Hunnt's body gleamed with sweat, each muscle taut from repeated Tekkai drills. The rhythm of strikes and blocks had become second nature, yet every day still brought a new lesson: how to absorb force, maintain control, and push his body beyond its limits.
Pyro crouched nearby, golden eyes focused and alert. The little Felyne had begun his own Tekkai training. Each paw strike, each impact against Hunnt's arms, tested his endurance and control. At first, the Felyne struggled, recoiling from strong hits, but slowly he adapted, learning to withstand and respond with precision.
Keep steady… resist… focus… Hunnt murmured silently, circling Pyro as he delivered measured strikes. Each blow Pyro landed was met with careful guidance, adjusting his stance, tightening his core, reinforcing muscle memory.
As weeks passed, Hunnt and Pyro established a cycle. One moment, Hunnt absorbed the Felyne's attacks, demonstrating the feel of immovable iron. The next, Pyro practiced taking controlled hits from Hunnt's calculated punches, strengthening his own resilience. Every cycle pushed them further: stamina, reflexes, and body control harmonizing in synchronized effort.
Faster, stronger… steady… Hunnt thought, eyes narrowing as he watched Pyro perfect a strike. The rhythm of give-and-take, of teacher and student, strengthened not just their bodies but their unspoken bond.
Finally, after another exhausting session, Hunnt sat back on the grass, wiping sweat from his brow. Pyro crouched nearby, tail flicking in satisfaction, chest rising and falling from exertion. The day's practice had solidified their progress, but Hunnt knew the next phase awaited.
From the treeline, a new presence approached—an unfamiliar figure carrying a large hammer. The young man's steps were cautious, hesitant, but his posture revealed innate strength. He paused a few meters from the clearing, taking in the scene: Hunnt standing relaxed but alert, Pyro crouched like a predator, eyes sharp and calculating.
Hunnt grinned, amusement flickering in his eyes. Well… this might be interesting.
Pyro's ears twitched. A human… unfamiliar energy… I'm curious…
The young man stepped forward, voice quivering slightly but earnest. "Uh… hello. I… I heard there's training here… I want to learn. I… I can help."
Hunnt's grin widened. Perfect timing. Let's see what you're made of.
Pyro tilted his head, observing the newcomer with quiet interest. This one… he's different… cautious, but strong. He could be… useful…
Hunnt stretched his arms, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Alright. First, let me see what you've got. Don't worry, it'll be fun. We'll build your foundation first, and maybe, just maybe… I'll teach you a few moves of the fist style while we're at it."
The young man's eyes widened, a mix of nervousness and excitement. "Fist style? Uh… okay… I'll try."
This is going to be interesting… Hunnt thought, already envisioning the next months of training, the sweat, the laughter, and the first sparks of growth in a new student.
And thus, the clearing was no longer just the domain of Hunnt and Pyro. With the arrival of Corwin, the reluctant lumberjack, a new chapter of training, challenge, and growth had begun.