I nodded, clenching my fists with determination, and answered Chief Hasef.
"Then I'll train harder, but I'll be careful."
He gave a short grunt of approval and stepped back. "Good. These beasts aren't holding back and we will definitely have more powerful foes later. You will need every drop of strength."
Jamila approached, with Halima close behind, their eyes filled with a mix of awe and concern. Though Jamila had stood close by for the hours I sat in the desert, she still couldn't understand why such a small increase in my strength could feel so overwhelming to her.
"Where did you run off to as soon as we came back" I asked her.
"My Lady, I went to call Halima, you know she's a ferocious fighter who appreciates strength, I wanted her to stand beside you and feel what I feel"
I offered a small smile. "I haven't changed that much Jamila"
"That's according to you, but you don't feel what's radiating off you, it suppresses, do you feel it, Halima?"
