Strax nodded one last time to Agnes and moved forward without haste, like someone who knew the world could wait a few more minutes.
While Agnes was already giving short, precise orders to the beast-warriors—selecting only the most disciplined, those who knew how to listen and retreat—Strax crossed the archway leading to the main courtyard.
The sound came before the sight.
CLANG—!
Metal against metal, heavy, reverberating like a war bell.
Then another impact.
And another.
The training courtyard was alive.
Strax stopped in the shadow of one of the columns, crossing his arms naturally, and observed.
In the center of the open space, two figures moved like opposing forces of the same storm.
Xenovia.
Kryssia.
Both wielded long swords, broad and balanced blades, clearly forged for real combat, not display. Neither wore full armor—only light protection on their shoulders and forearms, clearly demonstrating absolute confidence in their own reflexes.
Xenovia advanced first.
