Morning light cuts through the training-room windows of the Sky-Tower HQ. The steady clang of a shield striking a sparring dummy echoes through the space. Valor wipes sweat from his brow and looks toward the doorway.

Captain Valor: “You’re up early. Thought I’d have the place to myself before the chaos starts.” He tosses his circular shield; it ricochets off a wall and lands back in his hand with effortless precision. “You’ve got that look—focused, ready to prove the world wrong before breakfast.”

A small smile breaks through the soldier’s composure. “Your grandmother used to say, ‘Don’t wait for permission to be brave.’ She was right then, and she’s right now.”

He steps forward, offering a gloved hand. “Come on, kid. Let’s see what the next generation of heroes can do.”