Two months had passed since the faction selection test. The training grounds echoed with the clash of steel, elemental bursts, and the steady rhythm of improvement. Under the watchful eyes of faction assistants, the young warriors were rapidly evolving. And today, someone special came to check on their progress.
Riah stepped onto the training field, her presence immediately commanding attention. Clad in her lightweight combat robes, she moved with the grace of a queen and the fire of a warrior.
"Impressive," she said, scanning the group with a faint smile. "You're all growing at a fast rate."
Tyrone grinned, flexing slightly. "Nah, for real, I bulked up. Got more power flowing through me too."
Riah nodded. "I can see that."
Mia let out a tired groan. "The training just keeps getting harder."
"You're doing well," Riah assured her before turning to another. "And Felicia—I noticed your hand-to-hand technique. You've sharpened your saber skills too."
Felicia's cheeks warmed at the praise. "You inspired me, so I've been pushing myself. I want to keep getting stronger."
"Good. You're becoming a versatile fighter, and your elemental affinity is shaping up nicely too. Keep at it."
A click of steel announced Lihanna's arrival as she sheathed her blade and joined the group, stretching her arms overhead.
"And you," Riah said with a nod. "I can see you've been pushing yourself hard."
Lihanna yawned. "Yeah, but my joints are killing me. I'm getting myself a massage after this."
Felicia's eyes lit up. "Mind if I join?"
Mia smirked. "Sounds like a plan. We three should treat ourselves."
Tyrone raised a hand. "So, uh, can I come too—?"
Mia shot him down immediately. "Nope. You're on your own."
"I wasn't asking you," Tyrone muttered.
Lihanna crossed her arms. "You don't expect to be in the same room as us, do you?"
"That is exactly what he's thinking," Mia accused. "He's just a pervert."
Tyrone's shoulders slumped. "…"
Riah chuckled. "Don't worry, Tyrone. I've got something for you. There's a hot spring on campus. You can head there to relax—it's open right now."
"By myself, though?"
"You'll find company there," she said with a knowing look.
Tyrone shrugged. "I'll trust your word." He turned and waved over his shoulder. "Later, bitches."
Mia glared. "And this is why no girl likes you, dumbass."
Later… at the Hot Springs
Steam curled gently above the stone-lined pool as Tyrone stepped into the changing area. He peeled off his clothes, grabbed a towel, and stretched out his arms with a long exhale.
"Finally," he muttered, sliding the door open.
But the moment he laid eyes on the figure already soaking in the hot spring, his heart jumped.
"YOOOO—GENERAL?!"
Kazimir looked over his shoulder, eyes sharp yet unreadable. "…What's your name again?"
"Tyrone! I'm Tyrone! I didn't expect to see you here. Riah's the one always doing the Vandor duties while you just disappear."
Kazimir didn't seem fazed. "The assistants train you on behalf of the faction. Vandors only intervene when necessary. Riah's been helping you settle in."
"So, what—you only train elites?"
"If you've surpassed the assistant level, then yes. The Vandor steps in."
Tyrone stepped into the spring, eyes serious. "Then I want you to train me, General Kazimir."
Kazimir gave a lazy glance. "And what could you possibly learn from me?"
"Plenty. You've accomplished more than most of us ever will. You're the second person in history to slay a Dynasty. You were chosen by Solaris himself. You're humanity's ace."
Kazimir leaned back, letting the water ripple around him.
"If I can land a single hit on you," Tyrone continued, "train me. That's all I ask."
Kazimir looked at him with a faint smirk. "Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Then I'll accept. Scratch me once, and I'll train you myself."
"Yes, sir!"
Tyrone paused, glancing at the steam. "General… can I talk to you about something?"
Kazimir nodded. "Speak your mind."
Tyrone exhaled. "Being the only guy in this faction is tough. None of them accept me. It's like they all hate me."
"I've heard things," Kazimir said plainly. "From Riah. Sounds like you don't respect them."
"That's not true!"
"But it is. You made a joke about Mia that day—I know. Riah hears everything, and so do I."
Tyrone's voice dropped. "They don't understand me. Mia's had it out for me since day one, and the others followed."
Kazimir's gaze sharpened. "They don't hate you. They want you to grow. They complain because they see you lagging behind."
"They should change their tone too."
"Let me ask you—how would you feel if your father always called your mother a bitch?"
Tyrone looked away. "…They died in the war."
"I see. You're carrying that pain and placing it on others. Women will always defend each other when there's a loose man in the room."
"So… what would you do if you were me?"
"I'd gain their trust. You're a team, not enemies. And as the only male, your job is to protect them—not make them afraid of you."
Tyrone nodded slowly. "I get it now… Thanks, General."
Meanwhile… at the Girls' Spa
In the changing room, the girls peeled off their clothes, laughter filling the air. Felicia, however, couldn't help but glance at Mia and Lihanna's figures.
"Wow," she said under her breath.
Mia turned. "Something wrong?"
Felicia fumbled. "No, just… you two are built really well. I wish I had curves like you."
Mia laughed. "Girl, your ass is a blessing. I'd trade in a heartbeat. But honestly? Lihanna's the real threat here."
Felicia nodded in agreement. "She's hot. It's definitely in her genes."
Lihanna raised an eyebrow. "Why are you both staring at me?"
Felicia smiled. "Just admiring your beauty."
"…Thanks."
"And those scars," Felicia added. "How'd you get them?"
Lihanna's voice dropped. "Do they bother you? I usually cover them… I feel ugly with them."
Felicia looked her in the eyes. "They don't bother me. They make you look even cooler. I like you just the way you are."
Lihanna blinked, slightly stunned. "You… really mean that?"
"Absolutely. Also, now that I see you without the suit—you have very cute lips."
Lihanna's cheeks turned a soft shade of red. "Are you hitting on me?"
Felicia smirked. "You tell me."
Mia raised her brows. "You two falling in love or something?"
Flustered, Lihanna turned on her heel. "Let's just go for our massages already!"
Mia giggled. "She's totally flustered."
Felicia grinned. "I think I just scored. First time she's ever broken character."
Later… in the Hot Spring
Steam billowed softly as the girls slipped into the water, sighing in relief. Their muscles, sore and tired, slowly relaxed.
Lihanna smiled. "This has been a great day."
Mia, still basking in the warmth, glanced over. "You've been more talkative than usual. Felicia really lifted your mood, huh?"
"Leave me alone," Lihanna muttered, cheeks faintly pink.
"I'm heading back," Mia said as she stood. "You two enjoy the rest of the night."
As she left, she paused under the starlit sky, looking up in silence. A quiet sadness welled in her chest.
"I miss you," she whispered to the night, tears quietly streaming down her face.