The next day, the atmosphere at the base completely changed. There was no relaxation, no casual talking, only focus. Everyone could feel it. The tournament was getting closer, and this was the time to grow stronger.
Yash stood in front of them, calm as always, his presence alone enough to set the tone.
Yash: "Training starts today."
No one questioned it. No one joked.
His eyes moved toward Igna.
Yash: "You first."
Igna stepped forward, tightening his grip on the dagger. His heart was beating faster, not from fear, but from determination. He knew this was important.
Yash spoke again.
Yash: "Fight Emily."
Igna paused for a brief moment, then nodded.
Emily smiled immediately and stepped forward, stretching lightly as if this was just a game.
Emily: "Try your best."
The moment the signal was given, Igna moved. His body reacted sharply, faster than before, his mind trying to predict every movement. The golden path flickered faintly in his vision as he attacked with precision.
But Emily didn't move much. She simply tilted her head slightly, avoiding his attack with almost no effort. Igna didn't stop. He attacked again, faster, sharper, trying to chain his movements, trying to read her next step.
Every strike missed.
Every prediction failed.
Emily stepped aside again and again like she already knew everything.
Emily: "Too slow."
Igna pushed harder. His movements became more aggressive, more focused. For a brief moment, it felt like he was improving, like he was getting closer.
But then Emily moved.
Just one step.
And everything changed.
Igna lost track of her completely.
The next moment, he was on the ground, breathing heavily, the fight already over.
He clenched his fists slightly. He had used everything, and it still wasn't enough.
Emily looked down at him.
Emily: "Good effort."
She turned and walked back casually.
Yash didn't comment.
He simply said—
Yash: "Next."
May stepped forward. Her expression was serious. She didn't underestimate Emily even for a second. The moment the fight started, her movements were sharp and controlled. She was much faster than Igna, her attacks clean and efficient.
This time, Emily moved properly.
Their clash was immediate. Fast exchanges, precise strikes, controlled movements. For some time, May held her ground. She matched her pace, pushed her back slightly, and forced Emily to react seriously.
Igna watched closely.
For a moment, it felt like May could compete.
But then Emily's expression changed slightly. Her movements became faster, sharper, more dominant. The pressure increased instantly.
May tried to keep up, but the gap started to show.
One mistake was enough.
She was pushed back, then defeated.
She didn't fall like Igna, but the result was the same.
Silence filled the area. No one needed to say anything. The difference in strength was clear.
Hena stepped forward quietly. A soft light formed around her hands as she moved toward Igna first. She placed her hand gently on him, and warm energy flowed through his body. His fatigue faded, his injuries disappeared.
Then she moved to May and healed her as well.
Within moments, both were back to normal.
Yash observed everything without missing a single detail. Then he stepped forward and looked at Igna.
Yash: "Come here."
Igna stood up and walked toward him.
Yash glanced at the dagger in his hand before speaking.
Yash: "A dagger isn't for overpowering."
Igna listened carefully.
Yash adjusted his stance slightly.
Yash: "It's for precision."
He moved his hand in a simple motion, but it was clean and exact.
Yash: "Speed."
Another movement, faster this time, almost impossible to follow.
Yash: "And timing."
Igna focused completely, trying to understand every detail.
Yash looked at him again.
Yash: "You don't fight head-on."
A small pause.
Yash: "You end the fight before it starts."
Those words stayed in Igna's mind.
Yash picked up a wooden dagger and showed a single motion again. It looked simple, but Igna couldn't fully follow it. It was too fast, too precise.
At that moment, Igna realized something clearly.
It wasn't just power he lacked.
It was understanding.
And this training—
Was only the beginning.