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. He was new. You could see it not only in his uniform but in the way he trained too hard, too intensely. As if he had to prove he belonged here.

The treadmill beeped; he ignored it. His breathing was labored, his movements awkward. His body was softer than the others’, not yet shaped by battles and drill.

But he didn’t give up. He gritted his teeth, wiped sweat from his brow, and increased his speed. Ghost folded his arms. Many break at that point.

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

“If you want to prove yourself” he finally said calmly “then don’t do it against others. Prove it against yourself.”