The next day, at 6 a.m., Eric gathered with his classmates from Class F on the cold, windswept training field. Christopher stood before them, his stern gaze scanning each student.
"Our training begins," Christopher announced, "but before you can start learning magic, you need to have the physical strength to support it." He looked around. "This is Class F, your starting point."
To Eric's surprise, the training for Class F was purely physical.
The students of Class F were a bit disappointed. They had come to the Ice Palace to learn magic, never expecting such rigorous physical training as the first step. However, they understood that this was a necessary journey. To become capable individuals, they needed the strength and endurance to match.
Christopher commenced the strict physical training program, from morning exercises to long-distance running, from pull-ups to push-ups, every movement required relentless repetition. Eric and his classmates felt utterly drained, but they knew that this was the first step towards becoming powerful magicians.
After a day of physical training, the students of Class F were completely exhausted, and Eric's body ached all over.
Upon arriving at the cafeteria, the students of Class F couldn't wait to start eating heartily. They devoured their food, consuming meat with gusto and gulping down soup in large bowls, as if they needed to fill their empty stomachs after the strenuous workout. Eric was no exception; he felt ravenous, and each bite was immensely satisfying.
However, as they glanced over to the students from Class A, they saw that they were sitting neatly, eating elegantly and in moderation. It seemed that they had already begun learning advanced magic, discussing unfamiliar incantations and spells.
The students of Class F felt a mix of frustration and yearning. They observed students from other classes who had already delved into magic, learning spells and incantations, while Class F seemed stuck in grueling physical exercises, causing a sense of desolation.
Eric Stone was no exception, and as he looked at the students of Class A, the fortunate ones at the forefront of magic studies, he couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness. He couldn't help but wonder about his potential, given his mere Class F placement. Would he always lag behind his peers?
In a corner of the hall, Evelyn Anderson sat among her classmates from Class A. She occasionally threw mocking glances towards Eric from Class F. She had a smug expression, not hiding her pride.
Evelyn giggled and said to her classmates, "Look at that guy from Class F. He can't even learn magic; he'll be our servant for life."
Her classmates from Class A echoed her sentiments, agreeing with Evelyn. Eric felt the pressure and mockery from all directions, but he did not back down. He knew he had to remain strong, for his determination was unbreakable.
At that moment, Victoria stood up and walked to Eric's side, speaking with unwavering conviction, "Evelyn, don't get too carried away. Everyone has the opportunity to grow, and I believe the students of Class F will work hard to earn their own opportunities. Eric will prove you wrong."
Victoria's voice resonated throughout the hall, drawing some sideways glances, but she paid no attention to them. She stood beside Eric, offering unwavering support, making him feel incredibly warm.
Evelyn Anderson huffed and turned to her classmates from Class A, "Don't forget, we are Class A. We are destined to become the most outstanding magicians. No matter how much Class F struggles, they will never catch up to us."
The atmosphere in the training hall grew tense, and competition between Class A and Class F intensified. Every student harbored confidence in their future achievements. In this mysterious Ice Palace, they all gave their all to become exceptional magicians.
Similarly, in the depths of Eric's heart, the frustration of not being able to touch magic yet didn't shatter his confidence. It kindled an even firmer determination. He understood that his challenges might be more daunting, but this was his driving force. He was going to keep pushing forward and strive for his goals.
As night descended, the Ice Palace was filled with a peaceful atmosphere. Eric and the other students returned to their dormitories, exhausted, and collapsed onto their beds. The students of Class F, in particular, felt the ache throughout their bodies, but they also felt a sense of satisfaction. They knew that this was the first step towards a more powerful future.
Eric lay on his bed, barely feeling his limbs. He closed his eyes, reflecting on the day's training, how many laps they had run, how many push-ups they had done, how many times they had pushed their limits. Despite the exhaustion, his heart was filled with determination. He was going to become stronger, a true magician.
As Eric gradually succumbed to his tiredness and drifted into slumber, the physical pain no longer mattered. He had already taken the first step in advancing towards his future.