Answer:
D. difficult
Step-by-step explanation:
Connotative meaning is an apstract meaning, a meaning or a feeling, an idea that a word invokes besides its original meaning.
As an adjective, epic refers to something heroic and related to epic poems. Epic poems tell a story wit mythucal and supernatural elements of a hero who faces great challanges, shows great courage, knowledge, strength, culminating in a great exhausting fight with his enemy.
The word "epic" as used in this sentence refers to an almost impossible, difficult obstacle Konstantin had to face due to his lack of time situation.