The dim glow of morning light filtered through the training room's high windows as Kyle stepped into the private training room.
Today was supposed to be a break.
A day off.
But rest was for people who could afford weakness.
And Kyle? He wasn't strong enough yet.
He rolled his shoulders, shaking out the stiffness.
Lightning Steps.
The technique had saved his life in the ruins—when that silver-rank monster's claws had been inches from his throat.
In that moment of pure desperation, his body had moved on instinct, lightning crackling through his veins as he blurred out of danger.
He hadn't thought. Hadn't planned.
He had just survived.
Now? Now he couldn't recreate it no matter how hard he tried.
Kyle exhaled, focusing inward.
Mana hummed beneath his skin, restless and electric. He could feel it—the familiar buzz of lightning affinity, coiled tight in his core.
"Just like before" he muttered.
He bent his knees slightly, muscles tensing like a spring.
Then—
Flash.
