The lair's edge wavered under midday's relentless blaze, air shimmering with illusion's deceptive warmth, the scent of scorched stone biting at noon on October, 2085.
Tobi circled the clearing, domains deepening in practice, iron not just armor, but a forge within, hardening his skin to a metallic sheen that reflected sun like polished bronze, each impact sending vibrations up his arms like hammer strikes on anvil.
Courage wove through, a golden current that amplified his senses: heartbeats thundered louder, wind whispered secrets, fear transmuted to unyielding resolve, his movements fluid as a dancer in trance.
Yusuf sparred, beast circling with predatory grace, claws slashing air that whistled sharp. "Kai, Tobi, domains dey make you ghost, to catch you seff dey impossible!"
Yusuf's laugh boomed, scar twisting as Tobi dodged, iron domain absorbing a glancing blow with a dull thud, courage surging to counter with a thread-lash that grazed the beast's hide, drawing a respectful growl.
Nneka synced her gauntlets, uli code interfacing with Tobi's threads in sparks that smelled of ozone and herbs. "Iron hardens nets courage speeds hacks. Together, unbreakable web."
Her exile's fire burned in her eyes, past pains fueling precision.
Zara rested against bark rough as old scars, blind but attuned, her curse expanding visions into tactile echoes, futures pulsing through her fingertips like electric currents.
"Tobi," she called, voice fragile yet resonant. He knelt, her fingers mapping his face, igniting sparks where skin met skin. "Domains deepen you, iron shields heart, courage ignites soul. But the guardian's fire tests bonds visions show flames parting for our touch."
Romance bloomed in his whisper. "Your light forges me stronger."
Tragedy shadowed her nod. "Curse steals breaths now each vision a thief in the night."
Training peaked in a symphony of clashes domains blending in light bursts, crew forged anew.
The veil beckoned, guardian's heat pulsing like a heartbeat.