Note: Coming back to the story, I keep forgetting that I have to update it as much as my other ones. However, by remembering, I am able to get a chapter out of the way by the end of the month. And it's support from those who like the story that I am able to continue on. Before we move on, I have something to say to three reviewers.

The White Wolf named Alex: Thanks for the reviews. I hope that you are ready for what comes next.

hechtmanelijah6: Well, I couldn't keep Bairei in the hospital forever. After all, he is still a crucial member of the team, and having only six people defeats the purpose of it being named the Seven Heroes. Now that they're back together, the team can prepare for whatever new threat comes their way. Stay tuned for what happens next.

Ron: I'm glad that you're looking forward to the next chapter. It's enthusiasm like that that helps me continue on with stories like this. I hope that you're ready for it.

Now that I've said that, it's time for chapter eighteen.

Chapter 18: Schaefer's Training

On a clear afternoon, the Seven Heroes were at a local gym, training in martial arts and agility. The team had yet to receive any of the magic scrolls that Chu-Ya had in storage, but they chose to continue testing their physical capabilities. Izumi was watching over them, recording their progress and the exercises that they did for the day. No one could use their weapons, as the gym's owners told them that they were prohibited from bringing them into the building. Despite that, they felt a little underwhelmed, knowing that there would be situations where enemies would have weapons when they wouldn't. The Seven Heroes didn't complain about it, seeing as they couldn't rely on their weapons forever.

Bairei was doing pull-ups, wanting to get some exercise after being healed on accident by the magician he had fought. Ryuta and Mayumi took turns doing push-ups and sit-ups, wanting to go up to a thousand for each. Chikaga was practicing boxing with one of the gym's instructors, wanting an extra martial art in his skills. Shizuka was running on a treadmill, occasionally getting off to practice on a punching bag. Bentley was lifting weights, wanting to test his strength. He turned out to be able to lift fifteen pounds, although he was disappointed by that.

As they trained, however, the Seven Heroes wondered where Schaefer was. The sheepdog had not joined them in the gym. With that in mind, the team hoped that he would tell them where he was going. He didn't, which worried them. It wasn't like the canine to simply do something without telling his allies where he was going to go, as he always let them knew ahead of time. Something about this was different, and it made the Seven Heroes want to quit training and look for their teammate.

While Bairei was going to do some sensory-deprived training, Bentley put the dumbbells back and decided to speak to Izumi. The pig was talking to Shizuka, who had ceased training. He had a cup of water on hand, presumably for the aardvark to drink. Deciding to wait for his turn, Bentley sat on a bench. Once Shizuka had finished drinking out of the cup Izumi gave to her, she went to continue on with her training. Seeing his opportunity, Bentley got up and walked over to the boar, wanting to say what was on his mind.

"Excuse me," Bentley spoke, "Mr. Izumi, do you have a minute?"

"What is it, Bentley?" Izumi asked.

"Where's Schaefer at?" The raccoon asked. "He was going to train with us, wasn't he?"

"Oh," the pig said, "he's doing some personal training! According to him, it's something that's more dangerous than the training the rest of you are doing!"

"How dangerous?" The little boy asked.

"Imagine training to run through a war zone and make it through despite the amount of fatal damage that you could get!" The grownup said. "Schaefer's not only training to improve his endurance to that level, but also improving his strength so that he can take on Kazuma Araki!"

"I hope that Schaefer's training is enough to take down that monster!"

"To tell you the truth, Bentley, no one has really been able to take down Araki! If Arthur manages to defeat him, it would be a surprise! Now, head back to your team! Chances are, you're sensory-deprivation training is next!"

Bowing his head, Bentley signaled that he would head back to train. Once the boy was gone, Izumi was alone again. It would've been a while before the scrolls Chu-Ya had in storage were delivered to the Evergreen Forest, so the Seven Heroes had yet to practice the magic that was on them. Whenever his brothers came back, Izumi hoped to speak to them, wanting to take his mind off the team. Things were getting more serious by the day, and it was only a matter of time before a new mission came up.

In the middle of the Evergreen Forest, Schaefer was training near the river. He had brought his claw with him, intent on doing some exercises with it. Prior to that, the sheepdog was practicing on a punching bag, testing his punches and kicks. When he got that out of the way, the canine had told the Pigs that he wouldn't be at the gym with his teammates, needing to do some special training. The three agreed to tell the others, with both Nozomi and Daisuke agreeing to go back to Japan in order to gather the scrolls the Seven Heroes would need. Chu-Ya was going to Japan as well, needing some time to himself before something happened.

Now that he was alone, Schaefer had decided to do a few laps around the river, wanting to test his speed and stamina. Once he had gotten done with those, the sheepdog decided to do some push-ups and sit-ups, testing his flexibility. As there was nothing he could left, he was at a loss on how to test his strength. However, the canine found a big rock near the river. Picking it up, he decided to smash it over his knee, hoping that it would work. However, while it broke the rock, this caused Schaefer to skin his knee, bruising it as well.

Taking out his first aid kit, Schaefer put a bandage on his knee, having cleaned the wound prior. The sheepdog went back to training, intent on accomplishing something during his time out in the woods. He didn't have much else to do, given how the Evergreen Forest had limited him in terms of training opportunities. Knowing that the Seven Heroes would encounter Araki again, the canine hoped that his teammates were training as well. It was only a matter of time before the wolf killed someone else, so the team had to have enough training to take him on. But, even then, there was a chance that he could have trained as well.

Schaefer decided to walk down to the gym. Given how his teammates were already there, the sheepdog figured that he would join them. Before then, he hoped to simply meet them back at the location they were at for the time being, as he had promised. However, due to recent events, the canine had decided to do his private training. Knowing that the Seven Heroes would eventually encounter Araki again, this meant that everyone had to train extra hard. Schaefer only hoped that the others were doing so at the gym, as it was only a matter of time before something happened.

Walking on the path that led to the gym, Schaefer kept an open eye on his surroundings. For all he knew, the Serpent Gang could've had ninjas or wizards spying on the Evergreen Forest, so he figured that he couldn't be too careful. If someone attacked him, the sheepdog would have to defend himself. He was somewhat sore from training, but it wasn't enough to keep him down. What would put him down would be if he got several broken bones and pulled muscles during a fight. The canine didn't want that to happen, given how his attackers would deliver the killing blow to him.

After a few minutes walking on the path, with the occasional stop, Schaefer saw the gym plain as day. Smiling to himself, he got ready to head to the entrance. The moment the sheepdog opened the door, he would speak to his teammates and see how they were doing. If possible, the canine would have them train with him, having training methods that he could teach them. He would let up if they were unable to keep training, understanding that they had limits. Nevertheless, Schaefer would have been happy to have them practice with him.

Before Schaefer could enter the gym, he found himself being thrown to the side. Such a thing surprised him, given how he didn't know anyone who could do that. The sheepdog's mind cycled, trying to figure out who attacked him. A large silhouette appeared near him, which made him conclude that it was someone larger than he was. The canine looked up, only to see a familiar pair of eyes glaring down at him.

"I found you, Arthur Schaefer."

Note: Who could be the person who attacked Schaefer? What do they want from him? Could they be friend or foe? Will the other members of the Seven Heroes help Schaefer, or will he be alone? Find out on the next Legend of the Seven Heroes!

Until next time, guys, this is Newcomer24, signing off. Peace!