Doran's firm, commanding voice echoed across the courtyard as he marched back and forth before the new recruits, each step reverberating off the stones.
The men's shoulders trembled, their eyes shut tight, swords raised before their faces in white-knuckled grips.
Beads of sweat trickled down their temples and chins, dripping silently onto the stone floor.
A single glance was enough for Ethan to realize these men had been standing in that position since early morning.
Their bodies were exhausted, and they truly seemed just one step away from collapse.
He sighed, then approached.
The recruits noticed the lord's presence immediately, but no one dared to break formation.
"Ah… aren't they going to end up dying if they keep training like this?" Ethan asked with a gentle smile, catching Doran's attention.
"My lord," Doran bowed slightly. "No, they can handle much more than that."
A confident smile appeared on Doran's lips, and Ethan returned the gesture.
Well… it wasn't a lie.
