The first day was brutal chaotic, exhausting, relentless.
They divided the recruits into pairs and ordered them to spar, not to break bones, but to observe. Damien watched closely, assessing what each of them brought to the table.
It didn't take him long to see the difference. A handful already carried themselves like fighters lean, disciplined, movements sharp with prior training. Others, however, looked completely lost, throwing clumsy punches, unsure how to defend or counter.
After sparring, Dominique pushed them into circuit training. At least there, most of them knew the basics. Muscles strained, lungs burned, but they kept going.
Then Damien took over.
Plyometrics.
By the time he was done, several recruits were already collapsing onto the ground, gasping for breath.
Good.
If they were going to survive war, stamina wasn't optional it was everything.
