The afternoon sun stood high above the academy training grounds, its light falling sharply across the open arena as dust rose in faint, swirling patterns beneath swift movements. The space was alive with the clash of metal and the controlled rhythm of combat, and at its center—
Luca and Aurelia moved.
Not cautiously.
Not hesitantly.
But with intent.
Aurelia's spear cut through the air in a precise arc, the tip flashing toward Luca's shoulder with speed that would have overwhelmed most opponents, yet Luca shifted at the last possible moment, his body turning just enough to let the attack glide past him as one of his sabers rose in response, deflecting the follow-up strike with a clean, controlled motion.
The impact rang sharply.
Steel against steel.
But neither of them paused.
