CHAPTER 25

JUST GO WITH THE FLOW

Unlike the previous lecture halls, our Arms & Aegis class is held in a large, coliseum-like auditorium.

The ceiling is broken in, so the wide sky and blazing sunlight beats down on us. Wind flows through, allowing fresh air and a cool draft. Beneath our feet isn’t the usual, pristine floors throughout the building, but instead it’s hard rock worn with wear and scuff.

During break, all of us changed into a loose fitting tunic with a mock neck and matching, cream-colored pants. Plain, simple, easy to move around in; These were the words I would use to describe the clothing.

However, when I spotted Margot and Sigyn on the opposite ends of the class, there was none of that earlier impression.

Sigyn’s battle uniform is decorated with fine crystals, it lines every hem and cuff. Margot’s is layered with bold jewels in the shape of flowers.

What in Twice… Are you two trying to blind us when we exercise?

Spotting Ru, we go over to stand beside him just as Professor Jin walks in. He wears the same understated clothing as the rest- Er, most of us.

His dark hair is tied into a long braid that falls against his back, a face hardened with battle and age.

“Welcome to your first Arms and Aegis class. No doubt-” He notices the two girls and frowns.

“…No doubt most of you have never had any formal combat training. However, we are all here to discipline both mind and body, so do not fear making mistakes.”

…

Huh? Wait, what? Everyone seems to be doing some light stretches, so I hurriedly copy the motions.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Did I just zone out…?

So there’s actually a class I’m not interested in, huh? The revelation actually makes me feel a little sad... I'll pay more attention next time. After stretches, we begin running laps.

“…”

Huff, huff, huff.

W-What is this form of torture!? Both my stomach and lungs hurt… Actually, my whole body feels weak from the strain.

Vani, Fen, and even the frail looking Ru instantly overtake my speed.

Ahhh, you traitors…!

Looking around, I see the Kindred, Fairfolk and a few of the more athletic Humans not even break a sweat. However, the majority of Human nobles seem to be having an extremely hard time alongside me.

Comrades! I completely understand! We’ve had agonizing dance and horse-riding lessons before, but nothing as intense as this! What is this madness?! Running around in the heat for no reason!

Huh? Wait, I lag behind most of them as well…!?

Panting harshly, I near the finish line of where we began.

To put your body through torture just to go around in circles… They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results…!

Finally crossing the mark, I immediately bend over, my sweaty palms clutching my knees in an attempt to not collapse.

From the corner of my eye, I see Fen double over from laughter.

C-Curse you and your Kindred endurance!

“…That was only two laps, Aey.” I can hear the dejection in Vani’s voice.

“So, the Achilles heel of the first-rank is exercise.” Ru mutters behind his sleeve.

I can’t even gather the strength to retort. Instead, I just focus on breathing.

*

For the rest of the day, I'm unable to focus during class. Even though Aristole is talking about my favorite contemporary authors in Literacy…

My body is too soreeeee. How could anyone be able to focus through this strain!

When lecture finishes up, I find myself muttering under my breath. “I have a newfound respect for warriors.”

Vani looks at me with such judgement in her flat eyes.

I get it, okay!? I’m weak!

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. We’ll train you until you’ll be the top of this class too!”

“Do not irresponsibly promise such things. You saw her today, being first in Arms and Aegis is impossible for her.”

Guys, stop. Please. My heart.

“Being first place or whatever... I don't care for such a thing. Actually if possible, I would like to never run again in my life…” I murmur the second part bitterly.

“Aey…”

“It’s- It’s fine…! I do not think you can fail that class…! Probably.”

“Right! Right!”

Seriously, you all trying to cheer me up is having the opposite effect! My confidence is plummeting!

“It’s fine!” I huff in annoyance. “I just need a bath.”