"Your environment is a weapon as much as your body," he instructed, voice carrying easily through the trees. "Use what is around you, trunks for cover, rocks for stepping stones, branches to obscure your movements. Awareness is key. Timing and coordination with your partner will often mean the difference between success and failure."
Students paired off, practicing careful footwork, stepping lightly over roots and mossy stones, using trees and boulders to break line of sight.
Jae fell into his usual rhythm, but his mind wandered often, replaying thoughts of the night before, the nervous but trusting faces of Elise and Yuna, imagining their reactions if he pulled them aside later tonight.
His smirk returned more than once as he watched other students stumble or miss a subtle instruction, his own confidence shining in contrast.
