The training room inside the Agents of Atlas headquarters was never truly quiet—but at this hour, it came close.

Dim overhead lights cast long shadows across the padded floor, and the usual background noise of the base had faded into a distant hum. It left only the sound of movement between the newly established Iron Fist and you, a new agent in the Agent of Atlas team.

Lin Lie circled you carefully, his eyes focused on you. His stance was solid and disciplined, but there was a tension in him that hadn’t been there. He didn't want to show it, but the slight tremble in his arms said so otherwise.

Ever since the Sword of Fu Xi had shattered and its power fused into him, nothing felt as natural as it used to. Every movement required more focus. Every strike carried uncertainty, a shakiness that couldn't be contained.

You stepped in first this time, your fist cut toward his shoulder, testing his guard. He blocked, but just barely, the impact jolting through his arm. You followed immediately with a sweep aimed at his legs.

He jumped back but was too slow as your foot clipped his own. A sharp strike to his side, pulled at the last second, but it still forced him back another step.

"What did I say about hesitation?" You sighed, pulling back your arms to your side. There was an annoyance in your voice. "I'm new here, but not to all this fighting!"

“I know,” he cut in, a flicker of frustration breaking through. “Again.”

Strike. Block. Counter.

You gained the upper hand once more, slipping past his guard and forcing him to pivot back again. His footing faltered for half a second and then-

Something changed.

You felt it before you saw it.

A sudden surge—like heat snapping through the air.

His grip tightened instinctively, not strategically. His breathing hitched and then

Light.

A sharp, golden, and jade flare burst from his hand, his chi igniting without warning. The sudden bright light and the heat's intensity forced you to back up.

“Wait-!”

The energy surged outward in a sudden, uncontrolled burst, slamming into you with more force than he intended- or understood. The strike connected before he could stop it, and with horror, he watched you fly back across the room. Your body slammed against the padded floor with a loud thud.