The morning sun fell over the town, casting long shadows that reminded Frank of the danger lurking unseen. He and Leo met near the broken fountain in the square, where they had first trained together.
"Today, we prepare," Frank said firmly. "Not just to react, but to anticipate."
Leo nodded. "What do we do first?"
Frank walked along the alleyways, pointing out key locations. "Look around. Every corner, every rooftop, every stack of crates or barrels can be used. This town is our battlefield now, but we have the advantage of knowing it."
They spent hours mapping escape routes, safe zones, and lookout points. Frank taught Leo how to read the smallest signs of movement: a shifted shadow, a displaced brick, a faint whistle of wind through a broken shutter.
"Observation is our first weapon," Frank explained. "Before we fight, we must know the battlefield."
Then came the physical drills. Frank and Leo practiced coordinated movements: how one could block an attack while the other struck, how to lure enemies into traps without exposing themselves, and how to retreat strategically when necessary. Each action was slow at first, deliberate, measured. By evening, Leo moved with far more confidence and precision.
As the sun dipped low, Frank paused. "This is only the beginning. The figure on the rooftop… they're watching us. And they're planning. If we are going to protect the town, we must be smarter, faster, and stronger."
Leo's eyes gleamed. "I'm ready, Spenser. Let's make sure no one gets hurt."
Frank nodded, a small smile forming. "Good. Courage alone isn't enough. Strategy and preparation will save lives. And one day, it might save the town."
As night fell, Frank climbed to the highest roof he could reach, looking out over the town. Somewhere in the shadows, he imagined the watcher observing, calculating.
And for the first time, Frank didn't feel fear. He felt purpose.
Somewhere in the darkness, the whisper returned:
"There he stands… and now he prepares."