Way of the Knights

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"Alright, since we're all here it's safe to assume that everyone had rested well." Jason said to the rest of his teammates after seeing that they are all gathered. 

The team collectively responded. Compared to what they look like before they camped, their complexions appeared much better. 

Raven's formation did a wonderful job of keeping them safe and secure. Although there where times where sightings of devils occurred throughout the rest, none of the little buggers discovered this spot. They came very close, but the misdirection runes lured them away, letting everyone remain peaceful and well rested. 

The team rested for ten hours before they all eventually tidied up their belongings as well as sleeping bags and tents. Now that everyone had their proper rest, its time to resume the hunt in order to accumulate more merit points. 

"Let's go with the same formation as before since it was working well for us. I talked to some of you before and decided that it would be best for us to follow the direction back to the sect. According to Senior Brother, thus hunt will only go on for two days, it think this is the smartest and safest move for us."

"I don't know how many Devils we'll come across with but in order to make the most out of this hunt, I have a suggestion." Jason paused for a bit before saying: "My idea, is to have each of us confront a devil in a one on one."

The whole team was silent upon hearing this, some looked at each other but none said anything, they want to hear Jason's reason behind this suggestion. 

"I could say that I'm doing this with the best interest of the team in mind but that would be a lie. Its a selfish reason actually." Jason smiled wryly, "So far, we managed to take down the Imps with teamwork. That is good and that's probably the best way to solve the problem. Still, I was thinking if we'll always be together whenever we hunt."

"What I mean is that, what if a time comes when only a few of us could go? What if a time comes when one of us has to hunt alone due to a mission or whatever. What if that happens to me? Will I survive or what?"

"In the end, I just want to see the difference between me and an Imp. If there is a gap in strength, I want to know how big it is so that I can work with it as soon as we return, just in case the scenarios I mentioned earlier does happen."

Jason then looked at each of them and chuckled: "Anyway, that's basically the reason why I suggested this. I won't mind if you guys don't want to and decide to keep doing what we've doing so far. Anyways, let's vote. Those who are in favor of my suggestion, please raise your hand."

"Voting is completely unnecessary." An aggressive voice was suddenly heard before some could even raise their hand. The source was none other than Madman Floyd who had a bland expression. 

"Baldy made a good point, but voting is completely unnecessary. Each of us will have a one on one with a Devil and that needs to happen whether any of likes it or not. We already know what they can do so there's no excuses."

"I don't plan on staying as an Outer Disciples for long. If I could advance using my own efforts then I won't waste time talking to you people. Unfortunately, that's not how I works. I'm stuck with you people, hence I need to know who will hold me back so that I can cut them down, no devils required."

Floyd's words caused a varying reactions from his teammates but most of them inwardly thought about it and discretely agreed with him. 

"I support his opinion." This time, it was Ryan who spoke. If Raven's memory serves him right, this is the first time that this guy raised his voice to speak to them. 

"Although his words were crass, rude and arrogant…" Ryan stated causing Floyd to snicker, "There's weight behind them. Although we are a team, there are still elements of individual performances. We have to see who is falling behind so that we can work on them and raise the overall performance of our team. I also don't want to remain as an Outer Disciple for long."

Ryan's words were more acceptable for them and because three people already gave their inputs, then it was already decided. 

"Alright, it's decided then." Jason wore a relieved smile on his face and continued: "So aside from re-tracing our way back to Tartarus, we also have to fight at least 11 devils. Let's decide on who's going to fight first."

"Wait! Aren't there twelve of us? Why did you say at least 11?" Juniper asked in a confused tone. 

"Oh, I don't think Raven has to go through this." Jason replied, "I mean, surely you haven't forgotten our first encounter right? That guy face a devil alone and came out unscathed, much to someone's disappointment." 

Mira knew Jason was referring to her, causing her to click her tongue in displeasure. 

"He's right." Edward added, "Additionally, we all witnessed how he buried an Imp who entered Berserk Mode in a single punch right? That's already a good proof that he could solo an Imp. He doesn't have to participate in this if he doesn't want to."

"Oh shit, you guys are right. How the hell did I forget all of that?" Juniper chuckled and didn't pursue the matter anymore. "Wait, what's Berserk Mode?"

"That's what I call it when Imp's activate their realm surpassing trump card." Edward replied. 

"Ah I see. Berserk Mode, huh? I like that term."

"I'll watch your back don't worry." Raven smiled and stated, "Also, if you see me stepping in don't be mad. I pretty keen to danger. If I did that, then that means that your situation is dire. Just letting you guys know in advance."

All of them nodded to his words, shortly after that the rest of them team decided the chronological order of who's going to fight. After determining that, the team made final preparations, gathered into formation and went on their journey back to the sect after having Raven deactivate the formation. 

***

The journey back was surprisingly filled with action.

Not even ten minutes after they moved, the scouts already spotted several Imps running towards them. 

The team face four Imps, and according to the order of fighters it was Jason, Floyd, Ryan and Anthony who faced them.

The results were positive. Each of them managed to defeat their enemies without much difficulty. The ease of their battle was displayed to everyone which means that they won't probably have much trouble dealing with more than one Imp on their own. 

The team moved on and ten minutes later, they were once again raided by more Imps. Five of them this time. It was then confronted by Franklin, Nelson, Michelle and the Twins. Their results weren't so bad, not as spectacular as the first batch but only a notch lower. 

Edward and Juniper got their turn five minutes later, and just like everyone predicted, Juniper indeed has a lot of work to do. Edward's performance wasn't bad, he's pretty much on the same level as the rest of the team. 

Juniper on the other hand…showed an amateurish performance. 

Everyone could tell that he was going all out against as single Imp, even if he did manage to defeat it in the end, he was pretty much out of commission after a single battle. A result like that, in a place like this, is not a good sign for their team. Not at all. 

Still, no one demeaned him for this, at least not yet anyway. But Juniper was painfully aware of his misgivings. He knew that he had a lot of catching up to do, but all he wanted was a chance. He was determined to not be a burden to them and he's willing to work hard, all he needed was a chance. 

Unfortunately, no one was paying attention to him. He could tell that they were already considering them as a burden inside their minds and that really dampened his mood. 

It was then that he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He looked to his side only to find Raven walking beside him. He didn't open his mouth, instead he sent a voice transmission. 

'You aren't weak, you're just extremely inexperienced.' His words caused Juniper to widen his eyes, 'Everyone can tell buddy, trust me. However, there's an easy fix for that. There's a lot of opportunities to fight within the sect so long as you're willing to learn. Don't feel so down. If you don't want to be a burden then be better. Observe how they fight. Think and adapt, that's the key.'

Raven's encouraging words caused Juniper to feel better. As he was about to send his thanks, Henry appeared before the team and said:

"Alright guys, I'm afraid that your little excursion has to stop early. We have to go, NOW!!"

*Swoosh!*

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