Rise Of The Hunters - Chapter 12

The barracks where he was to sleep was basically a large open room with beds along both sides. There was no privacy between beds. Xun was not impressed, but was willing to live with it for the moment. He hoped all of this was worth it in the long run. While impressed with the kitchens, how clean everything was, and the fact that nothing was in ruins, he was yet to be impressed enough to definitely want to stay.

“I’ll show you the library and then the training grounds. I’m hoping you’ll share some of your secrets on how to evade the Slavers. If we knew ways to get around them, we wouldn’t have to hide all the time.”

Xun remained quiet as he followed Max out of the barracks. No one was there at the moment, no doubt out doing whatever their jobs were at the moment. He wasn’t so keen on sharing what he knew. It had taken a lot of luck to learn what he knew. He honestly wasn’t sure that what he knew was so great, so he opted to keep his mouth shut for now.

The library was a three-story building with a large double door entrance. Once inside the first set of doors, Xun was surprised to see a second set of doors. Why on earth would they need so many doors? Once he got inside, though, he realized why. Books lined shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. He had seen a book before, and had even been allowed to read a word or two out of it, but books were considered so precious no one could blame them for having so many doors.

Looking around, he was surprised they didn’t have guards patrolling the area. What kept people from taking them?

“You can come here whenever you have free time, to read and study. There is a whole section on vampires and werewolves over there. That’s where you’ll probably see most people. But you can basically find information on just about anything here. This is how we are able to know as much as we do. Unfortunately, learning from a book, and learning from experience are two very different things. I’ve found that what is written in a book may not always be true. Sometimes, there are lies written. I’m not sure if it was written with the intention of misleading us, or if the person who wrote it actually believed the lies.”

Xun couldn’t believe that people were allowed to just come and read whenever they wanted. He was suddenly incredibly grateful that his father had insisted he know how to read. Curiosity burned inside of him, and he itched to start reading.

“Well, let’s head to the training grounds now.” Max didn’t seem to want to waste any time, and Xun followed him, determined to return as soon as possible.

“Over there is the manufacturing building. There shouldn’t be any need for you to go there.”

“What is that? I mean, what does manufacturing mean?”

“Ah, well… Okay, you know how none of the buildings are damaged? That all of the windows are unbroken? Manufacturing is where we make new things when they break.”

Xun nodded in thought. That would also explain how they have such nice clothes and beds that are so soft. Seeing that he was content with that answer, Max continued. As they walked, Xun wondered if by using machines to make their things, the people in this compound had lost the ability to make things with their hands. If they had to leave this place, would they be able to survive?

The training grounds were back closer to the gates. A large building, bigger than any of the others, had a sign marked gym. Xun remembered seeing some of these, and looked forward to seeing one that wasn’t destroyed. The first thing he saw was a multitude of equipment that people were using and moving between. While they walked past them, he saw that everyone who used them had big muscles. Was this how they got them?

“This is were we train for any encounters we might have. You can choose whichever weapon you want and I’ll find someone who can teach you to use it. It wouldn’t hurt for you to put on some muscles too. The guys out on the exercise floor won’t mind showing you how to use the equipment, just be careful you don’t hurt yourself.”

Max was looking at him, as he tried to take it all in. “You’ll need a job…I wander if Trudy is free to test you out…”

It was obvious he was talking to himself, but Xun wondered if he was talking about the same woman who was getting a haircut when they barged in. He wasn’t too thrilled in seeing her again, but didn’t have much of an option as Max turned to leave.

Trudy was in the next building over talking to several people when they found her. Max smiled at her and gave her a big hug. She laughed as he twirled her around, and then when he let her down, she slugged him. Xun jumped back and had turned to run before Max hit the ground. Their laughter made his steps slow, and he turned to see Max being pulled to his feet.

What in the??

“You keep dropping your guard, Max.”

“Maybe I just enjoy your touch!” Max was wearing that wolfish grin again.

“Not happening brother! Get yourself a girlfriend already and leave us poor girls alone.” Despite her words, Trudy seemed very happy.

Xun was looking back and forth between the two of them. Had they lost their minds? Why was he hitting on his sister????

“I have this newcomer,” began Max, but Trudy cut him off.

“I seem to remember him when you stole my haircutter to cut his hair.”

“Ah, good, then I don’t have to explain much. I need you to test him.”

The derision on her face faded into disbelief.

“Surely not the complete test? He’s just a child!”

“He’s survived several Slayer encounters.”

Xun wanted to turn and run again when everyone in the room turned to look at him.