The second William dismissed them, a collective groan of relief spread through the recruits. No one wasted a second—everyone turned and started heading straight for the cafeteria, some practically dragging their feet in exhaustion.
Seraphina leaned her head back against the tree, closing her eyes for just a second. Every muscle in her body burned.
Mia crouched in front of her, poking her cheek. "Seraaa, come on! If we don't hurry, all the good food will be gone!"
Seraphina peeked one eye open. "Mia, I can't even feel my legs right now. Give me a moment before you start dragging me off to war again."
Mia huffed. "Ugh, fine, but if all that's left are the weird mystery rations, I'm blaming you!"
Arthur chuckled from where he sat. "Mia's got a point. The last thing you want is to miss out on real food after this kind of training."
Seraphina exhaled, knowing he was right. With an effort that felt harder than the entire race itself, she pushed herself up from the ground.
She almost collapsed again, but before she could, a firm hand steadied her.
Cathleen.
Seraphina glanced at her, a little surprised.
Cathleen simply nodded. "Let's go."
Mia, oblivious to the silent exchange, cheered. "Yes! Time to eat!"
The group made their way to the cafeteria, where the smell of warm food instantly lifted their spirits. Recruits were already piling their trays with whatever they could grab.
Mia practically teleported to the counter. "YES! Meat! Real food! I love you, cafeteria lady!" she said dramatically, making the staff chuckle.
Seraphina, still exhausted, grabbed a simple meal and found a table. Before she could sit, Arthur plopped down next to her, and Cathleen sat across. Mia returned moments later, her tray stacked with food.
As they ate, conversation swirled around them.
"Did you hear? Some guy fainted in the middle of the race."
"William is a demon. Who makes us train on an empty stomach?!"
"I thought I was gonna die out there…"
Then came the inevitable.
Kiana's voice cut through the cafeteria. "Tch, just because she got lucky in a race doesn't mean she belongs here."
Mia's fork clanked against her plate. "Oh hell no—"
Seraphina held up a hand. "Let her bark. If I cared about every mosquito buzzing around, I'd never get any sleep."
Mia giggled. "Pfft, mosquito! That's a good one."
Arthur smirked, while even Cathleen's lips twitched slightly.
Kiana fumed but didn't say anything else, clearly frustrated that Seraphina wasn't rising to the bait.
Seraphina took another bite, enjoying her well-earned meal. For now, food was the only battle she cared about.