Valeria moved toward the second combat lane.
Lucavion approached from the opposite side, and for the first several steps, the practical hall continued around them as it had before. Steel crossed within the remaining lanes, formations flared around registered contacts, and instructors delivered corrections over the scrape of boots returning to position. Students awaiting their own matches shifted aside to clear their path.
The sounds did not disappear. They merely became less relevant with every step.
Valeria's heartbeat had risen beyond what the walk required. Her hand settled around the grip of her zweihander, the pressure of her fingers more deliberate than usual as its familiar weight rested across her back.
