The sun hung high over the training arena, casting its light over the vast sand field, where students faced magical beasts under the watchful eyes of the instructors. The air vibrated with the sound of steel clashing against claws, shouts of effort, and the quick rhythm of the fighters' breaths.
At the edge of the field, Kael stood with his arms crossed, his expression impassive, beside Eva.
She watched him with a sharp gaze, her arms crossed as well, as if trying to pierce him with her eyes.
"When I told you to be careful..." Eva began, her voice heavy with exasperation. "It was to not throw yourself in front of a corrupted mana explosion. You're lucky your body adapted to the corruption and purified itself. Otherwise, you'd be dead."
Kael tilted his head slightly, taking his time to respond. His gaze slid over Eva before settling on the arena.
