NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 10: Cold Resolve
The sound of rushing water filled the air as the students stepped cautiously into the cold bubbling stream.
The water was crystal clear, the rocks beneath smooth and worn from centuries of the current's relentless flow. But none of that mattered.
All Aaron could think about was how cold it was.
The moment his feet touched the water, a sharp chill shot up his legs. "What kind of torture is this?" he muttered, his breath visible in the frosty air.
Darius, already waist-deep in the stream, turned to smirk at him. "What's the matter, Holt? Can't handle a little cold?"
Aaron bit back a retort, focusing instead on steadying himself as he waded deeper into the stream. The water lapped against his knees, then his thighs, and finally, his waist.
Each step felt like a new kind of punishment, the icy chill cutting through him like tiny daggers.
Sir Gideon stood on the bank, his arms crossed as he surveyed the group. "This is more than just a test of endurance," he said, his voice carrying over the sound of the stream. "It's about focus and resilience. If you can control your body and mind in these conditions, you'll be better prepared for the challenges ahead."
Aaron wasn't entirely convinced. He shivered as the cold seeped into his skin, his muscles tensing involuntarily.
Around him, the other boys were in varying states of discomfort. Ethan's teeth were chattering audibly, while Darius stood with exaggerated nonchalance, pretending the cold didn't bother him.
"Stop fidgeting!" Sir Gideon barked. "Stand still and let your body adjust. The more you fight it, the harder it'll be."
Aaron took a deep breath, trying to follow the knight's advice. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sound of the water and the feel of it rushing around him.
Slowly, the initial shock of the cold began to fade, replaced by a dull, aching numbness.
Naomi and the other girls watched from the shore, bundled in cloaks and looking far more comfortable than the boys in the stream. Naomi cupped her hands around her mouth. "You're all doing great!" she called out, her tone half-mocking.
Aaron shot her a glare, his breath coming out in sharp bursts. "Easy for you to say!"
She grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just think of it as character development!"
Aaron rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath. "If I hear 'character development' one more time..."
After what felt like an eternity, Sir Gideon blew a short whistle. "All right, form a line!"
The boys shuffled into a loose line, the water still swirling around their waists. Aaron's limbs felt like lead, his movements sluggish from the cold.
"Now," Sir Gideon said, "we'll see how well you can maintain control. Raise your arms and hold them out in front of you."
Aaron groaned inwardly but obeyed, lifting his arms until they were parallel to the water. The cold air bit into his exposed skin, sending a fresh wave of shivers through him.
Darius snickered from a few spots down the line. "What's the matter, Holt? Arms too weak?"
"Shut up, Darius," Aaron muttered through gritted teeth.
Minutes passed, each one stretching into what felt like an hour. Aaron's arms ached from the strain, and the cold seemed to burrow deeper into his bones.
He focused on his breathing, trying to steady the rapid, shallow gasps that threatened to take over.
"Don't give up now," Sir Gideon said, pacing along the shore. "Your enemies won't give you the luxury of comfort. They'll strike when you're tired, cold, and beaten down. If you can stand firm here, you'll stand firm anywhere."
Aaron's jaw tightened, his determination rekindling. He wasn't about to give Darius — or anyone else — the satisfaction of seeing him falter.
Finally, Sir Gideon gave the signal to lower their arms. Aaron let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his arms dropping to his sides like dead weight.
"Good," Sir Gideon said, nodding approvingly. "Now, back to the bank. Move!"
The boys stumbled out of the stream, their movements stiff and awkward. Aaron's legs felt like they might give out under him, but he managed to stay upright.
The moment he reached the shore, he collapsed onto the grass, his chest heaving.
Naomi appeared beside him, holding out a towel. "You look like you've been through a war," she said, her tone teasing but not unkind.
"Feels like it," Aaron replied, taking the towel and wrapping it around himself. The warmth was a welcome relief, but it didn't chase away the lingering chill in his bones.
Darius strolled past, his towel draped casually over his shoulders. "That wasn't so bad," he said, smirking down at Aaron.
Aaron didn't bother responding. He closed his eyes, focusing instead on the warmth slowly returning to his body.
Sir Gideon clapped his hands, drawing their attention. "You've done well today," he said. "But this is only the beginning. Every challenge you face here is designed to prepare you for the real battles out there. Remember that."
Aaron nodded faintly, his exhaustion too great for any other response. Around him, the other boys murmured their agreement, their earlier bravado replaced by a quiet sense of accomplishment.
As the group began to disperse, Naomi walked alongside Aaron, her expression thoughtful. "You did well," she said after a moment.
"Thanks," Aaron said, adjusting his glasses.
She hesitated, then added, "You know, for someone who complains so much, you're actually pretty tough."
Aaron chuckled softly. "I'll take that as a compliment."