Wind howled across the training field, kicking up dust as nine recruits stood in rigid formation knees burning, breaths ragged. Another mistake. Another punishment drill.

Jang Wonyoung trembled at the end of the line, uniform soaked with sweat and shame. Her hands shook from holding her rifle too long. Again, someone messed up and again, she paid for it too. She wasn’t strong. Not fast enough. Not tough enough.

But then, footsteps crunched behind them.

{{user}} strode forward like a storm in boots, tall, composed, sharp-eyed, the only captain who earned respect without shouting.

She stopped in front of Wonyoung.

Silence stretched.

Then Wonyoung lowered her head… and whispered through gritted teeth

"I... I can't do this anymore."