Zane could feel that, Eris wasn't really buying his shit. Well, he simply said that anyways, because he wanted to end their conversation as fast he could. He didn't want anymore attention, than what he already had, because of something he did earlier.
[What was that speech? Never thought you had that in you, Zane.]
Hearing Velrath's playful tone, Zane's face turned somber. However, he didn't say anything back and simply went back to his work out.
Ignoring all the whispers around him, he got back to what he was doing before. His progress was slow, but he was already prepared for this. What he was after wasn't how fast his progress would be, after all. But more like, what his progress would bring.
As Zane's muscle became too sore, he would pause for a while and continue again, when he feels better. He repeated this process until he was done with his first work out.
He didn't know how long it had been, probably 30 minutes, since he started working out. But, this first exercise was already enough to tire him out.
After he got done with the push ups, he layed down on the ground again to rest. He was breathing much more heavily this time, and he was sweating more this time, as well.
'...I think I am going to die.'
Zane had never felt this tired before, well, atleast physically. Although he felt tired, he kind of felt good. He didn't know why but, something was really pushing him forward, to keep doing this exercises.
Vale mean while had already started working out a few minutes ago as well. But, he stopped after seeing Eris approaching Zane. But, since Zane got back to working out right after Eris left, Vale couldn't really approach Zane and ask him what's up, since he didn't really want to disturb Zane.
Vale had never seen Zane so determined and focused after all. It kind of motivated him to start working out aswell. Vale started out with some simple exercises, as he couldn't really handle the extreme ones.
A few people were also watching them working out. After all, it was unusual for mages to actually do some physical activities. Usually, they would just skip the physical activities stuff and focus more on the written work to pass the class.
And it was Zane aswell. Without even knowing it, Zane had caused tons of attention. Honestly, how is he always in this kind of situation?
'Why the hell do they make a ruckus on everything I do? Can't these people just leave me alone?'
Sighing, he looked away from the gazes of the people around him. He simply lied down in silence and stared at the sky above. Resting his muscles for a bit, he then rose up from the ground once again.
'Damn it, is there an easier way to do this?'
However, as he rose up from the ground. A certain individual caught his attention.
'Huh? What's he doing?'
Zane could see Zeph staring towards someone. He had red hear and red eyes just like Zeph, too. Their resemblance almost made them look like a twin. The only difference was that, the man looked more mature, and he was also in class A while, Zeph was in class D.
Zeph was staring at his older brother, with such feirce eyes. However, those gaze doesn't hold any anger and hatred. Instead it was filled with determination and hope. Zeph had always wanted to be recognised by his clan and his older brother. But here he was, in class D.
Zane was looking at Zeph, with confusion in his eyes. However, as he kept looking on his face. A sense of understanding flowed in his mind.
'No way, by how prideful he is. You'd never know how much he is actually lacking, and how looked down he is in his clan.'
The reason why Zeph was in class D was because of how bad his written score was. Aside from that, he may appear to be really powerful, but, he lacks control on his overwhelming powers. He often loses control as he tries to cast his family's magic spells, thus - burning all his surroundings. His lack of mana control is what really made himself put him in class D.
Zane looked away from Zeph. He felt alot better than before, so he continued with his exercise once again. He didn't want to keep looking at Zeph's face anyways, looking at his face makes him want to rip it off, honestly.
Releasing a big sigh, he moved on to his next exercise, sit ups. Zane felt confident that he would be able to do this exercise faster than push ups. Simply because, it was a lot easier to do so.
Zane took his time doing sit ups, repeating the same process all over again. Pausing for a bit when he feels tired, then continue again when he feels better. Sooner afterwards, he finally completed 3 of his exercise.
And as he did, the whispers around him started to grow louder. Zane had only realised it now, since he was so focused on his exercises. But, he could feel the number of gazes at him growing. This time he could tell that it wasn't about his older sister anymore. But, simply because of how hardworking he seemed today.
They couldn't help but find it weird, that Zane a mage, not only a mage but the weakest mage in Thaleward clan, was working out. It was already strange for mages to do exercises, but Zane doing it made it even more stranger. Zane's sudden transformation was nothing but shocking, really. Even though some still doubt his ability, thinking it was his enchanted wand, who gave him the ability to cast advance spells.
"Hey, don't you think Zane is acting alot different today?"
"Right? I thought I was the only one."
Zeph and Vax too couldn't help but find it strange. Zeph was simply in the corner, watching Zane working out, while Vax was working out as well. Vax has actually thought of approaching Zane earlier, but Zeph stopped him. Vax couldn't really retort, since he was technically some kind of underling to Zeph. They may come from the same family, but Zeph's parents came from a really high position in their clan.
Vax had just finished working out. Vax actually workout often, which is why he finished faster than Zane, even though Zane started first.
"Hey, Zeph. What the hell is that guy up too? Wouldn't it be better for me to approach him and ask him instead?"
Vax said, while grinning widely. He almost looked indifferent to a merciless demon.
Zeph's arms was crossed as he responded to Vax. His tone was relaxed, and cold.
"Enough, Vax. If the professors see you bullying someone again, you might really get expelled, this time. Aside from that, his older sister might just kill you, before the professor could expel you.
Vax was looking towards Zeph, listening. He then looked away to him, the wide grin on his face, also faded.
"Tch."
...
Ignoring all the things, happening around him. Zane continued with his next exercise. 5km run.
This time, Zane really felt too exhausted. It felt like his body would rip apart if he continued. But, apart of him really wants to keep going forward. He had been weak his entire life, he didn't want to remain the same.
Summoning the last bit of strength and stamina he had. He ran on full circle, trying to finish his last exercise.
[Wow, I didn't expect him to actually last this long.]
Velrath had actually been strolling around the acadamy, waiting for Zane to give up. However, to his surprise, when he came back. Zane was still going at it, even though he looked like a walking corpse already. He couldn't help but feel amazed by his resilient and determination.
[...He sure has alot of energy.]
Zane was breathing heavily as he run on full circle. His lungs felt like it was burning, his muscles were in so much pain. He honestly had no idea how he got this far.
'I... don't think I can do this anymore...'
Unfortunately, Zane stopped, not completely finishing his exercise. Feeling really tired, he fell down on the ground. His sweat was all over the floor, as he simply layed down there.
"Dang, Zane. Don't tell me you are doing all this, just to impress a girl."
Hearing Vale's voice, Zane slowly rose up from the ground. He sat down for a while, releasing a big sigh, before responding.
"No way, I'm not like you."
Vale let a chuckle, as he handed Zane his right hand, to help him stand up.
Zane took his hand, and rose up fully from the ground.
"You finished working out?"
Vale nodded, then responded.
"Yeah, I didn't go too far. You know, I am not as resilient as you. Anyways, let's change clothes, you are sweating too much, already."
Zane nodded with a smile, he then responded.
"Alright."
Zane and Vale headed together to the males bathroom, along with the other students. For some reason, he could feel like someone was following them. But, he wasn't entirely sure. Thinking it was just his imagination, he cast the thought aside.
...
Without even realising, it. Zane had caught the attention of the professor. Professor Aiden had actually been watching him, working out all this time.
"...Interesting, kid's got endurance! Vern would be happy to hear this! Or maybe not?"