Chapter 14: Bonus chapter 2

[Scene: After finishing their morning combat training at Star Academy, Yujin and Kain sit on a bench, wiping off sweat and sipping water.]

Kain:

Ugh… my legs feel like they're gonna fall off. Remind me again why we're doing this every morning?

Yujin:

Because we're not just brainy cadets. Strength matters too. If you can't move fast or strike hard, you'll be dead weight in a real fight.

Kain:

Still… we're already strong. We cleared a double dungeon and survived a demon boss. Isn't that proof enough?

Yujin:

That was just the start. You saw what happened during the break—every fight is getting harder. Physical fitness isn't just about strength, it's about endurance, reaction speed, even recovery. One second too slow and it's game over.

Kain:

Hmph… you sound like Rowel Vayne now.

Yujin:

He's not wrong either. You can have all the sword skills in the world, but if your body can't keep up, you'll break down. Look at me—I awakened an eye ability, sure, but I still train every day. No excuses.

Kain:

Fine, fine. I get it. Guess I'll stop whining and do a few more sets. But next time, you carry the training dummies.

Yujin:

Deal—if you can beat me in today's sparring match.

Kain:

Tch. You're on. No holding back.

[They bump fists and head back to the training field, a renewed de

termination in their steps.]