As the adrenaline slowly faded, Johan became acutely aware of the aches and pains coursing through his body. His muscles protested with every movement, sending a sharp reminder of the battles he'd endured. He felt like he'd been used as a punching bag by a disgruntled titan-shifter – not the best feeling in the world, to say the least.
His arms, once energetic and nimble, now felt as heavy as lead. 'I swear, my weapons have gained a couple of pounds since the start,' he mused, wincing as he tried to flex his stiff fingers.
His legs, which had carried him swiftly and surely through the different battle environments, now trembled with exhaustion. 'Great, now I feel like Bambi on ice,' he thought, attempting to take a step only to stumble slightly.
His breathing was ragged, each breath felt like he was inhaling sandpaper. 'Who knew breathing could be this painful,' he reflected, taking slow, deliberate breaths, trying to steady his racing heart.
