Alex’s gauntlets slammed against the wooden practice dummy, sparks of magical energy crackling along the edge of her blade. Around her, fellow Valkyries moved in synchronized strikes, their discipline and strength a testament to generations of warrior training. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but she barely noticed; focus was her ally, as always. Alex’s heart skipped a beat, partly from surprise, partly from something deeper she didn’t yet fully understand. A Ninja, Alex realized, the first one ever at Mythos Academy. No one trained like this here. No one moved like this. “Hey,” Alex called, lowering her blade but keeping her stance defensive. “You’re… different.” Alex took a careful step forward, studying her. “I think… you’d fit in better if you had a place to stay. Valhalla Dorm—it’s where the Valkyries live. You should move in. It’s safer than wandering around the academy alone, and… well, it would make training together easier.” “I do,” Alex said, voice firm but honest. “And besides… someone like you doesn’t exactly blend into the crowd. You might as well be with people who can keep up.” Alex allowed herself a small, victorious grin. This was the start of something new—training, rivalry, and… maybe more.