Just as the few remaining cadets stood there blushing in shame, their pride already shaken and their confidence crumbling, Austin moved with casual indifference and lightly flicked the rope in Noel's hands.
That small motion was enough to disrupt the rhythm for a fraction of a second, and although it seemed insignificant, it created an opening that could not be recovered.
The rope twisted mid-air like a living serpent before snapping sideways with sharp force, and in the next instant it lashed across Sunta's back with a loud crack that echoed across the training ground like a whip striking stone.
Several cadets flinched instinctively, while one girl let out a startled yelp because the sound alone was enough to make anyone uneasy, as it did not resemble something a human body should endure so casually.
Yet..
"Ugh… Instructor, that hurt…" Sunta muttered as he winced and rubbed his back.
