Only I Am A Reader

"Here we are! This is where everything begins!"

Instructor Han showed a rare smile as the guards dispersed to clear the children's line of sight. Leo couldn't help shivering inside as he heard these words, just like 'Gentle Han' had said the day before, this was the real start of the test.

Although they had been especially fierce to pick out any useless weed, this was their way of testing the general temperament as well as the children's ability to make quick decisions. Showing their true worth was a totally different thing.

'I was just starting to get used to modern equipment…'

The new hall that the children got to see was full of nothing but stones. However, these stones weren't just lying there without a purpose, rather, they were sources of suffering!

Tick!

"You will have to complete the following list before it's time for your meal or you will get no food. As for failure to comply… I don't think I need to tell you what will happen."

A list of signs and numbers was suddenly pinned down on the stone wall by Instructor Han. The children had no idea what was happening, but Leo knew that this was none other than a hellish workout routine!

Gesturing to Yeon with his eyes, Leo moved forward while the rest of the kids were lost. He naturally didn't understand what the signs meant, nor did he plan on just randomly working out according to his own routine, but he had already noticed the signs inscribed at the farthest wall of the training hall.

Unlike the disorderly stones thrown around the place, some of the signs had neat lines of stones under them, seemingly ordered by weight. By the time Leo made it under the first sign followed by the clueless Yeon, a guard appeared under the sign.

"Hup!"

The guard didn't waste any time as he directly picked up the largest stone, raising it beyond his head as he held it into his back before springing into a wild run to the end of the hall and back.

'Weighted jogging…'

Leo pretended to cluelessly watch the show before he stood in front of a stone line, seemingly hesitant about his choice. This was an item that had to be repeated 5 times according to the list, so…

'As expected.'

In the end, Leo bent down to pick up the smallest stone, causing Instructor Han's raised eyebrow to drop down. He hadn't ordered them to use a certain weight, so the child would obviously choose the smallest one.

"Yeon."

However, Instructor Han's eyebrow didn't manage to remain stationary, either. Leo handed the stone to Yeon rather than resting it on his back!

'This isn't the time yet.'

Leo wasn't undermining her ability so that he could shine more, rather, he couldn't stop her from shining even if he tried. Although this was Yeon's destiny, the first phase was something that had almost crushed her. As her brother, Leo wanted to lower that impact even if it ended up changing a few things!

"Mhm."

Despite being unaccustomed to the atmosphere, Yeon imitated the guard, running out after staring into Leo's eyes. Since he was confident enough to act, she would trust him no matter what!

'As for me…'

Picking up the stone that was only a size bigger, Leo similarly sprang into action as the children all moved towards the wall. This was why they were given such a glorious meal earlier, and also the reason why he had eaten beyond his capacity. Whether he liked it or not, he had to burn a ton of calories!

With the wheels set in motion by his actions, the children all received the guards' guidance in performing push-ups, 'stonebell' work out, bench pressing, and several other kinds of physical workout. This was the first phase of training in the Heavenly Furnace, Body Breaking Exercise!

Although the weights were exchanged for stones and sandbags, Leo was familiar with most of these forms of exercise. Even though this was murim, this was a novel conceived from the mind of an author who lived on modern Earth, not everything was as historical as the novel's setting.

However, the number of sets was crazily exaggerated considering the various work out forms inscribed on the list. As someone with expertise in this field, Leo knew that this kind of workout would undeniably be detrimental to his body's development. Yet…

'Not as painful as direct muscle reconstruction…'

Leo still complied with the training list even as he felt like collapsing to the ground, what normally applied didn't work here. Rather than a training hall, this was a stage of persistence!

'Just hang on for now!'

Regardless of how bad his pain felt, Leo couldn't help glancing at the little figure struggling to keep up with the crowd. He knew that her body was much weaker than his. However, her determination only grew stronger as their eyes met.

This form of tacit understanding was something that was built upon Baekho's inability to speak much, it was like they saw through each other's souls, directly exchanging thoughts!

Not to mention the pair of siblings, the rest of the children didn't give up either. Although half of them had already collapsed to the ground, the rest strongly persisted through the motivation of fear! Adrenaline coursed through their bodies as they went past their limits!

Thud!

Even as the second to start, Leo was the first to completely finish the list as his body fell to the ground. Yeon worriedly glanced in his direction yet quickly turned around, she knew that she would end up in the same state if she stopped pushing for a second! She had to ignore him in order to realize their target!

Duangduang! Duangduang!

Just as Yeon crashed down following the third who managed to complete the task, the sound of heavy drums sounded out as Leo's half-closed eyes sprang open!

"Let's go!"

Using the little strength he recovered, Leo rose from the ground, putting Yeon's shoulder on his! They had to make it to the source of the drumming!

Their first smelting had just begun!