"Next!"
Bram stepped onto the training ground carrying a padded practice weapon shaped like his old machete.
Across from him stood an Army Soldier wearing ordinary training clothes. The man was taller than Bram, with a broad frame and a relaxed expression.
He wasn't even holding a weapon.
"Whenever you're ready," the soldier said.
Bram took a deep breath and settled into his stance, holding the padded machete in front of him.
For weeks, the instructors drilled him in footwork, combinations, and defense. They also worked on his habit of charging straight at an opponent, something he picked up fighting infected on the rooftops.
After being thrown around in their previous sparring sessions, Bram knew better than to underestimate the man.
He advanced with short steps, keeping his weapon between them, then lunged forward with a quick diagonal strike. As he withdrew the weapon, he attacked from the opposite direction.
