The training field beyond the bunker was drenched in the crimson hue of dusk. Tall blackened trees bordered the clearing, their bark charred from past battles with Viles. Cracked stone dummies lined the arena, shaped like grotesque versions of the monsters that plagued the world.
Kaela stood in the center, her armored heels clicking against the obsidian floor as she gestured for Ren to join her. Her expression was serious, but the subtle glint in her eyes hinted at excitement.
"This is your first live combat simulation as my weapon, Ren. You ready to put that mouth of yours to better use than flirting?"
Ren grinned. "Only if I get a taste of your victory scent after."
Kaela's lip twitched. "Cocky already?"
He stepped into the arena, breath steady despite the rapid thump of his heart. His body was getting used to the weightlessness of transforming—and the thrill of being wielded by Kaela.
"Begin simulation!" one of the Crimson Cadets shouted from the control station.
The stone dummies came to life, shifting and contorting into larger, animated replicas of Viles. Their hollow, growling voices echoed across the field as they charged forward with unnerving speed.
Kaela gripped Ren, who now took the form of a curved crimson blade glowing with ember-like energy. As her fingers wrapped around his hilt, a pulse of heat ran down his spine.
Let's go, Ren's voice echoed in her mind.
Kaela leapt into the fray.
She spun with predatory grace, her crimson cloak billowing like flames. Each swing of Ren's blade cut through the simulation Viles with precise, brutal elegance. As they moved together—his instincts guiding hers and vice versa—it was like a dance forged in combat.
Their synergy was nearly perfect.
Faster, Ren urged her telepathically. Let me burn hotter.
Kaela clenched her jaw. "You'll overheat. We haven't tested full sync yet."
I can take it.
She hesitated… then grinned. "Then let's melt some monsters."
Crimson energy surged through her veins as the pact flared with greater intensity. Glyphs of the Crimson Pact shimmered along her exposed skin—down her thighs, her midriff, and the sides of her neck. Ren's blade began to glow brighter, steam rising from its edge.
Kaela's form blurred. She dashed between enemies like a streak of lightning, severing limbs and heads in a flash. Sparks danced across her armor, her strength amplified by Ren's raw potential.
With a wide arc, she cleaved through the last dummy. The simulation shattered in a burst of stone shards and embers.
Silence returned to the field.
Kaela exhaled, panting slightly. "You weren't kidding. That power boost was insane."
Ren's voice hummed in her thoughts. And we're just getting started.
As she released her grip, Ren's form shimmered back into flesh. He landed on his feet beside her, shirtless and glowing faintly from residual pact energy.
"I think I deserve a reward for that performance," he teased.
Kaela arched a brow. "You just want an excuse to indulge."
"Absolutely."
She rolled her eyes but smirked, walking over to the training bench. Sitting down, she extended her leg and pressed her black stocking-covered foot against his chest.
Ren blinked.
"Well?" she said. "You earned a reward, didn't you?"
He knelt, heat pooling in his cheeks. Gently, reverently, he held her foot in his hands and kissed the fabric at her toes. The scent of sweat and battle clung to it, and yet all he felt was gratitude and devotion.
Kaela watched, arms crossed, cheeks tinged pink. "You really are hopeless."
Ren grinned up at her. "Only for you."