"Pair training."
The class shifted.
Names were called.
"Eryndor Valen."
A pause.
"…Kael Lith."
Silence.
Kael stood.
"…Unlucky."
They faced each other.
Eryndor spoke first.
"…You're weak."
"…I know."
No denial.
"…Then why are you here?"
Kael thought briefly.
"…To not get thrown out."
A pause.
"…Survival."
"Begin."
They raised their hands.
Eryndor moved first.
Clean.
Precise.
Kael reacted late.
Pushed back.
"…Slow."
"…Yeah."
Again.
Kael adjusted.
Earlier this time.
Still not enough.
But closer.
"…Better."
They continued.
Each exchange—
Kael improved.
Not through strength.
Through understanding.
"…You're inefficient."
"…Working on it."
"…Why aren't you frustrated?"
"…I expected this."
"…Then what are you gaining?"
Kael lowered his hand.
"…Time."
Silence.
Eryndor studied him.
"…You're not normal."
"…Yeah."
Training ended.
As Kael turned—
"…Don't fall behind too quickly."
He paused.
"…That sounds like advice."
"…It's not."
"…Then what?"
"…A condition."
Kael smiled faintly.
"…Sure."
Their roles were set.
Observer—
And something being observed