Derek was struggling just as much to catch his breath.

They had asked Mathius to train them, but what they didn't expect was how exhausting that training would be.

...

At the crack of dawn, Lovell and Derek went to the colosseum.

No major events were scheduled anytime soon, and Lovell had already scouted the location.

It was open to anyone at all times—except when they were holding an exam or there was an event.

The dry sand at Lovell's feet served as a stimulant, shaking off some of the grogginess from sleep.

The empty seats calmed him down and reminded him of his purpose.

We are here to train.

Derek was beside himself, wondering what evil he had committed to end up in such a situation.

Mathius was unusually chipper.

I didn’t peg him as a morning person. What a hassle.

Lovell shrugged off his groggy state and approached Mathius.

"So, what will you be teaching us? Some technique to escape capture? Where to strike a man to inflict the most damage?"

Mathius looked at Lovell with slight confusion.

"What use is that to you now? I don't know what you think I'm teaching, but I can assure you—it won't be any techniques."

Derek looked over with a raised brow.

Lovell was equally shocked, wondering why he’d even bothered to wake up so early.

"What I will be teaching you," Mathius said, "are the two most basic elements in combat: balance and awareness."

Lovell was confused. All the fights he had seen—and taken part in—were all about deciding who could destroy the other first.

He was even willing to concede that strong technique was important.

What does he think I asked him for? Balance? Awareness? What use do those have?

Mathius saw that he was being questioned.

"Whether you believe me or not, the fastest way to prove it is through combat. Come at me."

The invitation to fight couldn’t have gone to someone who wanted it more.

Over the last few days, Lovell's irritation toward Mathius had made him daydream about sinking his fist into the annoying pretty boy’s face.

Now that the chance had presented itself, Lovell didn’t hesitate.

His foot sank into the cool sand as he launched himself straight at Mathius.

Mathius calmly observed Lovell, waiting for him where he stood.

Derek joined the fray and was immediately clocked by Mathius.

Lovell’s foot rose and kicked sand toward Mathius’s eyes.

He may have been eager to slug him, but he also remembered that he was weaker.

Mathius crouched as he turned around, and the sand bounced off his back.

Derek dove in at the opportunity.

He thought an opening had presented itself and charged at Mathius, intending to kick him while he was down.

Mathius waited until Derek was a meter away, then kicked at his planted foot, pivoting to his side and using his hands for balance.

The strike landed swiftly, sending Derek flying.

Lovell, standing off to the side, was watching and waiting for an opportunity.

His eyes widened when he saw Derek airborne.

He... waited until he was close, then struck his planted foot, throwing him off balance. But how did he know which foot to hit? Was he tracking him using his ears?

Lovell was momentarily frozen by the shock, and Mathius charged at him, giving him no time to retreat.

...

This cycle repeated itself until noon, when both boys were too tired to move.

Although Mathius hadn’t taken any damage, he too was panting.

The stamina he demonstrated while defending against two opponents was shocking.

Lovell couldn't help but wonder if Mathius was already a Dreadborn.

He wasn’t.

He simply had an unbelievable level of focus and awareness, allowing him to use the most efficient movements possible.

With the sun directly overhead, Lovell closed his eyes and reflected on Mathius’s earlier words.

Balance and awareness, huh...

There was a grain of truth to what Mathius had said.

They found it difficult to launch any meaningful attacks whenever they were thrown off balance—while Mathius somehow attacked effectively even when off-kilter.

This convinced Lovell that he had made the wrong assumptions about combat.

...

"Combat is essentially using what you have to your advantage. This becomes difficult when you rely on techniques that work best for someone with long reach or a certain body type. You should also consider..."

Lovell listened to Mathius’s explanation with curiosity.

His assumptions were being torn down, and a new perspective was taking root.

He absorbed as much as he could, though some things could only be understood through experience.

...

After repeating the same exercises every day, the 15th arrived.

All new recruits were called to the colosseum and assembled in the arena.

Murmurs erupted from the crowd as confusion spread.

No one knew what to expect.

"QUIET DOWN!!"

The shout came from the podium, and silence fell.

Lovell did a quick headcount of the people around him.

Around 300 people, huh. I wonder if I’ll still be alive at the end of all this.

He wasn’t referring to surviving the competition with the other students.

He was more concerned with the bruises decorating his body.

Although Mathius wasn’t currently a Dreadborn...

Lovell wasn’t sure he could tell the difference from the beatings he received.

Alicia walked to the podium, flanked by her knights.

Clutched to her arm was a man who shook with every step he took.

His eyes avoided the crowd below, full of shame.

If I had to guess... flower boy, huh.

Lovell looked at Alicia, who seemed particularly proud of herself.

Let’s hope I survive this and don’t attract too much unwanted attention. I fear my end may be something even a Horror would run from.

She began to speak. “It’s so nice to see so many volunteers. I hope you found your accommodations well. Anyway, this is Brave Hearts Academy, where we shape soldiers to fight for House Riverr and the kingdom.”

Volunteer my ass... we’re all your prisoners.

I didn’t think House Riverr would be in the business of forcefully recruiting soldiers.

...Since we’ve already broken the law, we can’t complain?

Resourceful, I’ll give you that.

Alicia went on and on about all sorts of useless things—honor, sacrifice...

Who here would buy into that? We all know we’re being thrown onto the front lines to die for your selfish causes.

...

“With that being said, His Majesty has given me full authority to hammer you all into blades he can wield. Yes—those of you who manage to last until graduation will become Dreadborn.”

Lovell flinched.

He was in disbelief.

He’d always known they were going to be used in some way, but he didn’t think they’d be given the chance to become Dreadborn.

Those that manage to last...

He caught the subtle message in her words.

This won’t be easy.

Alicia noticed the shock and confusion in the crowd and continued, “Meet your new masters.”

All eyes turned to the podium.