Forced Reliance

Beneath the blazing sun at eleven o'clock, thousands of soldiers stood on the obstacle course, anticipation and anxiety coursing through their veins. Next to them were the Immortals, who were without family, and the mingling of these two groups created a palpable tension that seemed impossible to dispel. For the past hour, they had merely stared at each other, any interaction limited and awkward. The atmosphere was volatile.

However, the emperor's announcement sliced through the tension like a hot blade.

"Today, you will learn the principle of battle aura," Kaze smiled. "It's a high-level sub-technique that will soon become common knowledge. Yet, you shall be the first to learn and master it, as I will personally conduct a master class."

A collective gasp and murmur spread through the crowd. Although it was a mere whisper, the thousands of voices made it feel as thunderous as it reverberated through the area.