Run, swim, climb, run, fight, hammer, comprehend. Over the course of several days, this became their sole routine. Awake by three, exhausted by midnight.
Somehow, most of the cadets still couldn't seem to get used to it. Each day, they ended up more exhausted than the last. It became a regular occurrence to see cadets dragging themselves through the fortress like corpses. Every day, at least a dozen or so were sent home. Their numbers steadily dwindled.
Regardless, Zephyrion came out on top in every single training. Even as the other cadets slowed during runs or grew too exhausted to fight properly, his energy seemed boundless.
Unfortunately, this only fanned the flames of their hatred.
What started as low whispers became jeering looks. Eyes grew colder, harsher, and ridiculous rumors spread. The most insane of them had been about his disappearance. Apparently, he had 'run' away from home just to get his father's attention, proving his selfishness.
