Freak

Once Leo realized that he wasn't as weak as he had assumed, his breathing began to stabilize, and his heart rate gradually eased.

It was strange—how a psychological shift could have such a tangible effect on his body, as the difference between forcing himself to endure through sheer willpower and knowing, deep in his bones, that he could endure was staggering.

His muscles were still burning. His lungs still strained for air. His legs still felt the weight of the vest pressing down on them with every step.

But suddenly, it felt… manageable.

The despair that had been creeping in—the idea that he was barely hanging on while Su Yang ran circles around him—was gone.

Because now, he knew.

He was fast.

He was strong.

He was built for this.

And that made all the difference.

As he pushed forward, his strides evened out, and his pace became smoother.