Time at the Red Hollow base seemed to move differently. Days passed as if they were weeks, and each dawn brought new brutal challenges. Lian had lost count of how many days he had been there, subjected to training that tested not only his body but also his mind. His body was covered in bruises and fresh bandages, his clothes no longer had the clean shine they did when he arrived, and exhaustion had become a constant presence.
But at the same time, he was changing. His body was more resilient, his reflexes sharper. He no longer collapsed at the end of each training session, and his gaze, once filled with frustration, was now focused, determined.
However, Viktor did not seem satisfied.
"You're still far from what I want to see," said the base captain, watching Lian with his sharp eyes.
