Lian woke up feeling every muscle in his body burning. The pain was intense but expected. After the brutal training from the day before, every movement felt like a cruel reminder of what he had endured.
The military barracks were simple: a hard bed, a small metal locker, and a dim flickering lamp. The air was heavy with the scent of sweat and dust, mixing with the distant sounds of soldiers preparing for the day.
He was about to sit up when a soldier kicked the metal frame of his bed, making a deafening noise.
"Get up, rookie. You've got a mission today."
The voice was harsh and impatient. Lian didn't bother to protest. Still sore, he forced himself to stand, feeling every joint protest.
There was no time for breakfast. No time to recover. He barely had a chance to put on his issued uniform before being led to the base's main tent. The sun had not yet fully risen, painting the sky a pale orange.
