The team stays together. Apparently, Major Heinz had attempted to move Christopher to a team with more oversight but Dunder had fought against it. "Alright, everyone. From today on your training is officially over," they sit together on the dirt floor of the training grounds, legs crossed in a very relaxed atmosphere. "What? You won't be teaching us anymore?"

"No, Chance calm down. I will still be teaching you all. But from now on we won't be staying in this stuffy camp. We leave today, anything you brought with you needs to be gathered."

He taps his foot, "Honestly, today will be quite hectic, we ride to the nearest city by wagon, where we then have to take a train to our first mission. Even I'm not sure where we'll be sent until I receive the envelope." Xiao raises her hand.

"Yes, Xiao."

"What's a train?"

The others snap their heads to look at her.

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"Never overexert yourself. If you do happen to, don't be alarmed if blood starts coming out of several orifices in the face. Doing something like forcing mana into and out of the body extremely quickly could result in bleeding and organ failure. Your body won't be able to handle that amount of shock."

"You don't think that was something important to mention until now???" Chance squeaks. The Wagon jostles at every small pebble, and loud creaks erupt from the wood. "We've been in this damn wagon for so long," Yuto says, eyes gleaming in hostility towards the wagon. Nel coddles his stomach as he leans off of the back of the covered wagon; his face painted a pale green. "If I have to hear one more lesson about mana I might lose it," Nel says. "What we know as of now is generally limited, discovering new elements takes a lifetime of work and plenty of luck. Over the centuries many elemental arts have been lost. The more devout believers are convinced the gods of these elements have abandoned us. Take that as you will."

"So you can discover your own element?" xiao asks, still retaining some curiosity.

"Theoretically. But generally, it's easiest to learn what is already being taught.

But, be as ambitious as you want as long as you don't slack off like chance."

Chance dodges his eyes, looking away while whistling.

"It takes years of training to even produce mana that is not just physical reimbursement. In all honesty, this team's progress has been quite impressive. Still not enough to send you out into the field though."

"Well that's reassuring," Yuto mutters.

The wagon Reaches a city to the north-east before dusk. Reminiscent of Staimnad, only without the sour air of the sea. A scent replaced by a concoction of dirt and perfume. Aristocrats and soldiers weave together through the crowd; Green uniform contrasting tulle skirts. A new scene to only Christopher and Xiao. The other members of the squad weave through effortlessly, Xiao is left feeling like an outcast. The city moves, Horses tread on the compacted earthen road between the buildings; Workers off duty move as though this was their last day off in this lifetime, a fast pace that leaves no room for thought.

Ahead, a line of people blocks the view of a staggering contraption. Black steam shoots from the top, deafening sounds erupt from the front, a sort of signal Xiao cannot understand. The vehicle looked like a large beast to her but she couldn't help being fascinated by it.

The long line shortens gradually. Soldiers saunter to their seats, belted weapons catch on the sides of the seats awkwardly. The team seats themselves in cushioned seats of four. Nel facing Xiao, Chance facing Christopher. Dunder sits separately with Yuto, thoroughly keeping an eye on the troublemaker. The train begins to move, at first it's loud and jarring, but after a while the movement becomes soothing and Xiao begins to drift off. Jolting awake in the night, she sees Nel still awake. He looks up from a book about military tactics, Xiao thinks it's an odd choice for Nel. He smiles at her, Xiao reddens, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

She clears her throat, and in a deep voice she says, "I'm sorry." He shuts his book, "for what?" he says puzzled. "I misunderstood you," she stutters, realizing the gravity of her thoughts, "I think I really misunderstood you, I'm sorry."

"Xiao, you don't have to worry about it."

Xiao thought about how she had been a mirror to the people who looked down upon her in Bailekwam. A continuation of the virus that was judgment. "I thought you were a spoiled brat and that you were stupid."

"Ok, ok, ok, I get it. You don't have to spell it out."

She fidgets anxiously, unused to speaking vulnerably.

"Are you going to sleep?"

Xiao continues with these awkward chats until she gets exhausted enough to ignore the jolting of the train tracks. Nel stays awake, unable to sleep.