"Want to try that move on me instead, tough guy?"
The Berserker's bravado instantly vanished.
"Keep running!" Vex barked. "Or I'll make you restart from the beginning with triple weights! That goes for all of you!"
No one dared argue. The group scattered and returned to the course.
Victor and Rylan lingered near the mage, encouraging him with small comments and slowing their pace so he wouldn't fall behind.
Rylan gave him a pat on the back. "You're doing better than most. This course is brutal for magic types."
Victor nodded. "Second lap's the hardest. But you've already made it halfway. Just keep pushing."
With their help, the boy finally crossed the first lap's marker and began his second.
Eventually, the course ended. The mage managed to finish his second lap—far behind the others, but finished nonetheless.
The instructor's voice rang out again;
