As the door creaked open, Asher's eyes immediately fell upon William, who stood before him drenched in his own sweat. His chest rose and fell rhythmically as he panted slightly, his bare torso gleaming faintly under the room's soft lighting. He wore nothing but a pair of trousers clinging to his frame, the evidence of his intense exertion clear in every detail of his posture and breath.
For a moment, Asher froze in place, caught off guard by the sight. His gaze lingered on William in mild astonishment.
'He's training,' Asher thought inwardly, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
While most of the other new students of the Star Academy were busy exploring their new surroundings, admiring the vast architecture, and indulging in the novelty of the view, William had instead devoted himself to training. It was a decision that immediately set him apart.
'Is he one of those training fanatics?' Asher thought silently, his eyes fixed upon William.
