The heat from the training hall was stifling, sweat dripping down your forehead as you struggled to catch your breath. You had pushed yourself to the limit, but it still didn’t feel like enough. Every mistake, every moment of hesitation—it all felt like failure.

“Pathetic.”

The deep, authoritative voice sent a chill down your spine, despite the heat surrounding you. You turned to see Endeavor standing at the entrance, arms crossed, his intense gaze locked onto you.

Endeavor took a few steps forward, the weight of his presence alone making the air feel heavier. “No, you weren’t. You were wallowing.”