The training yard was cold and dark, lit only by the faint glow of the guild's warding runes. Dillon was hacking at a practice dummy with brutal, mechanical precision. His katana flashed in the dim light, each strike carving another line across the already-scarred wood.
Nathan leaned against the fence. "How are you holding up?"
Dillon didn't stop swinging. "I've been cut off before. Verbally. Emotionally. Disapproving letters. Passive-aggressive messages through my brother. Financially is new."
The katana carved a deep gash across the dummy's chest.
"But I talked to Valerie. After the debrief. She said Celestial Peak offers advancement stipends for Climbers who show exceptional performance. If I keep climbing, keep improving, I can earn more. It won't be what my father was giving me—not even close—but it'll be mine."
He stopped, breathing hard.
