Chapter 15: A Distracted Mind
The morning sun was already scorching as Arkin lined up with the other recruits. Captain Rainhardt’s voice boomed across the training yard, calling out commands.
“Form up! Defensive stance!”
Arkin moved, but too slow. His grip on the training sword felt loose, his footing uncertain. His mind wasn’t on the drills—it was stuck on the shadowy figure watching him last night. Who were they? What did they want?
“Arkin!”
Before he could react, a wooden sword struck his side. He staggered back, wincing. Rainhardt narrowed his eyes.
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“Focus, or get out of my training yard.”
“Yes, sir,” Arkin muttered, gripping his weapon tighter.
As the training continued, Arkin tried to concentrate, but his mind kept drifting. Had the figure been following him for longer than he realized? Could they be inside the Academy? The questions nagged at him like an itch he couldn’t scratch.
“Arkin, you’re doing it again,” Kwinn whispered beside him.
Arkin blinked. He had been standing still while the others moved to the next drill.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, falling into position.
Kwinn gave him a worried glance but didn’t push.
Sparring was next. Paired against a fellow recruit, Arkin took his stance, trying to shove his doubts aside.
His opponent attacked. Arkin reacted too late.
A wooden blade came straight for his face. He barely managed to tilt his head, but the sword grazed past his cheek, stinging. Gasps echoed around them.
“Arkin!” Kwinn rushed over.
Arkin lowered his weapon, breathing heavily. His opponent looked just as shaken.
“Enough,” Rainhardt said, his tone sharp. “If you lose focus in real combat, you die.” He eyed Arkin for a long moment before turning away.
Arkin clenched his fists. He knew Rainhardt was right. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t ignore
the feeling that danger was getting closer.