The forest was dense, and the air was thick with the smell of pine and damp earth. The first-year students stood in a rough circle, their eyes flicking nervously between each other. There was no way out of this.
I crossed my arms. "Leo, since you're so vocal today, why don't you step up next?"
Leo looked like he'd rather eat a live scorpion. "Actually, I think Felix took my turn—"
"Did he?" I tilted my head. "Did I say Felix was taking your place?"
Leo sighed in defeat and trudged forward, the crunch of leaves underfoot making him sound like he was walking to his death.
I gestured for him to stand properly. "Now, remember—don't flinch. Absorb the impact. You flinch, you fall, and if you fall, I'll make you do it again."
Leo swallowed hard and nodded.
I gave him a solid push.
Leo, to his credit, didn't immediately collapse like Felix. He stumbled back, his feet scrambling for balance on the uneven forest floor, but somehow—somehow—he managed to stay upright.
I blinked. "Huh."
