I reflexively responded with an "Ah?" and sluggishly stepped out.

He glanced at me, and that glance was full of criticism.

"What's with the 'Ah'? When the instructor calls your name, you have to answer!"

The sternness in his tone made me feel embarrassed and wronged, but I didn't dare to resist.

"Here..."

My timid voice was as quiet as a mosquito, I couldn't even hear it myself, and he was naturally even more displeased.

"Louder!"

His tone suddenly became harsher.

"Here!"

Startled, I shivered, and tears uncontrollably started streaming down my face.

"Do you have no awareness of your height? Hiding behind those tall students as a shield?"

I wiped away the blurry tears, reluctantly moving to the very first spot in the first row.

Secretly cursing him in my heart, I thought stubbornly, 'This grudge is now set in stone!'

After I was publicly reprimanded as an example, my classmates became much more obedient, and within five minutes, the lineup was neatly formed.

Then Mr. Black stood at the front, calling names and distributing camouflage uniforms.

His gaze swept across our faces one by one as he began his self-introduction.

"My name is Rex Black, codename 'Aurora Wolf.' I'm honored to have been invited by your school to participate in this military training. I hope we can get along well in the days to come!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Jaden Brown, who was beside me, couldn't wait to start clapping, looking both excited and thrilled.

"The 'Aurora Wolf' of the Wild Wolf Unit? Seven-time national champion, honorary judge of the world championships 'Aurora Wolf'? The one who cracked countless international cases, chasing criminals to the border to eliminate them, that 'Aurora Wolf'? You're my idol! I've watched all the movies based on your team!"

I had never seen Jaden like this before. He was the most introverted student at our school. I heard he was a victim of school bullying, which is why his parents sent him here.

The words he just said were probably more than all he's spoken in the past two years at school combined.

I didn't understand what 'Aurora Wolf' was.

But I knew you couldn't expect ivory from a wolf's mouth!

Rex kept a stern face and continued giving orders.

"You now have three minutes to change into your uniforms and come back! Those who are late will stand in military posture on an empty stomach!"

As soon as he said this, the previously quiet lineup started getting restless.

"Three minutes? I can't even run upstairs in that time..."

"Are we really going to have military training? My family paid so much money, it's not to have me suffer!"

"Yeah! Why should we?"

"Who brought you here, anyway?"

They rumbled on.

Listening to their noisy complaints, I felt a bit guilty.

The culprit behind all this... could it be my grandpa?

Although my dad donates to the school every year, the principal is my grandpa's old war buddy!

Just then, our elusive old principal suddenly appeared.

He said, "This military training is meant to inspire students' patriotism, cultivate a strong will to endure hardship, and strengthen the sense of national defense and discipline. It was arranged with the consent of all parents as a special surprise for everyone!"

Mr. Black then unfurled a red banner from behind, which was densely covered with chaotic signatures.

I immediately spotted my grandpa's calligraphy signature, bold and mighty.

"Any more objections?"

The lineup fell completely silent.

With the signatures of our benefactors, what choice did we have but to accept our fate?

Rex casually raised his wrist and said in a deep voice, "Three minutes!"

Then, like madmen, we grabbed our uniforms and rushed towards the dormitory building.

I changed my clothes as quickly as possible, not even pausing to catch my breath. While brushing my hair, I rushed downstairs, but still ended up being the last one!

A gaze that was impossible to ignore was fixed on me, making me feel incredibly nervous!

I quickly lowered my head and ran over, standing at the very front of the line...

That was directly in front of Mr. Black!

"Why didn't you become an ostrich in the sand? I really feel sorry for you!"

I muttered quietly, "I'm a rabbit."

Fortunately, he didn't give me too much trouble and instead started dividing us into groups.

"Everyone, form small squads and practice your military stance for an hour! Those who meet the standard can have breakfast; those who don't will have to practice more!"

I don't like Mr. Black. He always looks fierce and his words are sharper than a wolf's bite!

He dislikes me so much, he's probably going to put me in a different squad, right?

Just as I was hoping, Rex walked up to me, giving me a cold look.

"Ariya's row, follow me!"

Ugh...

I cried silently.

The look he gave me just now clearly meant "We'll see about this!"

...

We had already been standing in military posture with empty stomachs for an hour, but Mr. Black still hadn't let us go for breakfast.

The squad next to us had already started singing "Unity Strength," while our squad was still stuck doing extra drills because of me!

My calves were trembling uncontrollably, and I could barely stand under Rex's cold gaze.

"If you keep swaying like that, you'll be the reason your teammates go hungry!"

It didn't matter if I went hungry, but seeing so many hungry kids staring at me...

I had no choice but to grit my teeth and force my legs to stand straight.

But my weak body couldn't hold up, and I began to collapse to one side.

Fortunately, Jaden, who was beside me, caught me, preventing a total disaster.

I turned to say "thank you," only to see a flash of disdain in his eyes.

At that moment, even the most honest kid in the entire school started to dislike me.

In that instant, all my pride and confidence shattered.

I collapsed to the ground, thinking I would never get up again.

"You all go eat!"

He let everyone else leave, leaving only me behind.

"Giving up already? Haven't you inherited a single ounce of your grandfather's spirit?!"

I felt annoyed. So he really was one of Grandpa's people!

I said defiantly, "Who cares about inheriting his spirit? He doesn't like me, and I don't like him either!"

Grandpa spent most of his life in the military, and I only got to see him three times a year.

Now that he's retired, he still dislikes me and constantly lectures me! Why should I have to put up with that?!

"Do you know why the rabbit lost to the turtle? Because you're channeling your pride in the wrong direction!"

With red eyes, I glared at him. "Can't any of you see how hard I'm trying? All you do is scold me!"

I thought he would try to lecture me, but instead, he said, "The people who love you are the ones who care enough to correct you! How can you not understand such a simple truth? You really are foolish!"

"Go have breakfast, then come back and continue training! You're already weak; going hungry will only make you softer!"

He didn't even offer me a hand; he just stepped over me and walked away.

I stayed still, biting my lip as I reflected on Rex's words.

In truth, I really admire my grandpa. He's such a remarkable figure, but since he returned, all he's done is criticize me. I've always thought he hated me, which made me feel very sad and resistant toward him.

But Rex's words made me realize something.

I got up from the ground, and for the first time, I felt a real motivation to become stronger.