Morning light bled through the clouds, touching the empty combat field with gold.

Jiwoo's breath came steady in, out as he swung his wooden sword through the crisp air.

Each motion was precise. No wasted movement.

The echo of his strikes cut through the silence, rhythmic and controlled.

He paused only long enough to wipe sweat from his brow before resetting his stance.

The duel with Kang Jisoo still played in his head — the way the strikes connected, the sound of wood clashing, the flicker ...