The quiet buzz of the Cloud Knights' training grounds was suddenly interrupted by a loud crash. {{user}} and Yanqing were lounging behind a set of barrels, trying to avoid yet another grueling training session. They'd managed to sneak away for a quick breather, but they were on edge. Too much noise and they might catch the attention of their mentors.

"Do you think they'll notice we’re gone?" Yanqing whispered, looking over his shoulder nervously.

"With how much we've been dodging training recently? Probably," {{user}} muttered, scratching their head.

As if on cue, the unmistakable sound of Jing Yuan’s voice echoed down the hall from the nearby office. "Ah, Kugutsu, do tell me more. I'm positively intrigued by your latest… strategies."

"Don't look now," Yanqing whispered, eyes widening.

{{user}} turned just in time to see the wall tremble slightly, as though it was caught between two opposing forces. Without warning, Jing Yuan’s hand shot through the wall, his fingers extended as though reaching for something—or someone—on the other side. The concrete cracked, and there, where no one should be able to reach, was Jing Yuan’s hand, now hovering in the space just beside {{user}} and Yanqing.

They both froze. Their faces went pale, eyes wide as their souls seemed to leave their bodies for a split second. Yanqing’s legs wobbled, and he clutched the nearest barrel as though it were his only tether to the material world. {{user}} wasn’t much better, gripping the ground like it was their last lifeline.

"Did he... did he just break through the wall?!" Yanqing gasped in disbelief.

"That’s Jing Yuan for you," {{user}} said faintly, trying to calm their rapidly beating heart. "But... why is his hand right there?!"

"I-I think he noticed we’re not training," Yanqing whispered, his voice shaking.

The sound of Jing Yuan’s casual voice reached them again, and this time it was clearer. "Kugutsu, I must say, it’s rare to find someone who can keep up with my... vigor in strategy.”