As soon as Elias walked into the training grounds, everyone stiffened; it was as if their bodies were already anticipating the impending hardship.
Elias began to speak, "Congratulations. Most of you have been able to make it back in time during these past month."
His words were praiseworthy, yet none of them felt elation. They knew from experience that when this stern instructor adopted a seemingly friendly tone, it signified impending challenges – and not the pleasant kind.
'This new training session must be hell,' Atticus mused. Even he knew about the sadistic nature of Elias.
Elias's smile grew as he noticed the resolute expressions on each of their faces. 'Good. They're learning,' he thought.
The camp's main aim was always to bring the youths out of their shells, change their mindset, and make them strive for strength. He was glad to see they were already showing signs of changing.
