Veridis Quo

Chapter 24 - Ad-who?

"Huff... huff... huff..."

Ahead was the last stretch before the finish line.

"Huff... huff..."

My jaw was hanging loose, the oral entry both an in and output for the warm air.

"Huff... huff..."

Calves burning, running in what felt like slow motion, I strained my abused muscles till I crossed the starting point.

"Huff... huff!"

The moment both feet passed the white line, I halted and keeled over, heaving painfully.

„Fhak... hah... hah..." I struggled to swallow the viscous saliva while catching my breath. Less speech, more thought.

I had done it. I had really done it! If I had the energy, I'd fist pump the air victoriously. Alas, I tasted light iron at the back of my tongue, stronger with every inhale.

Wiping the sweat off my entire face, I glanced at my resting peers. They weren't doing so hot either, heh, hot, because it sure was a hot day.

Contrary to the weather report, it was absolutely fried. It wasn't summer yet but the heat wave might as well have been a preview of the nearing season.

On this fine late morning, the coach decided to surprise us with a test of stamina. Quizzes were bad, but PE? Have some mercy, coach-sama! I was a lazy bastard!

Regardless, we strained our bodies for thirty minutes; five minutes of exercise, a minute of rest, multiple by five and viola! I was impressed he managed to cramp so many stuff in a single lesson but fuck! Just fuck!

I sighed, should've prepared instead of making shitposts and reviving human memes.

However, I consoled myself with the fact I was the last man standing. While my knees were shaking and I was literally dripping, my feet were firmly pressed against the ground. The other dudes? They finished before me at the cost of total exhaustion. I still had some spirit in me! Knock on wood, I swore the coach subtly nodded in approval at me.

Yeah, humanity had its weaknesses. But what I couldn't improve, I complimented with the available tools. Ha, some were panting like the dogs they were! Pathetic... and sympathetic. It was a tough nut to crack, this sudden quiz.

Drying my hand with a part of my shirt that wasn't soaked, I approached the coach and asked if we were done. He checked the time and gave me the desired answer though not before insisting we stretched our muscles.

Of course, that was a crucial part of any exercise. Sore and or contracted muscles were fucking horrible. Better grind another ten minutes than painfully regret a whole week.

Calling for everyone, those who had a bit left in them listened to the coach, forming a circle around the athlete. He then instructed us with the familiar routine. From top to bottom, every active muscle was paid attention to cool down the rubber before parking.

Once that was over with, the athletic male graciously added five minutes to breakfast and released us. Internal celebration! Fireworks! Woohoo! I stank like a skank! If that made me racist, so be it! Hot Wheels were the bomb!

Grabbing my bag, I noted its light weight. The water bottle was empty and I was thirsty as hell. It was also a different backpack, relatively new and intended for sports activities. The regular was too bulky, so I requested this one from my favorite birb. Life was good when money wasn't an issue.

Slinging the bag over my right shoulder, I started to my room. The clear skies were doing wonders to my exposed skin, the sun drawing more moisture from my dehydrated self.