The boys entered the changing room, its walls lined with lockers and benches, the air filled with the faint scent of new fabric and the lingering tension of anticipation. Each locker had been assigned to them individually, and as they opened them, they found their training clothes neatly folded inside: white sport shirts and shorts, accented with purple and gold highlights. The unique highlight color specific to their gifts added a personal touch to each set.
Haru pulled out his set and immediately noticed the grey streaks on the sleeves and sides of the shorts, representing his connection to wind. He smiled slightly, appreciating the thoughtfulness behind the design. Nearby, Luis was examining his own outfit, which had vibrant orange accents running down the sides, symbolizing his explosive abilities.
“Looks like they really put some thought into these,” Haru commented as he started changing.
“Yeah,” Luis agreed, holding up his shirt and noticing the orange highlights. “It’s actually pretty cool. They’ve even matched it to our abilities.”
Blaze, who was standing next to them, couldn’t help but smirk as he pulled on his own gear, the red highlights matching his fiery nature. “Red suits me perfectly,” he said, the confidence in his voice evident as he flexed his arms slightly.
Callus, already halfway into his outfit, glanced down at the earthy brown highlights on his shirt, which symbolized his connection to the earth. “These colors make it easy to identify who’s who at a glance. Smart move,” he noted.
Angel, ever the playful one, was taking his time, messing around with his wings, which he carefully folded back as he struggled to get his shirt on. His uniform had yellow accents that matched his light-based powers. “I bet mine looks the best,” he teased, grinning at the others.
“Oh, please,” Haru said with a chuckle. “You’re just going to flash those wings and think you can steal the spotlight.”
Luis laughed, “He’s not wrong. Just try not to blind anyone when you fly over us.”
“Hey, no promises,” Angel replied with a wink, finally managing to pull his shirt over his head. “I’ve got to keep things interesting.”
Meanwhile, Lawrence, standing off to the side, silently dressed in his uniform with its blue highlights, a reflection of his water-based abilities. Matteo, right beside him, had green accents symbolizing his connection to nature. The two exchanged nods, already forming an unspoken bond.
As they finished changing, Enri, with orange-brown highlights representing his strength and earth affinity, looked over at Callus and grinned. “So, what do you think about our new teachers? Garo seems pretty intense, but that Takurov guy... man, he’s something else.”
Callus nodded thoughtfully. “Garo’s the type that’ll push us hard, no doubt. But Takurov... I’m not sure what to make of him yet. He’s got a different energy. Could be good for breaking the tension, though.”
Azrael, who had soft, dark purple highlights on his uniform symbolizing his connection to shadows, spoke up quietly from his corner. “I think they’ll complement each other well. One pushes our limits, the other keeps us grounded. We’ll need that balance.”
Haru, adjusting his shirt one final time, turned to the group. “Well, whatever they’re like, it’s clear we’re going to be pushed harder than we’ve ever been. Let’s just make sure we’re ready for it.”
Luis, always one to lighten the mood, grinned. “Ready? I was born ready.”
The boys laughed, the camaraderie building as they finished getting dressed. Angel, ever the joker, pretended to strike a dramatic pose, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll carry all of you if it gets too tough.”
Haru rolled his eyes, playfully shoving Angel. “Just try not to be late next time, or we might actually take you up on that.”
As they grabbed their bags and headed toward the gym, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation, friendly banter, and a growing sense of unity. They knew the road ahead would be tough, but they were in it together, ready to face whatever challenges the day – and their teachers – would throw at them.
//////////////
The girls entered their changing room, which was just as well-equipped as the boys'. Lockers lined the walls, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh fabric and the soft hum of excited chatter. They found their uniforms neatly folded inside their respective lockers: white sport shirts and shorts accented with purple and gold highlights, with an additional unique color representing each of their gifts.
Aurora pulled out her uniform first, noticing the light blue accents that matched her icy powers. She smiled softly, running her fingers over the fabric before beginning to change.
Emma, who had been standing next to her, held up her own uniform, noting the silver-gray highlights that symbolized her connection to the wind. “Looks like they’ve customized these for all of us,” she remarked, beginning to change as well.
“Yeah, it’s a nice touch,” Aurora agreed as she looked at her uniform. The blue accents seemed to shimmer slightly, reflecting the light as she moved.
Ashelyn, whose uniform had deep gray accents, matching her magnetic abilities, grinned as she put it on. “Grey suits me just fine. It’s like they knew exactly what to give me.”
Saki, who was nearby, held up her uniform with black highlights representing her shadow manipulation powers. “It’s really thoughtful, actually,” she mused as she dressed. “We’re all going to stand out in our own ways.”
Luella, a little quieter than the others, had her own uniform with vibrant green highlights, which matched her nature-based abilities. She looked at it with a small smile.
Yue, who was still a bit nervous about her place among the Arknights, found her uniform had soft, pale yellow accents, a reflection of her gentle light-based powers. “It’s so pretty,” she murmured, her nerves slowly easing as she joined in the camaraderie.
Penelope, whose uniform had dark blue highlights, looked around at the others with a puzzled expression. “Dark blue for energy manipulation? That’s... unexpected, but I guess it works.” She shrugged.
After they changed, the girls began to chat, the atmosphere light and friendly.
“So,” Saki said, “what do you all think about our teachers? The Mountain Arknight and the Elastic Arknight are quite a pair.”
Aurora, still adjusting her uniform, smirked slightly. “Garo Adamian, the Mountain Arknight, huh? He’s got a reputation, and not just for his strength. He’s supposed to be tough but fair.”
Emma nodded, “I’ve heard about him too. He’s not someone you want to cross, but he’ll make us stronger if we listen to him.”
Ashelyn, ever practical, chimed in, “And then there’s Takurov Saito, the Elastic Arknight. I didn’t know much about him before, but he seems... interesting. Definitely not what I expected.”
Saki grinned. “He’s got that wild energy. I’m guessing he’ll keep us on our toes. Maybe he’s the kind of teacher who surprises you.”
Luella, who had been quietly changing, finally spoke up. “It’s a good balance, I think. We’ve got one teacher who’s solid and grounded, and another who’s more flexible, literally and figuratively.”
Penelope looked thoughtful as she adjusted her shirt. “Yeah, it’s definitely a mix. I’m curious to see how they’ll handle our training, especially since we’ve got such different abilities.”
Yue, still feeling a bit out of place, added, “I just hope I can keep up. They seem like they know what they’re doing, so maybe we’re in good hands.”
Autumn, usually quiet, nodded in agreement. “I think we’ll be fine. It’s just the first day, after all. We’ll find our rhythm.”
Junko, who had been silently observing, finally offered, “It’ll be interesting to see how they push us. We’ll probably have to adapt quickly.”
Elif, always cheerful, grinned. “I’m just excited to get started! Let’s see what they’ve got in store for us.”
Ashelyn, finishing up her preparations, said, “Well, whatever happens, we’ll face it together. We’ve got a good group here.”
The girls got ready to go, their spirits high as they headed out toward the gym, ready to prove themselves in their first day of training. The camaraderie among them was evident, and despite the inevitable competition, they were all determined to support each other through the challenges ahead.
//////////////
As the students made their way down the tunnel toward the field, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation. The tunnel itself was spacious, with high ceilings and walls adorned with banners representing each of the major powers—Kalkan Federation, Zaurelias Empire, United Kingdom of Aurelian, and Butchonsaw Republic. The Arknights, dressed in their customised training uniforms, began to intermingle, breaking away from their initial groups as they grew more comfortable with one another.
The excitement of the first day had already led to the formation of various groups, and the mingling had started in earnest. Some students stuck to their initial groups, while others mixed with different peers, creating a dynamic flow of conversation as they walked.
Saki, Yue, Elif, and Junko had naturally gravitated towards Haru, Luis, Angel, and Aslan, forming a lively group. They were discussing their rankings, with Saki playfully teasing the still-nervous Aslan.
“So, Aslan,” Saki said with a mischievous grin, “how does it feel to be the underdog? Planning to stay there, or are you going to surprise us?”
Aslan, though clearly a bit embarrassed, managed a small smile. “I’m definitely planning to surprise you all. Just you wait.”
Yue, ever the encourager, chimed in, “Don’t worry, Aslan. Everyone starts somewhere. I’m sure you’ll rise through the ranks in no time.”
Elif, always full of energy, bounced on her feet as she added, “Yeah, and who knows? Maybe next time, I’ll be teasing Saki for being lower on the list!”
Saki laughed, shaking her head. “Not a chance, Elif. But I’ll be happy to see Aslan prove us all wrong.”
As they continued down the tunnel, their conversation took a playful turn when Aurora and Luella approached. Saki, spotting them, decided to stir the pot a little more. She sidled up closer to Haru and Luis, dropping her voice into a mock-conspiratorial tone.
“You know, Haru,” Saki began, looping her arm through his playfully, “you’re looking pretty good for someone ranked seventh. Maybe I should start cheering for you instead of Luis.”
Haru, catching on to her game, smirked and played along. “Oh, really? I thought you were a loyal supporter of the top five.”
Luis chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. “Saki’s just trying to cause trouble. But I’m up for a little friendly competition.”
As Aurora and Luella drew closer, Saki upped her game. “And Luis,” she continued, now directing her attention to him, “you’re practically shining today. I might have to switch my allegiance to you after all.”
Aurora and Luella, overhearing Saki’s flirtatious teasing, exchanged knowing glances. There was a slight edge to their smiles, but they were too composed to rise to the bait.
Angel, watching the interaction with a lazy grin, chimed in, “Careful, Saki. You’re going to make these two think they’re kings of the world.”
Haru, feeling the tension but trying to diffuse it, laughed. “Saki’s just having fun. No need to take it too seriously.”
Luis, always the diplomat, added, “As long as we all push each other to be better, I’m happy.”
A short distance away, Lawrence had naturally paired up with Luella, Aurora, and Matteo. Their group was quieter, more focused, with a sense of mutual respect.
“It’s interesting how they’re ranking us,” Lawrence remarked, breaking the silence. “I wonder how it’ll affect the dynamics in training.”
Luella nodded thoughtfully. “It’s a good way to motivate us. But it’s also a bit daunting, knowing we’re constantly being evaluated.”
Aurora, always composed, added, “I think it’ll push us to refine our skills. I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out.”
Matteo, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. “It’s definitely a challenge. But it’s also a chance to prove ourselves.”
The group’s conversation was calm and measured, reflecting the serious approach they all seemed to share.
Meanwhile, Emma had taken it upon herself to engage with Blaze, despite his apparent disinterest. Angel, who had initially been part of another group, found himself drawn into their conversation.
“So, Blaze,” Emma started, her tone light and conversational, “how are you finding the rankings? I bet you’re aiming for that number one spot.”
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Blaze, not one to mince words, shrugged. “I’m not here to make friends or play games. Rankings don’t matter if you’re the strongest.”
Emma, undeterred by his aloofness, pressed on. “True, but it’s all part of the challenge, right? And challenges are what make us stronger.”
Blaze glanced at her, slightly intrigued despite himself. “I suppose. But I don’t need validation from rankings to know my worth.”
Angel, sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood, grinned. “Emma’s just trying to get under your skin, Blaze. She’s good at that.”
Emma shot Angel a playful look. “Hey, I’m just trying to get to know my classmates. No harm in that, right?”
Blaze, though still reserved, seemed to soften a bit under her persistence. “I guess not. Just don’t expect me to join in on the socialising.”
Emma smiled, taking it as a small victory. “Fair enough. But you never know—you might enjoy it more than you think.”
Lastly, the trio from the Butchonsaw Republic—Enri, Callus, and Ashelyn—kept to themselves, their conversation much more serious.
“Rankings or not, we need to stay focused,” Callus said, his voice firm. “We’ve got a lot to prove.”
Ashelyn nodded in agreement, her expression determined. “Especially with the reputation we have to uphold. I’m not about to let anyone think we’re anything less than the best.”
Enri, ever the light-hearted one, tried to bring some humor into the mix. “Sure, sure. But let’s not forget to enjoy the journey, yeah? We’re all here to grow, not just to compete.”
Callus gave a small smile, appreciating Enri’s attempt to lighten the mood. “You’re right. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep our eyes on the prize.”
Ashelyn, with a hint of a smile, added, “Agreed. But let’s also show them what we’re made of—on our terms.”
As they all continued to walk down the tunnel, the various conversations and interactions set the tone for the challenges ahead. Each group had its dynamic, and the connections they were forming, whether through camaraderie, competition, or a mix of both, were already starting to shape the path they would walk together as Arknights.
//////////////
The students stood at the edge of the training area, taking in the vastness of the space. The training grounds were divided into several distinct areas: a gym filled with weights and equipment, a large pitch for running drills, and sparring grounds located further to the side. Beyond all this, there was a thick forest that stretched endlessly, its shadowy depths suggesting both mystery and challenge.
Takurov Saito, their flamboyant yet no-nonsense instructor, called them to order. "Alright, everyone, single file, based on your rankings!" he ordered, his voice booming across the pitch. The students quickly arranged themselves, with Callus in the lead and Aslan trailing at the end. They could all see each other, lined up as clear reminders of the current pecking order.
Takurov paced in front of them, his expression serious. "This," he gestured around, "is where you’ll be spending most of your time. The field, the gym, the sparring grounds—these are your new homes. And that," he pointed towards the dense forest behind them, "is where you’ll do your team training and work on your gifts. We’ll have scouts watching to make sure no one slacks off or gets lost."
He then paused, a slight smile playing on his lips as he turned to the group. "For the first time ever, all of you arrived on time. Must be the ranking system, huh?" His tone was almost teasing, but the underlying strictness was clear. "Good. Now let’s see if you can keep up."
The students exchanged glances, some filled with determination, others with apprehension. Haru looked over at Aurora, who was focused and ready, while Saki gave a nervous smile to Aslan, who was clearly feeling the pressure. Callus, Ashelyn, and Enri, however, looked eager—almost excited—by the prospect of what was to come, their grins signaling their readiness.
Takurov clapped his hands, bringing their attention back. "Here’s the plan. You’ll start with five sprints up and down the field. One up and down counts as one. After that, two laps around the field. Then, you’ll head to the gymnasium where the men will do weighted squats, and the women will do hip thrusts. One set of fifteen each. Then you get a thirty-second water break, and we do it all over again."
He paused, watching their faces as the realization of the intensity of the workout set in. "And in case you’re wondering how many times you’ll be doing this... the answer is until you give up," he added with a menacing smile.
Yue, unable to contain her anxiety, nervously raised her hand. "But, sir... how many times exactly?"
Takurov’s smile widened as he replied, "Until failure, Yue. We’ll keep going until you can't go anymore. And just so you know, the order in which you give up will affect your rankings at the end of the day."
As if to add more weight to his words, Takurov gestured toward Garo, who was standing at the edge of the field, arms crossed, his presence intimidating. "Garo will be here to observe, keep track of your performance, and push you if he feels anyone is lagging behind. Don’t think you can just coast through this."
The students fell silent, the weight of the task ahead settling over them. A few, like Ashelyn, Callus, and Enri, were grinning, clearly relishing the challenge. Blaze, too, seemed unfazed, viewing this as an ideal opportunity to showcase his superior fitness. Haru steeled himself, knowing this was a crucial moment to prove his worth.
They moved to the starting line, a mix of nerves and determination evident in their faces. Haru’s eyes caught Aurora’s for a brief moment—she looked calm but focused, ready to give her best. The others were getting into their mental zones, preparing for the grueling session ahead.
"On my count," Takurov's voice cut through the tension, "Three... two... one... GO!"
And with that, they were off, sprinting down the field, their journey to prove themselves and rise in the rankings having truly begun. The air was filled with the sound of feet pounding against the grass, breaths coming in sharp bursts, and the relentless drive to push past their limits.
Haru's mind was razor-focused as the whistle blew, signaling the start of the session. His feet pounded against the grass, his body moving with an almost instinctual rhythm. To his surprise, he found himself trailing just behind Elif, who was leading the pack with an incredible burst of speed. She moved effortlessly, her form tight and precise, showing not just her speed but a level of fitness that was exceptional even without her powers.
Haru could feel the burn in his muscles, but he kept pushing, realizing this was as much a test of mental endurance as it was physical ability. Ahead of him, Elif maintained her lead, her movements almost graceful in their efficiency. Beside him, Blaze and Ashelyn were keeping pace, their competitive natures driving them forward. Ashelyn, with a determined expression, was clearly in her element, and Blaze, ever the confident powerhouse, moved with controlled intensity that Haru couldn't help but admire.
Not too far behind them were the Kazaka cousins, Junko and Saki, who were pushing themselves hard, their ninja training evident in their endurance and agility. Haru noticed their synchronized breathing and focused expressions; they were clearly seasoned in maintaining pace over long distances.
As they completed the first round, Haru wasn’t too badly affected yet, but he could already see signs of struggle among some of his peers. Matteo was beginning to lag, his face etched with determination but his body betraying signs of fatigue. Luella, who had started strong, was now visibly slowing down, and Yue, despite her best efforts, was beginning to falter. As they rounded the bend for the second lap, Haru noticed her stumble slightly, her breath coming in quick, ragged gasps.
It wasn’t long before Yue, despite her noble effort, could no longer continue. She dropped out first, her shoulders slumping in defeat as she slowed to a walk, then stopped altogether. Matteo and Luella followed not long after, their bodies unable to keep up with the grueling pace.
Aslan, who had been struggling from the start, finally came to a halt, bending over with his hands on his knees as he gasped for breath. Haru could see the disappointment in his eyes, but there was no time to offer words of encouragement. This was a test of endurance and willpower, and Haru knew he had to keep pushing forward, even as others began to fall by the wayside.
As the session continued, Haru found himself unexpectedly taking the lead. Elif, who had started out so strong, began to falter as they transitioned to the gym for the hip thrusts. Her legs, more suited for speed and endurance rather than the sheer strength needed for this exercise, started to give out. Despite her best efforts, her pace slowed, and to everyone's surprise, she crumbled, falling behind. It was a stark reminder that even the most capable could be caught off guard by the intensity of the training.
With Elif no longer in the lead, Haru pushed himself to maintain his position. Lawrence and Luis, sensing the shift, began to catch up, their competitive spirits kicking into high gear. Ashelyn and Blaze, both intensely focused, kept pace with each other, locked in a silent battle for second place, neither willing to give an inch.
Garo's booming voice echoed across the field, shouting encouragement and admonishments to those who were beginning to struggle. Emma, Penelope, and Angel, who had initially appeared confident, were now showing signs of fatigue. Their breath came in ragged gasps, and their movements became sluggish as the physical demands of the session began to take their toll.
Autumn, who had never been one for intense physical exertion, had already dropped out at the start of the second leg. Her pale face and labored breathing were evidence of her discomfort with the rigorous training. Angel and Enri, who had both started the day with bravado, were now wheezing heavily. By the third leg, they had no choice but to tap out, much to their frustration. Angel slumped against a nearby tree, his usually relaxed demeanor replaced with exhaustion, while Enri seethed quietly, clearly irritated at having been outlasted by the younger, quieter Azrael, who tapped out shortly after. The pride of representing the Butchonsaw Republic stung as Enri realized he had been beaten by someone significantly younger.
Meanwhile, Aurora and Callus maintained a steady pace. Callus, with his calm and focused demeanor, appeared almost unbothered by the intensity of the workout, his breathing controlled, his movements efficient. Aurora, though not as visibly calm, kept her own pace, determined not to let the pressure of the session get to her.
Haru could feel the burn in his muscles, the strain on his body, but he pushed through, knowing that this was only the beginning. With Garo shouting in the background and his peers falling out one by one, Haru knew he had to dig deep, not just for himself but to prove that he belonged at the top. As the exercise continued, it became clear who the strongest competitors were, and Haru was determined to stay among them.
As the session dragged on, the toll on the participants became increasingly evident. Penelope was the next to fall, her face pale as she stumbled off the field, vomiting from the sheer exertion. Her exit was swift, the others barely noticing her departure as they focused on their own survival in the grueling exercise.
Luis, who had been pushing himself hard from the beginning, suddenly clutched his side, his face contorted in pain. A sharp stitch in his abdomen forced him to a halt, and he crumpled to the ground, much like Elif had earlier. The sight of Luis, one of the strongest competitors, writhing in pain, shocked everyone. Haru, despite feeling a pang of concern for his brother, knew he couldn't afford to stop. They were too close to the end, and he had to push through.
The weighted training was becoming increasingly unbearable. Haru could feel his legs shaking with each repetition, the muscles burning with every movement. He gritted his teeth, determined to keep going. But not everyone could endure the intensity. Junko, who had been struggling silently, finally reached her limit. She collapsed to the ground, her energy completely spent. Her departure was quiet, almost unnoticed in the chaos.
Emma was next to falter. Her normally sharp focus wavered as her vision blurred. She stumbled through the motions, her body moving on autopilot. Takurov, noticing her erratic behavior, stepped in and stopped her before she could push herself into a dangerous situation. Her legs buckled, and she sagged into his arms, unconscious from the exertion.
As they neared the final stretch, only a few remained. Haru, feeling the strain in every fiber of his being, knew he was reaching his limit. Yet, he continued, driven by sheer willpower. His mind was a haze of pain and determination, each step, each breath, an effort in itself.
Ashelyn, who had been a formidable presence throughout the training, finally succumbed to the grueling pace. She tripped, her body betraying her as she fell to the ground. For a moment, she tried to push herself up, but her muscles refused to cooperate. With a frustrated scream, she pounded the ground, her body heaving with exhaustion. She had given it her all, but even that wasn't enough to keep her standing.
Haru, glancing around, realised just how few of them were left. The field was littered with those who had fallen, their bodies stretched out in various states of exhaustion. But for those who remained, this was a testament to their resilience. Haru knew he was close to his breaking point, but with so many already down, he had to keep going. The end was in sight, and he would reach it, no matter the cost.
The grueling session had pushed everyone to their limits, and as they reached the final stages, the exhaustion was visible on every face. Aurora, despite her competitive spirit, had to accept her limit. She approached the weighted area, but with a heavy heart, she decided to voluntarily step back. She knew there was more training later, and it was better to conserve what energy she had left. Biting down her ego, she acknowledged that this was as far as she could go today.
With Aurora out, only five remained. Haru, Blaze, Saki, Lawrence, and Callus were all giving everything they had, pushing their bodies to the brink. The strain was apparent, with sweat dripping down their faces and every breath a labored effort. But the surprises weren’t over. Lawrence, who had maintained a stoic demeanor throughout the exercise, finally reached his breaking point. His form faltered on a turn, and before he could correct himself, he collided with a bench, effectively knocking himself out of the running. The shock of seeing someone as strong as Lawrence crumble was palpable; this training was proving to be no joke.
The final four now, with Saki being the last girl standing, kept up the pressure. She was trailing slightly behind Haru and Blaze, but her determination was unwavering. Blaze, however, was in a different state altogether. His body was running on autopilot, his mind disconnected from the physical agony he was enduring. But his body betrayed him as well—his coordination began to fail, and he started running in circles, unable to control his movements. Garo stepped in, calling it off before Blaze could hurt himself, as the boy collapsed from sheer exhaustion, his energy reserves completely depleted.
Haru, feeling the weight of the intense training, could feel his legs starting to give out. Each step was heavier than the last, and despite his mental fortitude, his body had reached its limit. He stumbled and finally collapsed, hitting the ground headfirst. Saki, barely a few steps ahead of him, managed to stay on her feet long enough to complement Haru on his performance before she too crumbled, her body finally succumbing to the fatigue.
Callus, the last one standing, continued to run. His pace wasn't the fastest, but it was consistent, almost mechanical in its precision. He wasn’t fast, but his stamina seemed endless. The other students watched in a mix of awe and disbelief as he continued running for another 15 minutes, seemingly unaffected by the gruelling exercise. It was almost eerie how unaffected he seemed by the intensity of the training.
Finally, the teachers called it off, and Callus stopped as if he had merely been out for a light jog. The rest of the class, still recovering from their own exhaustion, lined up, their legs still shaky.
Takurov, standing with Garo beside him, noted the rankings for the race, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he addressed the exhausted students. "I want you all to take a good look at Callus," he began, gesturing toward the still composed Arknight. "This is the level of conditioning you are expected to reach by the end of the year. No exceptions."
The weight of his words hung in the air as the class collectively groaned inwardly. Callus’s level of endurance seemed almost superhuman, a goal that felt miles away after the brutal session they had just endured.
Garo added with his usual gruffness, "If any of you think this is out of your reach, think again. The Academy's purpose is to push you beyond your limits. By the time we're done with you, this will be your new standard." The entire class exchanged looks of disbelief, the challenge ahead of them seeming almost impossible, yet they knew they had no choice but to rise to the occasion.
The teacher, noticing the weariness etched on each student's face, turned to Autumn and asked her to sing a healing melody. "Autumn, I want you to sing a song that will help everyone recover from this session," he said, adding with a small smile, "Consider it an opportunity to earn some extra points."
Autumn, though exhausted herself, nodded and stood up. Her voice, though initially faint, soon filled the training ground with a soothing melody. The notes seemed to wrap around each of them, easing their aches, pains, and cramps. Slowly, the soreness in their muscles began to fade, replaced by a gentle, calming warmth. The class sighed collectively in relief, feeling the tension drain from their bodies.
Once the song ended, Takurov nodded in approval. "Good work, Autumn," he said before addressing the rest of the class. "Now, head back to the classroom. But first, I strongly recommend you all take a shower—you're sweating enough to make the room smell like a gym, and I won’t have that during our next lesson."
The students nodded, still too drained to do much more. As the class began to disperse, the teacher called out to Yue and Aslan. "Yue, Aslan—you both came in last. That means you're in charge of collecting the girls' and boys' sweaty uniforms after everyone changes. No complaints."
Yue and Aslan groaned in unison but didn't argue, knowing there was no point. Normally, Angel might have made some laid-back comment, probably about checking out the girls or teasing Haru, but even he was too worn out to bother. The rest of the class was similarly exhausted, shuffling toward the changing rooms with a newfound respect for the intensity of their training.
Callus, seemingly unaffected by the grueling exercise, stepped forward to help guide both groups to their respective changing rooms. The teacher had given him special permission to do so, recognizing that the others were too drained to pay full attention to where they were going.
As they made their way to the showers, it was clear to everyone that the fun they had expected from the Academy was a far cry from reality. The brutal training session had driven home the point that they would need to work harder than ever before to reach their potential. The path ahead was going to be grueling, but they were beginning to understand that it was the only way to truly become Arknights.