Noah and Arlo stumbled along the cobbled path, their limbs aching and shoulders sagging under from the sheer amount of exhaustion they were feeling.
The sun was lower in the sky now, casting long shadows across the academy grounds as the two trudged back towards their dorm building.
"I get it now." Arlo groaned, dragging his feet. "I finally understand why Combat Fundamentals is our only class today."
Noah grunted in agreement, barely able to keep his eyes open. "It's not a class. It's sanctioned torture."
They both winced as they reached the dorm entrance, each step up the stairs feeling like it added years to their bodies.
"And the duration?" Arlo continued. "Not because we need that much time to learn. It's so that lunatic can grind our bones into dust at his leisure."
"Free reign." Noah muttered, his voice hoarse. "We were in there for hours. I've never done that many push-ups in my life."
