Lucen stepped onto the mat, boots silent. His breath was steady, no panting. Shirt stuck to him like shame. He squared his feet, remembering Varik's lessons about centerline and minimalist movement.
Varik nodded once and said, "Let's start with chaining."
Lucen blinked. "So… magic combos?"
"No spells. Just fight combos."
Lucen suppressed a smirk. "I was hoping for fireworks."
Varik shook his head. "You hit them without them knowing you'll hit them. That's fireworks."
Lucen tucked his fists tighter. "Got it. Invisible fireworks."
Varik stepped in with a basic rhythm: soft tap on Lucen's shoulder, light hip-check, pull-back. Movement that invited a reaction.
Lucen held still. Nothing.
"Don't react yet," Varik whispered. "Parenthesis first."
Lucen flinched slightly, eyes narrowed.
Varik jabbed to his side. Lucen shrugged it off.
"That's the doorway," Varik said. "Step inside and own it."
