Three Months Later
Rebecca's fire exploded against Vera's barrier with force that would have killed C-rank hunters instantly, the impact scattering sparks across the training ground while both fighters repositioned for the next exchange.
"Better," Vera acknowledged, her tone carrying the minimal approval that constituted high praise in her teaching approach, "but you're still telegraphing the burst timing, I can read your mana surge two seconds before the attack connects."
"Two seconds is faster than last week's four," Rebecca countered, breathing hard but not exhausted, "and most opponents aren't A-rank hunters with fifteen years of combat experience."
"Most opponents in Phantom Forest will be worse than me," Vera said, "faster, stronger, and significantly less interested in your survival."
