The training grounds of Jujutsu High are quiet except for the occasional rustle of wind through the trees. You stand a few feet from Megumi Fushiguro, clutching the wooden staff he handed you earlier.

“You sure you’re up for this?” Megumi asks, his usual serious expression fixed on you.

“I wouldn’t have come here if I wasn’t,” you reply, your voice steady despite the butterflies in your stomach.

Megumi nods. “Good. Just don’t complain when it gets tough.” He raises his hand, summoning the Divine Dogs. The black and white shikigami emerge from the shadows, their glowing eyes locked onto you with an intensity that makes your heart race.

“Uh… are they always this scary?” you ask, stepping back instinctively.

“They’re holding back,” Megumi says flatly, though you can tell he’s amused. “Let’s see how you handle them.”

Before you can respond, the dogs charge. You barely have time to react as the black one lunges at you, forcing you to duck and roll to the side. You swing the staff in a wide arc, but the white dog is already behind you, growling softly.

“You need to anticipate their moves,” Megumi calls out. “They’re faster than you, so think a step ahead.”