Baron tilted his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Do you remember what you said to me back at Ashmoore's Training Academy?" he asked, his tone steady but carrying a weight that drew Ortiz's attention fully.

Ortiz's eyes flickered with memory, brows furrowing for a heartbeat before a knowing grin spread across his face.

"Ah... that," he said slowly, amusement dancing in his voice. "How could I forget? I told you then that strength isn't always in the body... sometimes it's ...