The evening sun cast a warm orange glow across the training grounds, painting long shadows that stretched over the sand. The air rang with the sharp clang of steel as Eric's blade struck again and again against the towering giant's frame—each blow landing true, yet leaving not even a scratch.
The giant only laughed, a deep, booming sound that echoed like rolling thunder. His massive shoulders shook with mirth as if Eric's blade were nothing more than a feather tickling his ribs.
Eric gritted his teeth, sweat sliding down his temple, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. "Tch—how hard is this guy's skin!?" He leapt back, boots digging into the sand before charging in once more. His movements were quick, agile, trained… yet every strike only seemed to amuse his opponent further.
