The Sergeant studied the two young men for a long moment, after the display, he'd just witnessed... it went without saying that the best of three mattered not.
With a calm but deliberate motion, he lifted his hand, signaling that the match was over.
"No need to go any further," he said, his tone steady yet tinged with approval. "You've both proven yourselves—skilled, adaptable, and willing to push past your limits. That's exactly the kind of spirit we value here."
Drake and Odin both straightened, breathing still slightly heavy, but their expressions shifted from focused intensity to quiet respect.
Drake gave a small nod, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Thank you, Sergeant."
Odin mirrored the gesture, his own voice steady.
"We appreciate the opportunity."
The Sergeant dismissed them with a wave.
"Go receive your advancements. You've earned them."
Both young men bowed once more before turning and walking toward the advancement hall at the edge of the training grounds.
---
