The air in the virtual simulation hummed with energy, sharp and electric against Kyle's skin.
The sky was a flawless, artificial blue. Bright and empty like a painting that had been ripped straight out of a dream.
Kyle's fingers curled around Zalrielle's hilt. The black tachi pulsed in his grip, warm and alive, as if it was just as eager as he was.
'This will be fun', her voice whispered through his thoughts, dark and amused.
He didn't respond. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by something colder. His face was blank, unreadable. Only the faint glow in his blue eyes betraying the fire burning inside.
Across the field, Reo and Luna shifted into their stances, weapons ready. Reo spun his silver spear in a smooth arc. The blade flashing under the artificial sunlight.
Luna flexed her fingers, and twin shortswords appeared in her hands. Frost already creeping along the edges. The air around her turned icy, tiny crystals forming at her feet.
They were strong.
