Chapter 11: the real training begins

  After finishing their morning jog, Captain Reinhardt ordered the recruits to form a straight line.

  "Attention! Today, we will train your bodies. Do you see those sacks of rice over there? You will carry them from one end of the field to the other. Is that clear?" he barked.

  "Yes, sir!" the recruits answered in unison.

  "Good. Now, begin!" Reinhardt commanded.

  The recruits rushed to grab the heavy sacks and started carrying them across the field. Sweat dripped from their brows as they struggled under the weight.

  "Man, this is way too much," Kwinn groaned, his arms already aching.

  "Shut up and just follow orders," Arkin muttered, straining as he lifted another sack.

  After 30 minutes, they had managed to carry about half the sacks. Some recruits were already exhausted, their legs wobbling and arms trembling. A few could no longer lift their sacks, collapsing onto the ground in frustration.

  Suddenly, Reinhardt's voice boomed across the field.

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  "Recruits, it's time for your water break! You have five minutes!"

  Kwinn nearly dropped his sack in relief. "Geez, five minutes isn’t enough for my arms to recover," he complained, panting heavily.

  Arkin took a deep breath, wiping sweat from his brow. "Then stop wasting time talking and drink your water," he said before heading toward the barrels.

  The recruits hurried to drink, knowing that the toughest part of training was still ahead.

  After drinking water, the recruits returned to lifting the heavy sacks of rice. Their bodies ached, and their muscles burned, but they had no choice but to push through.

  When the grueling task was finally over, Captain Reinhardt called them to line up once again.

  "Attention! Now that you’ve completed your task, you may rest and eat your midday meal," he said in a calmer tone.

  "Yes, sir!" the recruits replied in unison, relieved.

  With that, they eagerly made their way to the cafeteria. The scent of warm stew and freshly baked bread filled the air, instantly lifting their spirits. As Arkin and Kwinn sat down with their meals, they began talking about their training.

  "That man trains us like we’re warhorses," Kwinn grumbled, shoving a piece of bread into his mouth.

  "Shhh, lower your voice. Someone might hear you, and you’ll get into trouble," Arkin warned, glancing around cautiously.

  Kwinn sighed, rubbing his sore arms. "I don’t know if I can keep this up," he admitted. "Ahh! Why did I even think joining this place was a good idea?"

  Arkin let out a deep sigh. "Well, there's no turning back now."

  The two recruits continued eating in silence, both knowing that this was only the beginning of their long and brutal journey.

  After the recruits had eaten and rested, they were called back into formation.

  "Now that everyone has had their rest, we shall continue with the training," Reinhardt said in a calm but firm tone.

  "Now, you will do twenty push-ups for five sets," he commanded.

  "Alright, now begin!"

  As soon as Reinhardt gave the order, the recruits immediately dropped to the ground and started their push-ups. Their muscles were still sore from the earlier training, but they had no choice but to push through.

  Sweat dripped from their foreheads as they struggled to keep up with the count. Some recruits managed to maintain their form, while others were already shaking from exhaustion.

  Kwinn, breathing heavily, groaned, "Man, this is brutal..."

  Arkin, equally exhausted, muttered, "Just keep going… we can’t fall behind."

  The relentless training continued, each push-up feeling heavier than the last. B

  ut they all knew one thing—there was no room for weakness here.