Two years of training had transformed both him and Pyro. Hunnt's fists were precise and powerful, his Suro bursts fluid and fast. Pyro, now confident with his Sword and Shield, moved with a lethal grace that belied his small frame.
"Alright, Pyro," Hunnt said, crouching into a ready stance. "Today… we test ourselves. No holding back. Just like we'll need to if we face real monsters."
Pyro's golden eyes narrowed, tail flicking with barely contained excitement. Finally… I get to see how strong I really am, he thought, tightening his grip on the wooden Sword and Shield.
Hunnt raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Try not to trip over your own paws this time, alright?"
Pyro let out a huff of irritation but didn't respond verbally. Instead, he lunged forward in a blur of speed, his Suro bursts integrated into each step, every strike calculated. Hunnt pivoted, dodging with precision, countering with a strong jab of his fist. The air between them seemed to hum with energy as their movements collided.
Not bad… Pyro's improved a lot, Hunnt thought, adjusting his stance mid-strike. Those Suro bursts really amplify his reflexes.
Pyro feinted left, then spun into a low strike, testing Hunnt's defense. Hunnt caught the wooden Sword with his forearm, grinning. "Haha! Good one! But you're not sneaking anything past me yet!"
The sparring session continued, a dance of speed, agility, and strength. Hunnt tested Pyro's endurance, throwing multiple feints and controlled strikes. Pyro responded with instinctive precision, integrating his natural feline balance with the techniques Hunnt had taught him over the past two years.
After several minutes of sparring, they paused, both panting, bodies glistening with sweat. Hunnt stepped back, giving Pyro space. "You're fast. Faster than when we started, and your strikes… precise. I'm impressed, Pyro. Really."
Pyro's tail twitched, ears flattening slightly. I'm not done yet… I can do better, he thought, circling Hunnt. "Nyaah!"
Hunnt laughed lightly. "That's the spirit. Keep pushing. Every strike, every step, every Suro burst—perfect it."
A soft breeze rustled the leaves above. Hunnt noticed a glint of determination in Pyro's eyes—the same fierce fire that had driven him from the beginning. He's ready… almost ready to face real threats.
Hunnt stepped forward, fist raised in a mock challenge. "Next round… no mercy!"
Pyro crouched low, wooden Sword and Shield at the ready. I won't hold back either… not now.
They clashed again, movements faster and sharper than ever before. Hunnt's fists met Pyro's strikes, their bodies weaving in a rhythm of practice and instinct. Each collision, each evasive maneuver, revealed subtle improvements—their timing, reflexes, and coordination sharpening with every moment.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, both were exhausted, yet their eyes glimmered with satisfaction. Hunnt crouched beside Pyro, patting him gently on the head. "Not bad… not bad at all. We've come a long way in two years, huh?"
Pyro purred softly, brushing against Hunnt's arm. Yes… we're stronger… much stronger…
Hunnt looked out over the village, shadows stretching long across the clearing. Soon… he thought. We'll need all of this strength. And there's still more to learn—more techniques, more power. One day, I'll even learn blacksmithing properly, and I'll make the weapons we'll need… and then we'll see just how far we can go.
For now, though, they rested—two unlikely companions, bonded by loss, determination, and the quiet promise of something greater waiting beyond the horizon.