The air inside the Aether Training Dome felt thicker than usual. Morning
Jason stood at the center of the field, arms folded, watching his players stretch and warm up. "All right," he said, voice carrying through the dome. "We've got one week before departure. You know what that means."
Scarlett groaned. "You're going to torture us."
Jason smiled. "You say that like it's new."
Laughter rolled through the team. Blaze tied his shoelaces, testing the weight on his leg. It still ached, but the pain was manageable. His Aura Flame flickered faintly across his arms as he breathed.
Aya jogged past him, tossing a water bottle his way. "You sure you're good to go, hero boy?"
He caught it easily, grinning. "Better than ever. You?"
"Ready to break ankles."
Scarlett leaned in with a mischievous smirk. "And hearts, don't forget."
Aya shoved her playfully. "You wish."
