"The two kids that were throwing a fit earlier have piqued my interest, especially the one who strategically lagged behind," Erina mused.
"It's not just their speed; their stability is noteworthy too. They're holding back, yet they seem capable of sustaining this pace for hours. To master such control at their age—it's a little unnerving to think about the potential they might unleash in the future. It's intimidating," Rick chimed in.
The two instructors, stationed on the elevated platform, engaged in casual banter while keeping a keen eye on the dynamic scene of running children.
"Even those collateral kids show promise; they've clearly received a decent education."
"The same goes for the recommended trainees. There's a discerning eye behind the selections. They've been cherry-picked for potential."
"You can differentiate between them all?" Rick asked, his surprise evident.
"You Lionharts emit a distinct life force—it's like picking out stars in the night sky. Once you know what to look for, it's hard to miss."
Their evaluation went beyond just Klaus and Alex. Every child, from the front-runners to the stragglers at the back, underwent meticulous examination. The instructors were thorough in their scrutiny, identifying latent talent and competence in each trainee.
***
"Look at that."
"Is he really in last place after acting all cocky?"
"You can't even call him last place, since he will drop out soon."
The collaterals smirked, observing Klaus among the slower runners.
"There's no way a guy who grew up comfortably in an annex residence can run properly."
"They really fed him a body transformation pill; that's the only reason his body changed so much."
"What a waste on a weakling like him."
"That weakling took you down with just one punch."
"I guess Myre is worse than trash."
"F*ck off! I wasn't even prepared."
Children other than the three collaterals also joined in the laughter.
Klaus remained calm and collected, conserving his stamina.
'Unlike them, I can run forever if I really want to,' Klaus thought, an evil smile playing on his lips.
If his stamina were to deplete or his legs started to ache, he could simply use magic to rejuvenate his body.
The exercise seemed too easy for him.
***
Two hours had unfurled their relentless march, the gymnasium echoing with the rhythmic symphony of pounding footsteps. Alex, an unyielding force at the forefront, led the pack, trailed closely by collaterals, vassal children, and those recommended for their prowess.
Yet, within this ceaseless race, not all four hundred and one contenders endured.
Those lacking the enduring spirit had already bowed out, finding solace in a corner, their numbers steadily growing. The rhythm of surrender played on.
"Not bad," Rick remarked, his eyes, sharp as a falcon's gaze, capturing the ebb and flow of all four hundred and one souls.
However, Rick's assessment wasn't confined to mere stamina.
'There's more than meets the eye in this trial.'
The growth of stamina often mirrored one's upbringing, and the majority bore a semblance of equality. However, in this sea of relentless runners, the nuances of character revealed themselves. Some surrendered to the relentless panting and gasps, while others, through tears and side stitches, persevered until the very end.
In this seemingly mundane exercise, the seeds of resilience and determination were sown, traits that would blossom into defining characteristics in the future.
Stamina could be honed, and talents could be sculpted, but the indomitable will to persevere was a rare gem.
Among the quitters and the persisters, Rick discerned a critical distinction—one that spoke volumes about the latent potential within each participant.
'This is the essence of what Lionhart's swordsmen truly need.'
Rick grinned as ninety children bowed out, the rest slowing as the burden of fatigue clung to them like a relentless shadow.
"Who's that lad?" Erina queried, her finger directed at Klaus.
"He is Ludovic's son, Klaus Lionhart," Rick replied, a flicker of disdain tainting his tone at the mention of Ludovic's name.
"Hmm, interesting," Erina mused, her attention now exclusively devoted to Klaus.
'I don't understand it.'
Klaus had exhausted his stamina long ago. By all accounts, he should have crumpled under the weight of fatigue. Yet, his relentless motion persisted, an unwavering force refusing to yield.
'How is this possible? His life force was dwindling—clear evidence of depleting stamina. And now, it's as vibrant as ever. What sorcery is this?' Erina pondered, her blind eyes unable to fathom the enigma that was Klaus.
Having traversed countless battlefields, Erina had encountered mages of various calibers. Yet, Klaus baffled her with his silent incantations and seemingly limitless magic, defying the laws that bound others.
She could sense the currents of magic emanating from Klaus, but the 'how' eluded her.
'Hmm...'
Her gaze canvassed the entire gymnasium.
Alex, perched at the forefront, conserving his strength, showcased an impressive feat. Still, Klaus, running with an enduring vigor, surpassed even that.
The collaterals and vassal children, who had mocked Klaus, now ran with fervor, determined not to be outdone.
Erina's lips curled into a subtle arc.
"It's going to be fun teaching them." The prospect of unraveling the mysteries woven within each participant promised an exhilarating journey of instruction.