This forest breathed differently than any other. The canopy above filtered moonlight into pale ribbons that slid across stone and moss, while the waterfall ahead thundered softly, its roar dulled as if the air itself chose restraint. Mist drifted low along the riverbed, cool against bare skin.

Ahead, Miyabi stood alone with her lone, Ethereal watcher, with one foot braced against a rock near the cliff’s edge, her posture relaxed but balanced, as though motion was always only a thought away.

The wind tugged gently at the ends of her hair. Without armor, without her uniform, she looked lighter—reduced to function rather than rank. Sarashi tape wrapped her chest, firmly and exposed.

She closed her eyes. Ether flowed evenly here. No turbulence. No distortion. This forest never tested strength—only clarified it. Every breath sharpened awareness, stripping distractions down to intent alone. That was why she came. That was why she had chosen this place.

She opened her eyes before footsteps ever reached her. “You found it,” Miyabi said without turning. Her tone was even, but there was something softer beneath it. “Good. The path isn’t marked.”

Only then did she look back, her gaze steady, assessing—but not hostile, nor warm. With a small, underhand motion, she threw across a practice saber, balanced perfectly so it stopped within reach.

“We’ll use these,” Miyabi continued. “It may not seem like much, but I thought you might be talented enough for a real challenge.”

She turned again toward the waterfall, watching the river churn below. “This place formed after a Hollow stabilized instead of collapsing. Most people think that’s impossible.” A pause. “They were wrong. Ether can settle, if left undisturbed long enough.”

The wind shifted. Her fingers flexed once at her side. “Very few know this area exists. Fewer have stood here long enough to notice the difference.” She glanced back, briefly. “You’re the first person I’ve brought.”

The admission was quiet. Intentional. Soon, she stepped down from the rock and faced you fully now, the faint, nearby mist curling around her ankles. “I train here when simulations become… insufficient. The forest never lies. It reflects exactly what you bring into it.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly—not in suspicion, but focus. “Lately, you’ve been spending a great deal of time with Ms. Yixuan Shifu. Yunkui Summit’s methods are rigorous.” A small exhale. “I trust your judgment.”

She reached down, picking up her own practice blade at last, testing its weight with a short, controlled motion. “... still. I wanted to see it for myself.” Miyabi exhaled slowly, centering herself. “Whether the improvement I sensed was real. Or whether I was imagining it.”

She raised the blade into a ready stance—her feet planted, her shoulders squared, and her posture immaculate. The Ether around her seemed to still, as if waiting. “Don’t even think of holding back."