I groaned again. “I hate the forest.”
“You don’t hate it.” He said. “You just haven’t learned to respect it yet. That’s why we’re here.”
We stopped in a small clearing, and I leaned against a tree, my body trembling from exhaustion.
“Alright.” Asher said. “This exercise is about defense. I want you to stay alert, watch your surroundings, and respond quickly. Someone might… attack. And you need to protect yourself. Ready?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Attack? Who would attack me here?”
His grin widened. “We’ll see. Just remember: this isn’t just about fighting. It’s about awareness, reaction, and staying alive. Don’t overthink it.”
I nodded slowly. My legs were heavy, my arms were shaking, but I focused. I had to focus. I couldn’t afford to lose control now—not with training, not with what wa
