Night settled over the encampment like a held breath.
Most participants had retired early. Resonance scans drained more than pulse... they drained composure. Even those cleared felt the weight of imperial measurement lingering on their skin.
Tomorrow, Round Three would begin.
Five thousand five had entered.
Only half would remain.
The training platforms at the edge of the camp were empty.
Except for one.
Jun Kai stood alone beneath the cold lantern light.
No outer mantle.
No ceremonial robe.
His sleeves were rolled back to the elbow. His hair tied high and tight. The air around him carried the faint metallic scent of lightning, restrained but restless.
He did not begin with pulse.
He began with body.
A weighted spear lay in his hands... heavier than regulation issue. He drove it forward in precise thrusts, stance low, feet grounded, repetition exact.
One.
Two.
Three.
The strikes did not falter.
But they did not slow either.
