The training ground slowly disappeared behind them, its familiar sights and sounds fading into memory with each step they took forward.
The echo of clashing practice weapons, the guidance of instructors, the predictable rhythm of drills—all of it dissolved into silence.
What lay ahead was no longer structured, no longer controlled. It was real.
And that difference could be felt.
Duryodhana walked at the front of the group, leading without hesitation.
His steps were steady, measured, and deliberate.
There was confidence in the way he moved, but it wasn't the careless confidence of arrogance.
It had weight now.
Responsibility had settled onto his shoulders—not enough to burden him, but enough to sharpen his awareness.
He knew that every decision he made from this point forward could affect the lives behind him.
The other students followed closely.
Some whispered to each other, unable to hide their excitement at finally stepping beyond the boundaries of training.
