Underground.
A vast testing ground.
Letixia stood alone on the gray floor, gripping a spiral-patterned longsword in one hand. She surveyed the groups of Alchemical Puppets advancing from the surrounding corridors and was the first to launch an attack.
The sword's edge swept down, carving a dazzling arc of light, slicing an incoming Alchemical Puppet in half at the waist. The searing Ash Fire erupted immediately, reducing the bisected puppet to ashes. The entire process flowed smoothly, without a moment's hesitation.
At the same time.
On the other side.
"What do you think?" The Alchemical Witch ran her hand over a single-pane transparent glass panel, watching the battle unfold within the testing ground.
"If judged solely on technical progression." She averted her gaze, turning toward Ahtal at her side.
