True Speed Lies in Cornering

In just ten minutes, the new recruits taking the tough Rookie Exam on the Training Field had split into three groups. Their strengths and weaknesses were plain for everyone to see.

Fullbody, as expected, was leading the First Group. Since he was little, his parents had trained him hard to be a Marine. This gave him a strong base. If he hadn't gotten into dancing and lost interest in the Marine, his angry parents wouldn't have forced him to rejoin and go through this embarrassing restart.

As he went around a sharp turn, he saw Roya just a bit ahead. He paused, slowing down.

"Roya?" he wondered. Wasn't Roya way behind?

Could he have somehow fallen back an entire lap? He couldn't believe it.

Fullbody frowned. The only way that could happen was if Roya had a major problem. But Roya was tough, so it seemed unlikely.

Without saying a word, Fullbody sped past Roya, the wind rushing through his hair.

This was the Rookie Exam. You had to rely on yourself to succeed. If you didn't finish on time, it meant you weren't strong enough.

Get it together, idiot, Fullbody scolded himself in his mind.

Roya had easily passed the exam before, and he seemed determined today. The fact that he was so far behind meant he was fighting something else.

The other recruits in the First Group ran up behind, their hearts sinking when they saw Roya and the scary Sergeant Monka walking together.

"It's Roya!" someone said, sounding worried.

"And Sergeant Monka, of all people!"

"Man, Roya's in trouble!"

If you asked the Marines here, they'd all say Sergeant Monka was the scariest officer.

Sergeant Monka always looked cold and serious. He was known for being strict. If you messed up even a little, he'd yell at you in a voice like cracking ice.

But Sergeant Monka was also strong. Even some Ensigns weren't as good as him. Only Colonel Rhodes could really control him.

He was a mystery, both respected and feared!

He was the real Grim Reaper of the 153rd Branch.

"Roya got really unlucky," one recruit said, feeling sorry for him.

As they passed Roya, the others couldn't help but feel a little bad for him. Even though it was embarrassing to be passed by a Rookie, they secretly liked Roya.

If Monka was after them, they'd probably fall apart too.

Soon, the Second Group passed Roya, looking serious.

Even the slowest of the Third Group were catching up, looking down at Roya.

"He's a whole lap behind," someone whispered, sounding shocked.

Roya watched the other recruits pass him. He knew he was doing terribly, but he didn't panic. Instead, he tried to calm down.

My body is getting used to it, he thought.

Watching and thinking were the best ways to learn.

Roya didn't just copy Monka. He combined Monka's techniques with what the Instructor had taught him. He kept adjusting his running and finding a rhythm that worked for him.

He made mistakes and fell behind, but that helped him figure out how to move better.

He finally got it!

His breathing became steady and deep.

His footsteps found their rhythm and became even.

"My body feels so light!" he thought, amazed.

Roya felt lighter than ever. Before, it was hard to even pass the basic test. Now, he wanted to be great.

He smiled, his face glowing.

"Sergeant Monka, I'm going to speed up now."

"Hmm?" Monka grunted, raising his eyebrows.

Before Monka could react, Roya shot forward, suddenly much faster.

This kid! Monka thought, his eyes lighting up.

Monka followed Roya quickly.

Behind them, the new recruits in the Third Group were speechless, their mouths open.

"So fast! What made him suddenly go so fast?" someone asked, sounding shocked.

They had been looking forward to catching up to Roya, but he had left them in the dust in a flash.

Damn you, Roya! It wasn't so nice when the First and Second Groups went by, huh? Guess you're playing favorites!

----

A minute later, the Second Group was worried and confused.

"The Rookie is catching up!"

As they went around a tricky turn, the Second Group watched in disbelief as Roya passed them on the inside. Then he quickly pulled away, disappearing into the distance.

What the heck? Did this kid just get faster? someone asked, sounding shocked.

Can he even keep that up? How long before he runs out of energy?

"Look, Roya's almost caught up to the First Group!" another said, sounding impressed.

The recruits watched as Roya easily caught up to the back of the First Group. Then he made a daring move, quickly passing them on the inside at the next turn.

Wow --he actually passed them! They couldn't believe it.

The new recruits in the First Group were all trying hard to get the "excellent" rank. Passing them was a big deal.

"It's okay," one recruit said, trying to sound confident. "That kid is still a whole lap behind us. It won't be easy for him to catch up. He can't keep up that speed for long."

If Roya passed them, they'd be so embarrassed.

---

By now, half of the exam time was gone.

The weakest of the Third Group had slowed way down, almost to a crawl. They were running out of energy and had to save what they had left.

They knew they were falling further behind every second. The First Group would probably pass them again and again as they tried to finish in time.

"Coming through!" a voice suddenly yelled from behind.

Here we go! someone thought, bracing themselves for the embarrassment.

The new recruits in the Third Group looked back sadly, but stopped when they saw Roya all alone. They were confused, wondering if they were seeing things.

What happened? someone managed to ask.

Wasn't this the same kid who had just left them behind?

"Coming through, coming through!" Roya repeated, sounding confident.

It wasn't until Roya walked right through the middle of them that the new recruits in the Third Group realized what had happened.

Oh no! They all understood.

The Rookie had passed them!

The Second Group also saw Roya coming fast, and they went from relaxed to scared. They felt a sense of panic.

"How is this kid so strong!" someone exclaimed, sounding impressed and worried.

They had thought Roya's speed was just a burst of energy that wouldn't last. But instead, he seemed to be running faster and faster, like a wild horse that had broken free.

Damn it! Losing to a Rookie in training was shameful. They had to protect their status, even if it meant doing something desperate.

"Brothers, don't let him pass!" someone yelled, sounding determined.

"Understood!" the others said together, looking serious.

The Second Group formed a tight line, blocking the track as much as they could. To pass them, Roya would have to go to the outside lane, which would waste a lot of energy.

Roya saw their plan and stayed behind the Second Group, watching carefully. He didn't rush, waiting for the right moment.

Fifteen seconds later, Roya suddenly sped up.

Ahead, there was a turn!

"Not good!" someone warned, sounding panicked.

When turning, the group would have to spread into a single line to save energy and keep moving. This would create openings for someone to pass.

Roya had used his cornering skills to pass them before!

But before they could strengthen their defense, Roya darted to the inside of the track, squeezing in with them and running side by side. He was fearless. When the next turn came, Roya sped up again, easily breaking free and pulling ahead.

They had been tricked and passed!

The faces of the new recruits in the Second Group turned red with embarrassment.

Being passed so easily by a Rookie was incredibly humiliating. They wished they could disappear.

These rookies are monsters! someone thought.

"Don't worry," another said, trying to sound optimistic. "There's still the First Group!"