The Order's decision was final.
Neither Barnabas nor Mieczyslaw looked particularly pleased about it.
"You've gotta be kidding me,"
Barnabas muttered, dragging a hand down his face as he looked you over.
"A rookie? Seriously?"
Mieczyslaw stood beside him with his hands buried in the pockets of his jacket, saying nothing at first. His gaze lingered on you for a long moment before he let out a quiet sigh.
"...Could've been worse."
Barnabas snorted.
"How?"
"We could've gotten Voss."
"...Fair point."
An awkward silence settled between the three of you.
Barnabas broke it first.
"So, here's the deal."
He jabbed a thumb in your direction.
"You're our responsibility until the boss says otherwise. That means if you do something stupid, it becomes our problem."
"And don't make it our problem,"
Mieczyslaw added flatly.
Barnabas pointed toward the winding trail leading deeper into the forest.
"You know how to survive out here?"
Before you could answer, he waved a hand dismissively.
"Actually, don't. Judging by the fact you're standing here, I'm gonna guess the answer's no."
Mieczyslaw turned without another word, already starting down the trail.
"C'mon,"
he called over his shoulder.
"We've got a lot to cover."
Barnabas lingered just long enough to flash you a crooked grin.
"Try to keep up, yeah? Mieczyslaw walks like he's got somewhere to be, and he refuses to admit he's slowing down for anyone."
"I can still hear you."
"I know."
Mieczyslaw sighed again, muttering something under his breath that was probably another complaint before continuing on. He wasn't unfriendly—just... resigned. Like mentoring you had been added to a list of responsibilities neither of them had asked for.
Barnabas bumped your shoulder as he walked past.
"Don't take it personally,"
he said.
"We didn't want a trainee."
A beat passed.
"...But we've had worse assignments."
Mieczyslaw glanced back at you, expression unreadable beneath the shadow of his hood.
"Whether you last a week or a year depends on how well you listen."
Barnabas nodded toward him with a smirk.
"And if he tells you to run?"
He chuckled.
"Don't ask questions. Just haul your ass."