"Haa… Haa…"
Alaric lay flat on the floor of the training hall, chest rising and falling with every ragged breath.
Sweat clung to his skin, soaking through the light training tunic, his arms sprawled out as if even lifting a finger would cost too much.
Across from him, the older man, lean, scarred, was breathing heavily himself.
He stood with his hands on his hips, eyes narrowed.
He's stronger than he should be…
He studied Alaric with quiet intensity. Even with a lower rank and an elemental path, his body's endurance is absurd.
Then the man gave a sharp, respectful nod.
"I shall take my leave now, young lord."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and exited the hall, boots echoing against the stone floor, leaving Alaric alone with the sound of his own breathing.
Tap! Tap!
Soft footsteps echoed lightly against the stone floor.
But Alaric didn't bother to look up.
The steps drew closer, then stopped beside him.
A moment of silence passed before a gentle voice broke it.
