The training clearing was sixty meters in diameter—scorched earth from Riya's previous sessions, no trees within range, natural sound dampening from surrounding forest. Dawn light filtered through branches, painting everything in grey-green.
Riya stood at the clearing's center wearing training clothes—no armor, no weapons, just wrapped hands and bare feet. Her black hair was tied back. SS+ Fire affinity made the air shimmer around her in waves.
"Combat application," Riya said. "You've touched the frequency for forty-five seconds in meditation. Now we see if you can find it under pressure."
Syra drew her light, flexible sword. S+ Wind affinity hummed in her core. Her whitish-green hair hung normally—no wavy motion yet.
"Rules?" Syra asked.
"I use martial arts and flames only," Riya replied. "No domain-level techniques. No Helios Form. Just Muay Thai and fire manipulation. You use everything you have—including Ariel Mode if you can access it."
