It's Only Been a Few Days, and Big Brother Already Misses Me?

Beside the water pipe at the open-air camp, Xavier turned on the tap and expertly rinsed the grime from his arms. After half a month of training, he had tanned several shades darker. His once-pristine white uniform T-shirt was now worn and close-fitting, giving him a rather weather-beaten look.

Compared to when he had first arrived at the academy, his young face had grown noticeably more composed.

After washing his hands, Xavier scooped up a handful of cool water and splashed it over his head.

Someone suddenly nudged his arm.

Xavier shook the water from his hair and turned to look. Charles approached him with a wary expression.

After making sure no one was paying attention, Charles slipped a small cloth bundle into Xavier’s hand and leaned in to whisper:

“He sent you to dig trenches again?”

Xavier gave an impassive “Mm,” then opened the bundle to find some dry provisions inside.

He broke off half a piece of bread and put it straight into his mouth, chewing as he went.

Charles grumbled indignantly, “Who does he think he is? The upperclassmen are only supposed to act as instructors. He thinks this place is a prison and he’s the warden...”...