[Steve's PoV]
I drained the last of my cold coffee and pushed myself back to my feet. I had only been taking a short break after wrapping up one of my training sessions.
Hazel had left earlier when the Emperor called for her.
I drew my sword from its sheath and started practicing the new skill I was working on. Hazel's swordsmanship was on another level, and I wanted to master the same techniques she used.
I pulled my sword up, steadying my breath. My body blurred as I pushed the new movement technique, flashing forward, twisting, and changing direction mid-step. Each shift left after-images of me flickering in the air. The challenge was keeping the sword locked in position, sharp and unwavering, while my feet carved wild angles across the ground.
Sweat lined my brow. The ground cracked beneath my bursts of speed, but I kept going, the sword balanced against the chaos of motion.
That was when I felt it, an aura pressing down from above.
