The dust was still settling around the training arena as Lian remained on his knees, struggling to catch his breath. His entire body ached, his muscles burned, and his mind was still in shock from what had just happened.
He had lost. Again.
But this time, it wasn't just another defeat.
It was a lesson.
Viktor stood before him, arms crossed, watching with that cold, assessing gaze. His expression wasn't one of contempt or frustration, but it didn't show pride either.
"Get up," Viktor ordered, with no patience for hesitation.
Lian gritted his teeth and forced his body to move. Every muscle protested, but he slowly rose to his feet. His legs wobbled, his body trembled, but he didn't fall.
The silence among the soldiers watching was broken by a dry chuckle.
"He still has the strength to stand," one of them commented.
"Let's see if that means anything," another replied.
