[Steve's PoV]
The training ground was silent except for the faint hum of Essence running through the place. I stood across from Hazel, the Emperor's sister, her blade already drawn and resting loosely in her hand.
The way she held it was relaxed, almost careless, but I knew better. She was a grandmaster and one who was really really angry.
'I swear, my life is full of lunatics,' I thought, remembering another madman I knew, Billion.
My fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword. Sparks danced faintly across the edge, lightning crackling in anticipation. Days of relentless training had sharpened my instincts, but this was different. This was Hazel. A Grandmaster. Someone who had already walked the path I was struggling to carve.
Her voice broke the silence. "You're too tense, Steve. You want speed, but you're holding yourself back with hesitation. Trust your instincts. Trust your blade. The Abyss Severance doesn't tolerate doubt."
