We didn't go far.
Just an empty park.
Quiet.
No people.
No noise.
Perfect.
"…This should work."
She said.
I looked around.
"…For what?"
"…Training."
I let out a small breath.
Right.
If this was real—
We couldn't stay weak.
"…So what do we do?"
She stepped back.
Created some distance between us.
"…Try to hit me."
I blinked.
"…What?"
"Don't hold back."
"…You're injured."
"I'll manage."
Silence.
"…Fine."
I stepped forward.
Raised my hand.
And attacked.
She moved instantly.
Dodged.
Like it was nothing.
"…Too slow."
I clicked my tongue.
"…Again."
I moved faster this time.
Focused.
Watched her movements.
Her shoulders.
Her feet.
Her eyes.
I threw another punch—
She blocked.
But barely.
"…Better."
I didn't stop.
I kept going.
Attack after attack.
Each one—
A little faster.
A little sharper.
My breathing got heavier.
But my movements—
Cleaner.
"…Good."
She said.
Then—
She moved.
Fast.
Too fast.
Her hand stopped right in front of my face.
"…Dead."
I froze.
"…Yeah."
We stepped back.
Both breathing slightly heavier now.
"…Again."
I said.
She looked at me.
Then nodded.
This time—
She attacked first.
I reacted.
Barely.
Dodged one hit.
Blocked another.
Got pushed back.
But I didn't fall.
"…You're learning."
"…I have to."
We kept going.
Minutes passed.
Then more.
My body started to ache.
My arms felt heavy.
My legs slower.
But I didn't stop.
"…Last one."
She said.
I nodded.
Focused.
Everything around me faded.
Just her.
Her movement.
Her timing.
She stepped in—
I saw it.
Clear.
Slower.
I moved—
Dodged—
Turned—
And grabbed her wrist.
She froze.
Just for a second.
"…Got you."
Silence.
Then—
She smiled slightly.
"…Yeah."
I let go.
Stepped back.
Breathing hard.
"…That's new."
"…Your skill is improving."
I looked at my hand.
The mark glowed faintly.
Warmer than before.
"…Feels different."
"…That's good."
Silence.
We both sat down on the grass.
Tired.
But alive.
"…Hey."
I said.
"…Yeah?"
"…Why are you still with me?"
She looked at me.
"…You're still thinking about that?"
"…Yeah."
A small pause.
Then she leaned back slightly.
"…Because it's easier."
"…Easier?"
"…Than being alone."
Silence.
"…And?"
She hesitated.
Just a little.
"…And…"
Her voice softened.
"…I trust you."
My chest tightened.
"…Already?"
"…Don't make it weird."
I laughed a little.
"…Too late."
For a moment—
Everything felt light.
Simple.
Normal.
Then—
The mark burned again.
Stronger this time.
"—!"
I clenched my hand.
"…Again?"
She stood up instantly.
"…Something's coming."
The air changed.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
"…Behind you."
She whispered.
I turned.
Slowly.
Someone was there.
But not like before.
Different.
His mark—
Was glowing violently.
Stronger than anyone we've seen.
"…So this is where you've been."
He said.
His voice…
Was cold.
No emotion.
"…You two."
My body tensed.
"…Stay back."
I said.
She didn't move.
"…He's not like the other one."
She whispered.
I could tell.
Just from his presence.
This guy was—
Dangerous.
"…You've grown a little."
He said.
"…But it won't matter."
Silence.
"…Why?"
I asked.
He smiled slightly.
"…Because I'm already past this phase."
My chest tightened.
"…What?"
His mark flashed.
Bright.
Blinding.
"…Let me show you the difference."
The ground cracked beneath him.
And in the next second—
He disappeared.
"…Where—"
Behind us.
Both of us felt it.
Too late.
Training made them stronger…
But what happens when your enemy is already ahead of you? 👀💥