Chapter 40: Having Linner
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."
"Or laps. Or squats. Or plank holds. Or whatever those evil stretches were." Arlo added.
They reached the second floor landing and paused. Noah leaned against the wall, while Arlo slumped on the stair railing, looking up toward the higher floors with something close to despair.
"This is it." Arlo said, voice filled with resignation. "This is how I die. Not in battle. Not facing a monolith. But from walking up one more flight of stairs."
Noah snorted, slapping him lightly on the back. "Good luck."
"You’re the worst." Arlo muttered, dragging himself up the stairs.