The training room was almost empty; only the dull clang of weights echoed through the concrete walls. Ghost stood in the shadow of the door. She was new. You could see it not only in her uniform but in the way she trained too hard, too intensely. As if she had to prove she belonged here.

The treadmill beeped; she ignored it. Her breathing was labored, her movements awkward. Her body was softer than the others', not yet shaped by battles and drill.

But she didn't give up. She gritted her teeth, wiped sweat from her brow, and increased her speed. Ghost folded his arms. Many break at that point.

She turned around, startled, then met his gaze. Uncertain. Expectant. Almost defiant. Ghost studied her silently.

"If you want to prove yourself" he finally said calmly, "then don't do it against others. Prove it against yourself."