The sun hit the fields, pouring its raw light over the white marble courtyard as if to purge every shadow. The heat made the air vibrate slightly, but there was no relief under the carved arches that surrounded the Royal Knights' training arena. There, in that sacred circle of stone and sweat, two figures moved like predators, circling each other with absolute focus. The breeze that blew through the tall columns brought no freshness, only the smell of dust, iron and effort.
Kael was a whirlwind of steel and intent. The sand beneath his feet rose like a wave as he advanced with both swords held high - the short one low, in line with his hip, the long one tracing a threatening arc upwards.
Each step was quick, sharp, aggressive. He pressed with his whole body, trying to shorten the distance, to break Exelia's defense with sheer physical presence.
But Exelia was rock against the sea.
