36 Training commences 2 (1/2)

”ATTENTION!” Commander Eugene arrived at the field and called out to the students. He had arrived with a several soldiers and teachers. It would be difficult to instruct a few hundred students by himself without any helpers. They did a roll call to check the student's attendance.

”Very good! No one is missing. Since you are all here, we shall start with some running exercise. In the military, it is of vital importance that the soldiers are fit and able to keep up. The savage beasts on the battlefield would not wait for you to catch your breath! I want everyone to do 40 laps around the field. You may use whatever means necessary to complete the task but if you fail to complete it within the allotted time then you will be punished. You have 8 hours. Your military training officially starts now, GO!”

The students started running as soon as commander Eugene finished talking. They didn't have time to waste. The field was very big and wasn't a problem for all of them to run at the same time. However due to the big size of the field, the total distance covered for 40 laps was almost 100 kilometers. It wasn't something awakeners can complete in 8 hours easily, let alone the unawaken students. Half of the students had not awakened yet.

The task of complete 100-kilometer run in 8 hours was impossible for the normal students, yet they had to somehow make that impossible possible if they don't want to be punished.

Some of the awakened students ran at their fastest straight from the start, while some ran at their own pace. Leon did not want to stand out, so he ran at a similar pace to Fatty Ben.

”This is impossible. How do they expect me to complete 40 laps of this field? Is the instructor trying to kill me?” Fatty Ben complained. His fats jiggled with every step taken.

”Save your breath and just run.” Leon said.

”I'll be going up ahead first.” Lynne informed him. She thought that Leon didn't want to stand out since only a few knew that Leon was already an awakener. Before she left, she didn't forget to flash a provocative smile at Rachel.

”Y-You…!” Rachel was easily riled by the provocation. ”I'll be going too.”

The two girls started their own little competition. Leon didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

One lap…. Two laps…. After two laps had passed, the disparity in the students were shown clearly, spreading the original big crowd throughout the field like a thin ring.

When Edric and his two cronies were passing Leon, they didn't forget to make passing remarks.

”A commoner can only amount to this level.”

They were looking down on him, but they weren't aware that they had also inadvertently slapped the faces of all the normal students with their remark. Their expressions all darken at the trio's remark. They weren't doing much better than Leon. Wasn't that the same as saying that they all weren't that great either?

”Y-You!” Leon had no reaction to their remarks like he was listening to air, but Fatty Ben by his side was different as he was angered. Fatty Ben wanted to curse them, but they had already disappeared into the distance. They would not hear him even if he cursed them.

”Don't mind them. The more energy they burn at the start, the harder for them to finish. You just need to find your own pace and not be carried with the flow.” Leon calmed him down with a smile.

”You might be right, but I don't think I can keep up much longer. You are a true brother for staying with me until now! but no need to slow down to my pace and just go on without me.” Fatty Ben was aware that Leon had not even broken a sweat and should be much more capable than what people give him credit for, while he was sweating profusely.

Leon just shook his head and continued the same pace.

Fourth lap… fifth lap… Many normal students were already tired by this point and already slowing down their pace. The awakened students were already in their tenth to fifteenth lap. The disparity was continuing to grow larger. Some 1st step awakeners started sweating and decided to make use of their abilities to help them keep up their usual pace.

Earth users made use of the earth below their feet to give them some springing power, but their action caused some students to trip over the lumps of earth they made in the ground. Water users were hydrating their thirst with their ability to create water out of thin air. Fire users were the most dominant, using their fire as thrusters to boost their speed. Their action left a trail of heat, making things difficult for the students behind them.

The overall situation was so getting out of control. Overall, the awakened students were inconsiderate, selfish and irresponsible.

The instructor, soldiers and teachers had moved to a high vantage point where they could overlook the field and the students. They were continuous scribbling something on their pieces of papers and communicating with each other but did not interfere with what the students were doing.

”I can't go any further, bro. Go on without me!” Fatty Ben said.

Leon looked at him in thought. Fatty Ben seemed to have approach him with some motive at the start, but his character was not bad and should be worth befriending.

”Hop on my back. I'll carry you along.”

”What? Wouldn't we be punished if you help me?”

”Why would we be punished? Did you forget what the instructor said? We can use whatever means necessary to complete the task.”