The morning sun cast long shadows across the training grounds as Mila led the students through their drills. The clatter of feet against the ground, the rhythmic breathing, and the occasional frustrated groans filled the air. She moved among them, correcting postures, adjusting stances, and offering quick tips.
Suddenly, a spark of green light zipped past her head. Mila reacted instinctively, dodging to the side just in time. Her heart raced, and she narrowed her eyes toward the source a group of students from Class S. They were smirking, clearly enjoying their attempt to disrupt her session.
"Ha! Look at Class F struggling!" one of them called out, laughing loudly.
Mila's lips pressed together. Low-ranked students… that's what I'm dealing with. Her golden eyes softened momentarily with understanding, but the familiar fire inside her stirred. If they think I'll go easy because of ranks… they're wrong.
The Class S students eventually wandered off, still chuckling. Mila turned back to her Class F students, who were panting and sweaty but trying their best. She took a deep breath, letting her usual playful demeanor slip into something sharper, more focused.
"Listen up!" she called, her voice carrying authority. "It doesn't matter what rank you are. Today, I'm going to push you beyond your limits. I want to see every ounce of effort you have. Understand?"
A few students blinked, surprised by the sudden seriousness in her tone. "Yes, Mila!" they chorused, some with shaky but determined voices.
She walked among them, demonstrating movements with precision, her boots crunching against the gravel. "Faster! Lower! Don't just follow feel the motion! Strength isn't just in your arms or legs. It's in how your mind commands your body!"
The students began to mimic her more carefully, and Mila could see the change small sparks of determination lighting their eyes. She allowed herself a faint smile. Teaching wasn't just about drills and routines; it was about awakening something inside them.
And for Mila, it was a reminder of herself the same determination, the same need to master every step, every movement, every beat of her being.
This is just the beginning, she thought, glancing at her students. If they can rise to this… maybe I can rise too, in my own way.