A scorching hot sensation permeated Nestor's surroundings. Lined up together with he counted about another fifteen trainees, thus only half of them had come to participate in the first training session.

Nestor was slowly touching the hot sand beneath his feet. To his surprise, the whole inside garden had been changed a little.

Firstly one would immediately notice the exaggerated number of lit torches on the walls and planted on the ground. Especially their light was of a particularly bright shade of green, as they were emanating intense heat.

The main field of grass had become an oval-shaped track made out of the sand. Now the only green areas that remained were the ones near the edges of the garden.

Also, at the center of the track, near the fountain, there was a small squared perimeter made out of stone. It wasn't hard to guess its function, as it would be hosting various demonstrations, fights, or duels.

As they were waiting for the instructor to start his speech, Nestor recollected the happenings of a few hours prior to this.

He had been caught off guard in front of the small fiendish creatures called imps. They were small, not much taller than one meter in height, with dark red skin and fleshy wings they looked exactly like little devils. Coupled with their ugly faces, filled with loose skin and many wrinkles, they had an atrocious smile creeping out anyone that dared to approach them in a stare.

At least he thought, until a few minutes since he had started eating his fill. A bold guy had engaged in a nonsensical discussion with an imp, saying that he requested an 'extra-large beef' and even paid more money for it. However, the beef he received was as big as every other one.

The muscular guy had the guts to keep on arguing until humanoid personnel had come to the rescue.

The same shirtless guy was now standing on Nestor's right, waving his hand at him. Only now did he understand that they had seen each other at Levante's emporium.

The guy was clearly on the strange side, Although, at a first glance, he seemed to be a good person. Thus Nestor politely waved back at him.

'The rude guy from my room isn't here, I guess he's skipping classes already. What an arrogant lad he is, not only you'll be punished by the instructor like this, but you'll also end up losing your room.

A week is too short for me to become a warrior, but for me to become somewhat of a fighter is possible. Of course, that is if the training is as efficient as I think it should.'

Nestor had also taken a peek at the other students lined up with him. For the majority, they were normal humans like him, with their bodies in a regular shape, not very fit but well-nourished.

That looked out of place there were only about a third of the participants.

There were the 'fiery' lady, which he understood to be called Nessa, and her little brother.

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A couple of tall humanoids, spanning over two meters in height, had long pointed ears, blonde hair, and green eyes. Their facial feature was on the beautiful side.

Finally, there was one remaining individual that stood out, he had pale green skin, was bald and his expression was deadly serious.

"I waited a few minutes more since I hoped to find a few latecomers, using them as a good example for punishment. However, that will have to be postponed for the following days, until they show up their faces.

Now, listen well, everyone. I won't be kind to you, I won't be forgiving either so you better start thinking of me as not your friend but your enemy.

My job is not to make your stay here enjoyable, but a thought training session, meant to forge warriors. The very moment you signed that contract, you agreed to become dispensable tools in the hands of the council.

I'll make it so that you won't die a dog's death. But for it to happen you'll have to sacrifice sweat, blood, and tears for the sake of training. Are you ready young cadets?!"

A brief moment of silence clouded the line of people, as only now have they started to take this training more seriously. Cole's speech had dealt them a blow on a psychological level.

Nestor had a faint smile on his lips, this was the turning point he was waiting for. For this was also a journey meant for him to better understand himself, and to overcome hardships through his own willpower.

"YES! WE ARE READY!"

Amongst the silence, Marco's desperate scream held an even more powerful effect. The gym rat was ecstatic about his new training session.

'What a mad lad indeed, however, that is the correct mindset one is meant to have to make this a lot easier. Being optimistic from the start is the right decision, insecurity won't lead you anywhere.'

Even for Captain Cole, this was a first, a faint trace of shock could be seen hidden behind his stoic expression.

"Good that's the spirit. Now I'll explain to you what the first six hours of training will consist of. You'll be running on this sand track here while carrying one of these peculiar backpacks here.

You see, every hour their weight will increase. I'll also be chasing the last cadet, whipping at their backs every so often. Don't worry about injuries, since this fountain right here will slowly heal you.

Ah yes, I want to make it clear so that none will come back at me later asking for justice. There are no other rules, any act of violence is tolerated, and I will only intervene if someone's life is seriously threatened.

Now go! Pick up your back backpacks run!"

The first to react were Nestor, Marco, and Nessa as they sprinted to the heavy bags and started running on the track. The others followed soon after.

'It is way lighter than what I thought, however, if its weight will really increase sixfold I'm not sure how I'll even be able to remain standing on my own two feet.

Also, this is clearly not a race to win the first spot, but a test that targets our endurance. Wasting my stamina right now, only to hold my own against better-trained cadets doesn't make much sense.'

Thus from the leading trio, Nestor quickly gave way to the others behind him, slowing down, trying to find his own pace.

In the following minutes, the lead of the group had become Marco, giving his broad tattoed wings for everyone to see. Following closely behind him were Nessa and the green humanoid.

Hot sand was sent flying around him, as Nestor was now trotting many other humans similar to him, their fat bellies dancing together with the rhythm of the run. Many had already taken off their shirts to be more comfortable, Nestor being among them as his leather jacket wasn't helping in any way.

"AARGH!"

Only a few minutes passed, as the first painful cry echoed through the garden. The 16th trainee was already lagging behind the main group of humans. His body versed the worse conditions amongst the others, as he bordered the edge of obesity.

'For him, a test of endurance is a difficult challenge. I wonder how he'll manage when the backpack will increase in weight. I don't feel like most of us are prepared enough to make it to the six hours mark.

I am quite curious to see how far the instructor will go, with the premise that he can't kill us.'