Maximus exited the classroom, leaving behind the world of theory and making his way towards the practical side of his magical education. His next class was battle training - a real test of his physical abilities and burgeoning magical prowess.
Walking down the corridor, Max could feel a certain shift in the air. The quiet and contemplative atmosphere of the lecture room was replaced by a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement. Fellow students were heading in the same direction, some engaged in animated discussions about magical theories, others focusing on the impending physical challenge.
He could hear the distant sounds of clashing weapons and the occasional burst of magical energy as he neared the training grounds. He felt a rush of adrenaline, his heart pounding in his chest as he thought about stepping onto the training field, putting theory into practice.
Max's excitement was tinged with apprehension as he entered the training grounds. The open field was brimming with all kinds of obstacles, training dummies, and weapons, but what caught Max's attention the most was a stout, imposing figure standing in the center of it all.
The man was older, yet his broad shoulders carried an aura of invincible strength. His right arm was substituted by a sleek piece of metal that reflected the afternoon sun. His eyes, piercing and stern, scanned the incoming students with an intensity that commanded respect.
"Welcome to Battle Training," his voice thundered across the training grounds, bringing immediate silence. "I am Instructor Brunt. Here, you will leave behind your theories and delve into the real world of combat. Your success or failure won't be determined by your knowledge but your tenacity, endurance, and willingness to push your limits."
"Enough of introductions," Brunt continued, "First order of business is a test of endurance. Everyone will run laps around the training field. Keep going until you drop. The thirty percent with the least amount of laps will face a...discouraging outcome. This exercise is not just about your physical stamina but your mental strength. I want to see how far you're willing to push yourselves. Begin!"
As Instructor Brunt's words echoed through the training ground, a tension settled over the students. No one had expected such an abrupt beginning to the practical side of their education. Nevertheless, there was no room for dissent, and, almost in unison, they started running.
As the students began their forced march around the training field, Maximus fell into a steady rhythm. The well-worn trail beneath his feet was packed hard from years of similar exercises, every footfall echoing the determination of past students. He set his pace with an air of reservation, conserving his energy for the long run.
As Maximus began his laps, he took note of the students around him. A small group eagerly sprinted ahead. Their faces were filled with enthusiasm, and they laughed as they raced each other, their youthful exuberance clouding their judgment.
Max shook his head slightly, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. Who could blame them, really? They were young, their understanding of endurance not yet fully developed. They were eager to demonstrate their strength, their will to compete, their spirit. They were far from understanding that a marathon was not won by those who sprinted at the start but by those who could maintain a steady pace throughout.
Maximus, however, possessed the wisdom of his previous life, the advantage of years of experience packed into his youthful form. He knew the importance of pacing himself, conserving his energy for the long run. The initial sprint of his peers might put them at the forefront now, but it wouldn't be sustainable. As he observed the sprinting kids, he took a deep, measured breath, maintaining his controlled pace.
His decision to conserve energy proved to be a wise one. As the exercise wore on, the once-sprinting children started to fall behind, their energy reserves quickly depleting. Panting and slowing down, their initial enthusiasm was gradually replaced by the dawning realization of the grueling challenge they had ahead. Meanwhile, Maximus, still running at his steady pace, overtook them one by one.
In contrast, he was not beset by the painful gasping for air or the heavy drag of exhaustion that plagued the younger kids. Yes, he was tired, and his body was protesting against the prolonged exertion, but he had energy left in him still. He'd managed his pace, his breathing, his energy - and it was paying off.
As Maximus moved past the panting children, he realized that this was not just a physical challenge - it was a lesson in life. The world did not favor those who burnt out their flames too quickly. Instead, it valued those who could endure, who could manage their resources and stay the course. He took this lesson to heart, holding onto it as he ran lap after lap around the training grounds.
After many laps and with about 40 percent of students remaining running, Max noticed some peculiarities. Almost all of the still running students turned out to have some knight talent instead of a mage. They were maintaining a brisk pace, their breathing measured and controlled. Max couldn't help but remember Miss Fairmont's words from earlier that taught them that because knights focus on using mana internally, their bodies are stronger and they possess more stamina. Although they have yet to awaken, their existing talents have been modifying their bodies from birth, making them fit for the talent.
The few others struggled to keep up. Their faces were a mask of determination, but their body language betrayed them. The uneven breaths, the slow-down in pace - the reality of their physical limits was creeping in. Max glanced at them, taking in the stark contrast between those gifted with physical prowess and those who relied on raw willpower.
As the laps continued to pile up, the strain started taking its toll on Max. His lungs began to burn, each breath turning into a painful gasp. His legs, once full of vitality, now felt like lead weights. Each step became a Herculean task, demanding more from him than he thought he could give.
Just as he felt his resolve crumbling, a wave of despair threatening to engulf him, a thought sparked in his weary mind. He remembered why he was here. He remembered his goals, his dreams. He was here to become a knight and a mage, to tread the path to greatness. If he wants to be remembered in history, he cannot start losing this early and to other unawakened children at that. This was not just a test of endurance; it was a testament to his resolve.
Delving into the depths of his being, past the physical agony and beyond the overwhelming fatigue, Max discovered a hidden wellspring of endurance. His exceptional dual talent was undoubtedly instrumental in shaping his body to withstand such strenuous exertion. However, in this moment, his sheer willpower and determination were the real driving forces.
With renewed determination, he forced his legs to move, to step one foot in front of the other. The pain was still there, a constant reminder of his limitations, but now it was just background noise. His focus was on his dream, on the path he had chosen for himself.
As the grueling exercise continued, the field started to empty out, until finally, Maximus found himself in the company of only one other student. Their eyes met across the field, two small warriors unwilling to surrender to the brutal demands of their task. There was a mutual understanding, a silent agreement between them - they were in this together, until the very end.
Despite his exhaustion, Maximus took the time to observe his remaining companion. The other boy was about his age, his face flushed and sweaty from exertion, but his eyes were determined and stubborn, reflecting a spirit that refused to quit. Their eyes locked for a moment, exchanging silent messages of encouragement.
With each lap they completed, the silent bond between them grew stronger. They were two sides of the same coin, united by their unyielding determination and shared suffering. Their footsteps echoed in the field, a rhythmic symphony of sheer will and tenacity.