The dojo was louder than usual.
Students, dressed in crisp white kimonos, whispered amongst themselves, their excitement thick in the air. The usual calm and controlled energy of Master Anng's class had been replaced with something far more chaotic—anticipation.
Noah sat cross-legged on the polished wooden floor, arms resting on his knees as he watched the others. Some were stretching, others shadowboxing, and a few were already practicing their footwork in hushed determination.
Everyone knew what today was.
The interschool competition tryouts.
And those who were chosen today would represent the entire military academy in the martial arts segment.
It was a big deal.
A chance to prove themselves.
A chance to stand out.
Noah exhaled softly. He wasn't particularly worried. If anything, he was more curious than nervous. His fingers tapped idly against his knee as he wondered just how much stronger his classmates had gotten since the last sparring session.
