The timer started. But I didn't move. Not yet.
Everyone probably expected me to dash forward like the rest of the students, swinging wildly and hoping to look good.
But I couldn't afford to be like everyone else. Yara's words still echoed in my head like poison.
If you can't impress him… I'll make sure you get expelled.
It wasn't just the challenge. It was the threat, and the way she smiled when she said it, as if she already knew I'd fail. I couldn't allow her to be right.
So instead of rushing, I stood still. My hand rested on the sheath at my hip, thumb pressing against the guard, ready.
My other hand hung loosely at my side, though I could feel the tension all the way up to my shoulder.
The robot dummies clanked and shifted, mechanical joints whining as five of them rushed at me, weapons raised.
I breathed out slowly.
My plan was simple, I wouldn't fight like them. I wouldn't hack mindlessly or flail until I got tired.
