Chapter 18: OTAC (2)
The training grounds sprawled out ahead of them as Warren led them past the admin building. Rows of packed earth targets dotted the firing lanes – much like the setup at the castle.
An instructor at one of the lanes casually waved his hand, and the earthen targets started bobbing and weaving like they were on strings. Two recruits tried to track the movement, rifles shouldered, but kept missing as their target dipped and rolled. The one on the right even looked ready to blame his weapon. He’d get there eventually.
The far end opened up into a live-fire course. The earthen terrain was shaped into an urban combat setup – buildings, walls, alleys – but in an architectural style unlike the rest of Alexandria. It sported an almost contemporary look. The Istraynians, it seemed, were closer to the modern era than Cole initially thought. A few shots rang out as they walked past.
Warren gestured toward a three-story building overlooking the range: two blocks connected via several open-air passageways. “Our primary training facility.”
The first floor was dedicated to indoor ranges. The doors were buttoned up tight – familiar setup with the colored lights and warning signs. A few Slayers huddled around a planning table near the entrance, probably sorting out their schedule.
The second floor, visible through the stairwell, looked more like admin or educational space with offices, briefing rooms, and classrooms. According to Warren, they’d be seeing a lot more of this area in the coming weeks, learning everything from demon physiology to advanced magic theory.
They exited, cutting across the passageways. The open air revealed more structures to the side, including a fitness center. It had newer construction than the stone facades they’d been seeing – lots of windows and open space. Shit, it honestly wouldn’t look too out of place on a college campus if one ignored the Victorian touches. Cole spotted guys coming in and out of the gym with a mix of uniforms and PT gear, towels slung over shoulders.
Warren led them through a set of double doors into Celdorne’s fanciest gunsmith shop – the castle being exempt from any comparison, of course. Wall racks and workbenches mixed with shit that would have DARPA foaming at the mouth. Cole could barely identify a third of the stuff here, starting with the simple manameters. Too bad the folks at Picatinny would never get their hands on this.
Warren brought them to an older smith breaking down a rifle at one of the benches. Some of the runes glowed faintly under a jeweler’s loupe. Had to wonder what would happen if one of those runes got chipped or started wearing down. Given how these things could bisect a demon, probably nothing good. But then again, given Celdorne’s propensity for procedure, maybe the gun would just be… not as powerful.