Feast of Triumph

After enduring the gruelling challenges of the obstacle course, the students were finally granted a moment of reprieve. Following a much-needed break to clean up and change into fresh clothes, they gathered at a large, open dining pavilion that overlooked the serene campus grounds. The tantalizing aroma of food filled the air, making their stomachs rumble in anticipation as they took their seats around a long, well-decorated table.

The spread laid out before them was nothing short of extravagant. Plates of steaming braised short ribs glistened under the sunlight, their sauce rich and fragrant. Platters of crispy fried chicken sat beside bowls of fluffy white rice, perfectly seasoned to complement the savoury dishes. There were stacks of freshly baked bread with an assortment of spreads, from creamy butter to sweet fruit preserves. For lighter options, vibrant salads brimming with fresh vegetables and tangy dressings adorned the table, alongside chilled fruit platters bursting with colour—juicy watermelon, plump grapes, and perfectly ripened mango slices.

Desserts were no less impressive. Rows of miniature tarts filled with custard and fresh berries, alongside delicate sponge cakes topped with whipped cream, beckoned to be devoured. For drinks, pitchers of iced tea, fresh lemonade, and fruit-infused water offered refreshing relief from the day's exertion.

As they began to eat, the room was filled with the clatter of cutlery and the hum of satisfaction. For the first time that day, no one was in a rush or competing for anything. Each bite was savoured, the flavours rich and fulfilling—a stark contrast to the bland, albeit nutritious breakfast they'd been served earlier.

"This is amazing," Hyun-ae murmured, her plate piled high with food. "Almost makes the obstacle course worth it."

"Almost?" Kang-dae chuckled, tearing into a drumstick. "I'd go through that again just for this."

Tae-young, seated at one end of the table, couldn't resist a sly comment.

"It's only fair the number one Assassin gets treated like royalty."

"Sit down, Tae-young," Hana quipped from across the table, her tone sharp but playful. "You're not the only one who worked for this."

Even the instructors, seated at a separate table nearby, appeared to enjoy the moment. Instructor Seung-hyun leaned back in his chair, sipping his iced tea with a satisfied smile.

"A meal like this, once in a while, won't hurt. Balance is important, after all," he remarked to Instructor Min-ji, who nodded in agreement.

For the students, this wasn't just a feast; it was a celebration of teamwork and perseverance. As they ate and laughed together, the trials of the day faded into the background. What remained was a sense of camaraderie, a shared memory of triumph, and the knowledge that they'd earned this moment of indulgence.

At the instructors' table, the atmosphere was much lighter than one might expect after such a gruelling morning. Plates were similarly piled high, though the instructors paced themselves, chatting and joking as they ate. Instructor Seung-hyun leaned back, wiping his hands with a napkin as he observed the students at their table, laughing and devouring their meals.

"Can you believe this?" he said, shaking his head with a smirk. "First day of training, and they're acting like they've conquered the world just for earning lunch."

Instructor Dong-soo chuckled, spearing a piece of chicken from his plate.

"I can't say I blame them. For kids who've probably never faced real physical challenges before, that obstacle course must've felt like the end of the world."

Instructor Ji-woo, sipping from his glass of iced tea, raised an eyebrow.

"You're forgetting they're all elite players in NexaRealm. They've faced dragons, armies, and rival teams. You'd think running through a cave and fighting mannequins wouldn't phase them."

"Elite players, sure," Instructor Min-ji interjected with a wry smile. "But that's in a game. No stamina bars, no auto-healing, and no quick respawns in real life. The moment they realized they couldn't pause and strategize their way out, it hit them hard."

Instructor Hye-won nodded in agreement, tapping her fork against her plate thoughtfully.

"And let's not forget—these are privileged kids. I'm willing to bet most of them have never had to lift a finger outside of their comfort zones. It's a miracle they got through it without complaints about the dust or the heat."

"True," Instructor Dong-soo agreed, his grin widening. "And to think, they're desperate for a feast already. Can't wait to see how they handle the next month of this."

Instructor Seung-hyun leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

"It's different for them, though. Think about it. Every one of us here had to earn our Realm devices. Part-time jobs, side gigs, saving every penny. These kids? Their parents probably had them delivered with a bow tied on top."

Instructor Ji-woo laughed at that, shaking his head.

"Lucky brats. But hey, times change. Economic conditions change. I don't think we can blame them for being born into an easier life than we had."

"True enough," Instructor Min-ji said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "But that just means they'll have to learn to appreciate what they've got. This training isn't just about the World NexaRealm Championship—it's about building them into people who can handle real pressure and real teamwork. That goes beyond gaming."

"And speaking of the championship," Instructor Hye-won said, a determined glint in her eye. "We've got a lot of work to do. Those kids may have talent, but talent alone won't get them on the world stage. It's our job to turn them into a team that can win."

Instructor Seung-hyun raised his glass, gesturing to the others.

"Here's to the next month. If we survive their egos and they survive our training, maybe we'll bring home that trophy."

The instructors clinked their glasses, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the students enjoying their hard-earned meal. For all the jokes and ribbing, there was a shared sense of purpose at the table. They weren't just preparing their students for a game—they were preparing them for a future where teamwork, resilience, and adaptability mattered just as much as skill.

Instructor Seung-hyun set his glass down with a deliberate clink, catching the attention of the other instructors. His gaze flickered briefly to the students, who were still engrossed in their meals, before he leaned forward, voice low but carrying authority.

"Alright," he began, his tone shifting to one of practical seriousness. "As much as I'd like to joke around about their newfound appreciation for hard work, we should probably give them a break. It's the first day, after all."

Instructor Dong-soo smirked.

"You're going soft on them already? One tough morning, and you're handing out free time?"

Instructor Hye-won shot him a playful glare.

"Come on, Dong-soo. Even machines need maintenance, and those kids are far from machines. Look at them—they're one good meal away from crashing."

Instructor Seung-hyun nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. Pushing them too hard on day one won't do us any favours. Let's give them the rest of the day to rest, recover, and process what they've been through. Trust me, they'll need it for what's coming tomorrow."

Instructor Ji-woo leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"A strategic retreat, huh? Alright, I can get behind that. They've earned it—for today, at least. Besides, I'm curious to see how they'll spend their downtime. Team-building or team-bickering?"

Instructor Min-ji chuckled softly.

"Probably a bit of both. But that's part of the process. Let them figure each other out when the stakes aren't so high."

Instructor Seung-hyun stood up, brushed crumbs off his lap, and walked toward the students' table, clapping his hands loudly to get their attention. The chatter died down as fifteen pairs of eyes turned to him, some curious, others wary.

"Alright, listen up!" he announced. "You've all done a good job today. That obstacle course wasn't easy, and you made it through—somehow. So, here's the deal. For the rest of the day, you're off duty. No training, no challenges. Just rest, relax, and recharge."

There was a collective pause, followed by a murmur of disbelief.

"Wait, seriously?" Tae-young asked, his expression sceptical. "You're letting us off the hook? Just like that?"

Instructor Seung-hyun's lips twitched in amusement.

"Don't get used to it. This is a one-time thing. Tomorrow, more training begins, and trust me, you'll wish you had savoured every second of this break. So, enjoy it while it lasts."

"Does that include access to the recreational facilities?" Kang-dae raised a hand.

Instructor Hye-won chimed in from her table, her tone teasing.

"Yes, Kang-dae. That includes the rec centre. Go wild—just don't break anything. We're not responsible for replacing the equipment if you do."

The students exchanged excited glances, the exhaustion of the day momentarily forgotten.

Min-jae grinned, nudging Joon-ho with his elbow.

"Well, looks like we've got time to figure out who's the best at pool. You in?"

Joon-ho shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Sure, but don't cry when I wipe the floor with you."

The instructors watched as the students' energy began to shift, the promise of free time breathing new life into their spirits.

"Looks like that was the right call," Instructor Ji-woo remarked, standing up and stretching. "Now, what about us? Do we get the rest of the day off too?"

Instructor Seung-hyun laughed, shaking his head.

"We've got plenty to plan for tomorrow, but... I wouldn't say no to a quick nap first."

Instructor Dong-soo grinned.

"You? Nap? I'll believe it when I see it."

As the students dispersed to their quarters, still chatting about their plans for the afternoon, the instructors lingered at their table. The camaraderie among the adults mirrored that of their students, a quiet reminder that teamwork extended beyond the lessons they taught.

"Here's to day one," Instructor Min-ji said, raising her glass with a small smile. "Let's hope the rest of the month goes just as smoothly."

"Smoothly?" Instructor Dong-soo echoed, his tone mockingly incredulous. "You're an optimist, Min-ji. This is going to be chaos."

"Controlled chaos," Instructor Seung-hyun corrected, raising his glass. "And if we do our jobs right, it'll be worth it."

The clink of glasses and shared laughter marked the end of the meal, a moment of calm before the storm of challenges to come.