"Now, we begin the most basic of training"
Corporal Samuel's voice was sharp, the words cutting through the air like a blade.
"Strength training"
Without another word, he reached into his pack and pulled out a military-grade training vest, tossing one to each recruit with practiced precision.
"Put it on"
He commanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
Instinctively, the recruits obeyed, each of them quickly donning the heavy, cumbersome vest.
As soon as the fabric touched their skin, the familiar force that had sealed their mana during the trials surged once more, flowing through their bodies like an invisible chain.
The once thrumming pulses of their mana came to an abrupt halt.
It was as if their very essence was locked away, a cage within their veins.
Their physical strength, once their greatest asset, began to fade, leaving them feeling sluggish, weaker, and less capable with every passing second.
