The recruits lined up in pairs, the air crackling with anticipation. It was time for combat training, and the rule was simple—one person would defend first, the other would attack, then they'd switch. The goal was to hone precision, strategy, and restraint.
Seraphina rolled her shoulders lazily, eyeing her assigned partner as William called out names. Of course, it had to be Kiana Wren.
Kiana sneered at her, clearly enjoying the twist of fate. "Guess luck isn't on your side today, *movie vase*," she muttered, her voice laced with venom.
Seraphina smirked lazily. "Oh, I don't need luck. It's you who'll need it."
The pair stepped into the sparring circle, drawing the attention of nearby recruits. Mia's voice rang out in the distance. "Ooooh, this is going to be good! Place your bets, everyone!"
Arthur chuckled, leaning against a post. "My bet's on the chaos."
Cathleen, standing a short distance away, sighed as her gaze flicked toward them. "*Idiot.*"
William's sharp voice cut through the murmurs. "Begin!"
Kiana lunged forward immediately, her attacks fast and aggressive. Seraphina moved effortlessly, dodging each blow with precision.
"Hehe," Seraphina said, her tone playful, but her eyes sharp. "They want me to follow their rules, huh? Maybe I should make them reconsider their rules altogether."
Kiana growled in frustration, her strikes becoming more brutal and reckless. The crowd began to take notice, their attention glued to the sparring circle.
"Wow, Kiana's going all out," one recruit whispered.
"She's trying to kill her or what?" another muttered.
Mia, ever dramatic, gasped loudly. "She's losing it! Someone call the medics—for Kiana, obviously!"
Arthur snorted in laughter. "I have a feeling Sera doesn't even need a medic. She's got this."
Seraphina continued to dodge, each movement precise and fluid, her smirk growing wider. Her every feint and sidestep seemed to mock Kiana's increasingly wild attacks.
Finally, William's voice rang out. "Switch roles."
It was Seraphina's turn to attack. She tilted her head slightly, her smirk turning sharper.
"Well then, my turn," she said smoothly.
Before Kiana could prepare, Seraphina moved. One strike disarmed Kiana entirely, and the second sent her tumbling to the ground with a loud *thud*. The match was over in two effortless moves.
The crowd burst into whispers, some in awe and others barely containing their laughter.
Kiana, humiliated and seething, burst into tears. "This isn't fair!" she wailed, clutching her shoulder.
William, who had been observing quietly, stepped forward. His presence instantly silenced the murmurs. "Take her to the infirmary," he ordered, nodding toward one of the recruits.
As Kiana was helped up and escorted away, William turned his sharp gaze toward Seraphina, who stood there smirking, clearly waiting for the scolding she thought was coming.
Instead, William crossed his arms and said, "Kid, I told you to control your temper. Now, whatever mess comes from this, you're solving it yourself."
He pointed toward the other recruits. "Resume your training."
With that, he turned on his heel and walked toward the infirmary, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.
As soon as he was out of earshot, the whispers began anew.
"Did you see that? She finished her in two moves!"
"Kiana deserved it, honestly…"
"Is Seraphina trying to get herself into trouble?"
Mia ran up to Seraphina, waving her hands dramatically. "Sera, that was insane! You destroyed her! Do I have to start calling you the 'Two-Move Wonder' now?"
Arthur approached, chuckling. "She does seem to have a knack for making an impression. That was something else."
Cathleen stepped closer, her piercing eyes locking onto Seraphina's. She rested a hand lightly on her shoulder. "Be careful. She's the niece of one of the instructors here. They'll likely escalate this to the higher-ups."
Seraphina tilted her head, her lips curling into a daring grin. "Oh? Let her try. I'd love to see what happens."
Cathleen sighed, pulling her hand back. She didn't reply, but her expression remained tense.
"Alright, alright, enough drama," Mia said, grabbing Seraphina's arm. "We've got more training to do, remember? Who knows what Hades—I mean, Sir William—has planned next."
With that, the group moved back into formation, ready to continue. The tension lingered in the air, but Seraphina's confidence was as unshakable as ever.