Taboo Rule: No Romance with The Instructor

I changed my clothes as quickly as possible, not even pausing to catch my breath. While brushing my hair, I rushed downstairs, but still ended up being the last one!

A gaze that was impossible to ignore was fixed on me, making me feel incredibly nervous!

I quickly lowered my head and ran over, standing at the very front of the line...

That was directly in front of Mr. Black!

"Why didn't you become an ostrich in the sand? I really feel sorry for you!"

I muttered quietly, "I'm a rabbit."

Fortunately, he didn't give me too much trouble and instead started dividing us into groups.

"Everyone, form small squads and practice your military stance for an hour! Those who meet the standard can have breakfast; those who don't will have to practice more!"

I don't like Mr. Black. He always looks fierce and his words are sharper than a wolf's bite!

He dislikes me so much, he's probably going to put me in a different squad, right?

Just as I was hoping, Rex walked up to me, giving me a cold look.

"Ariya's row, follow me!"

Ugh...

I cried silently.

The look he gave me just now clearly meant "We'll see about this!"

...

We had already been standing in military posture with empty stomachs for an hour, but Mr. Black still hadn't let us go for breakfast.

The squad next to us had already started singing "Unity Strength," while our squad was still stuck doing extra drills because of me!

My calves were trembling uncontrollably, and I could barely stand under Rex's cold gaze.

"If you keep swaying like that, you'll be the reason your teammates go hungry!"

It didn't matter if I went hungry, but seeing so many hungry kids staring at me...

I had no choice but to grit my teeth and force my legs to stand straight.

But my weak body couldn't hold up, and I began to collapse to one side.

Fortunately, Jaden, who was beside me, caught me, preventing a total disaster.

I turned to say "thank you," only to see a flash of disdain in his eyes.

At that moment, even the most honest kid in the entire school started to dislike me.

In that instant, all my pride and confidence shattered.

I collapsed to the ground, thinking I would never get up again.

"You all go eat!"

He let everyone else leave, leaving only me behind.

"Giving up already? Haven't you inherited a single ounce of your grandfather's spirit?!"

I felt annoyed. So he really was one of Grandpa's people!

I said defiantly, "Who cares about inheriting his spirit? He doesn't like me, and I don't like him either!"

Grandpa spent most of his life in the military, and I only got to see him three times a year.

Now that he's retired, he still dislikes me and constantly lectures me! Why should I have to put up with that?!

"Do you know why the rabbit lost to the turtle? Because you're channeling your pride in the wrong direction!"

With red eyes, I glared at him. "Can't any of you see how hard I'm trying? All you do is scold me!"

I thought he would try to lecture me, but instead, he said, "The people who love you are the ones who care enough to correct you! How can you not understand such a simple truth? You really are foolish!"

"Go have breakfast, then come back and continue training! You're already weak; going hungry will only make you softer!"

He didn't even offer me a hand; he just stepped over me and walked away.

I stayed still, biting my lip as I reflected on Rex's words.

In truth, I really admire my grandpa. He's such a remarkable figure, but since he returned, all he's done is criticize me. I've always thought he hated me, which made me feel very sad and resistant toward him.

But Rex's words made me realize something.

I got up from the ground, and for the first time, I felt a real motivation to become stronger.