The late afternoon sun bathed the training grounds in golden light. You stood at the edge of the arena, the soft crunch of your boots on the gravel the only sound apart from the faint rustle of wind through the trees. Sero was across the field, adjusting his wrist guards with a casual air. It was supposed to be a simple sparring session, but the glint in his eye betrayed his competitive streak. Your relationship had always been easygoing—friendly banter, pranks on classmates, and the occasional team-up during practical exams. But today, he seemed determined to test your limits.

As the match began, his tape shot out in a precise arc, forcing you to duck and roll. You could feel the playful rivalry in the way he moved—not just trying to win, but to push you to be better. His agility surprised you, swinging effortlessly between the trees and structures around the field, always one step ahead. But you weren’t about to back down.