"But you're a grandmaster. How are we supposed the defeat you?" Elke complained, picking his katana.
"We can't that's it." Major sighed, also grabbing his sword.
"Now – now, don't be discouraged." Maple assured them. "You'll get to my level…eventually."
"If we survive that is." Frank held his katana.
Maple sighed and sat them down. After the team was sitting, she crossed her arms and asked in a calm tone.
"What's the definition of an attribute?"
"An attribute is a chaos incarnates, special ability which is gifted to them by the gods." Major answered her.
"Good. Now, how do they decide our attributes?"
"It's based on our personality or something similar." Saul spoke.
"But…what are the gaps in that kind of reasoning?"
Major pointed at Frank. "Prime example, right here. His attribute is invisibility meaning he's supposed to be a like hyper-observant and introverted but he's just…honest. It doesn't even match."
"Again, good." Maple clapped. "You all know the strengths and weaknesses of this reasoning but this is the only probable understanding we have of attributes."
They all nodded. Maple acknowledged them and contemplated.
'I've gauged their mastery and knowledge…I'll need to bring Frank and Elke up to retainer level and teach them teamwork…'
Then, she felt something amiss.
"Wait…who's your team captain?"
The group of new enforcers stared at her with confused. Then, it snapped. Major's lips parted as he said in an apologetic tone.
"Sorry, instructor…We kind of forgot about that."
"Forgot? Eh…it's okay." Maple raised a brow. "Why don't you be the captain?"
"Huh? M-me?" Major shuddered. "I don't think I'm capable, Ms."
"I think you're capable. Your attribute allows to make decisions and absorb information faster which is very powerful on the battlefield. Don't you all agree?"
Maple looked at the rest. Major turned around, waiting to see their reaction.
"I think he'll do good." Elke acknowledged.
"Me too!" Jasper shouted.
"Same." Saul and Frank nodded.
Maple looked back at Major. "See? They all agree."
"…Sure. I'll be the captain." Major accepted his fate.
"Great! Now, that you have a captain. Your teamwork will be a little better." Maple said. "Frank and Elke will be training under me and…The rest…I'll figure something out for you."
"Yes, ma'am." The saluted her.
'Now, what will I do the rest?'
Maple contemplated, lowering her head.
'Their retainer but need teamwork. Once, Frank and Elke are on that level. They can truly begin working as a team…'
After a few minutes, a light bulb went off in her head. She instantly rushed over towards her tent while the new team was confused.
***
Kay and Amelia were watching Harvey train enforcers. He separated them into groups and made them fight each other, being careful that no one got hurt. Sometimes, he would do one-on-one matches with those who need a bit of improvement. Suddenly, Kay was tapped on the shoulder. He turned around confused but saw Maple.
"Yes?" Kay blurted out.
"Hey, I kind of need you for something. Care to help." Maple asked in a polite tone.
"Um…Okay? I guess?" Kay replied.
"Great! Follow me." Maple rushed back to her trainees.
Kay quietly followed her. After a few seconds, they reached her training ground. He saw five enforcers sitting on the grassy plane of the savanna. Maple drew a sharp breath and spoke.
"So, this is Kay. He will train Major, Saul and Jasper."
"Wait, me? What should I teach them?" Kay blurted.
"You just need to teach them team work."
"Oh."
Major, Saul and Jasper stood up and approached Kay. Frank and Elke went with Maple to somewhere else. Kay looked at each of the officers and sighed.
'Man…Teamwork…Alright, let's do this my way.'
His mouth opened as he said in a neutral tone.
"What do you think teamwork is?"
"Uh…" Major had no reply.
"Is it…like working together like a team?"
Kay frowned. "You studied at Stratos. Yet, you don't know what teamwork is?"
"Well…" Jasper tried to speak up.
"Ah – ah. I don't want to hear it. It's just going to be another guess." Kay took a deep breath.
"Teamwork…think of it like a game."
The trio leaned in closer, intrigued by the mention of games.
"Each of you has a role in the game. One is the leader, another is the healer, another is the primary shooter and so on but in this scenario you're all primary damage dealers and supporters. Now, tell me how would that kind of team be?"
"Utterly useless." Frank said with full honesty.
"In a game setting – yes but you're not in a game. You're fighting a real life or death battle with almost no room for error. You're all attackers and supporters."
"Why do we have two roles?" Major inquired.
"Simple, you're to try and kill a beast but also support your fellow teammates when they're in danger. Your job is hold off the beast until the chaos fragment loses enough energy that our magician can seal it."
"So…we have to help our teammates when they're in danger and also kill chaos beasts." Jasper itched his head.
"Yes, the main goal is survival. We already lose two units per year and it's not about killing the beasts. They'll die after the fragment is sealed."
"I think I'm starting to understand…" Major rubbed his chin.
"Now, that you understand this. Let's get to training. You need to stick close to each other. Follow what the leader says to do but most of all – Just try to live."
"Yes, sir!" The trio shouted as they unsheathed their blades.
Kay smirked, slowly unsheathing his katana. 'Let's not go too hard on them…'