to watch your back, Marco," Son said while offering his hand to help him up.
Marco grabbed his master's hand and stood up, while Terrmomix and the others applauded the fight.
"That's enough for today. Come on, let's eat!" Son said with a cheerful smile.
Everyone smiled at his enthusiasm and entered the cabin to have lunch.
"Tomorrow, you'll have your first real survival training," Son said as they all ate together.
"And what exactly will we have to do, Master?" Terrmomix asked.
"Since you're still beginners, you'll just have to survive for one day in the large forest," Son explained.
Terrmomix and the other five students listened carefully to what would be their biggest challenge yet.
"You'll start at six in the morning and must survive until six the next day. You'll go in pairs to help each other and increase your chances of survival," Son added.
"The only way to lose… is if you die in the forest," Son joked sarcastically with a small laugh, though he didn't mean it literally.
The six students didn't find the joke very funny, as they knew the forest had real dangers.
"But don't worry. I know you won't die. I know how strong you are. You'll complete the training, and then we'll eat ramen together!" Son said, noticing their concern.
Terrmomix and the others smiled, feeling more confident and less worried.
"Alright, after eating, brush your teeth and go to sleep. You'll need your energy for tomorrow," Son said as he stood and took his plate.
Vexana looked at Terrmomix with fear and worry. Terrmomix looked back at her and smiled.
"Don't worry. You heard the master, nothing will happen to me," Terrmomix said, winking.
Vexana relaxed and smiled at his words.
The next day, ten minutes before six a.m., the six students stood at the entrance of the massive forest.
"Alright, these will be the teams: Marco with Ben, Jonathan with Brandon, and lastly, Terrmomix with César. Teams are set," Son said happily.
Terrmomix and César bumped fists, ready for the challenge.
Before the training began, Vexana walked up to Terrmomix, adjusted his clothes, and hugged him tightly.
"When you come back, I'll cook something delicious for you," Vexana said confidently, believing in Terrmomix's promise to return.
"Thank you. Then I'll come back happy," Terrmomix said.
He returned the hug, and after a few seconds, they separated and waved goodbye. Terrmomix walked to the others to listen to their master.
"Well, all I can say is good luck. When you return, we'll eat until dawn," Son said with a smile.
The students prepared themselves, and at exactly six, the three teams ran in different directions into the forest to begin their survival challenge.
"So, what's the plan, Terrmomix?" César asked.
"First, let's find a place to spend the night. After that, we'll look for something to eat," Terrmomix replied as the two of them jumped between branches.
Somewhere else in the forest, Marco and Ben were running, searching for a safe spot. Suddenly, a giant wolf appeared before them, but Marco and Ben simply ran past it without stopping. The wolf turned, confused, but before it could react, giant slashes appeared across its body. It collapsed, bleeding heavily, while Marco and Ben continued running as if nothing had happened, their katanas stained with its blood.
Jonathan and Brandon were exploring the forest when they encountered a ten-meter-long snake. Both unsheathed their katanas with serious expressions. The serpent lunged toward them. Brandon jumped up the trees using his feet while Jonathan ran toward the snake's tail. Reaching it, Jonathan swiftly sliced part of it off. The serpent screamed in pain, writhing violently. At that moment, Brandon leaped from the trees, landing on its head and cutting its neck cleanly. Brandon landed softly on the ground as the head fell behind him.
"Let's keep going," Brandon said to Jonathan.
The teams prepared themselves for sunset and nightfall—times when wild animals were most active. They gathered food and resources to safely spend the night, marking the beginning of their greatest challenge so far.