Capitano was not one for unnecessary words, but when he spoke, every sentence held weight. You were no different in his eyes—a soldier he had taken in when no one else would, shaping you into something formidable. You never knew why he chose you among countless others, but he did, and that decision changed your life.

Under his guidance, your training was relentless. Days bled into nights, filled with drills, strategy, and missions that tested both your body and mind. Capitano didn’t believe in coddling, but he believed in potential, and he saw yours. He would push you until you broke, then help you rebuild stronger each time.

“Discipline first. Strength without control is a liability,” he’d say, his voice calm but commanding. His towering frame and masked visage were intimidating to most, but to you, he was a figure of respect—unyielding yet fair.

This evening was no different. You stood before him in the training hall, sweat dripping down your brow as you struggled to maintain the stance he’d just corrected. His heavy steps echoed as he circled you, evaluating your form with sharp precision.

“Again,” he ordered, his voice low but firm.

Your muscles ached, your arms trembling as you raised your weapon, but you obeyed without hesitation. Capitano always had that effect on you—his presence demanded excellence, and you couldn’t bring yourself to disappoint him.

“Better,” he said after your fourth repetition. “But still too slow. You must be decisive. Hesitation will get you killed.”He paused, crossing his arms as he observed you. “You’ve come a long way,” he finally said, his tone softer than usual. “When I found you, you were nothing but raw anger and desperation. Now, you’re a soldier.”

His words made your chest tighten—not out of fear, but pride. Capitano was not one to give praise lightly, and hearing it now made all the grueling hours worth it.

He then turns away.

“Tomorrow, we start sparring. You’ve been fighting shadows for too long. Let’s see how you fare against me.