The sun hung high over the White Comet Guild’s expansive training grounds, casting long shadows across the various training stations.
The area was divided into different zones: a large open field for sparring, a series of obstacle courses for agility and endurance drills, and wooden targets set up for archery and ranged combat practice.
Alongside the training grounds stood a large pavilion, where guild members could relax, observe, or prepare for their next exercises.
Alister stood in the center of the field with Miyu and Cinder by his side. The wind ruffled Alister’s hair m as he gave a quick glance to his team, who stood across from them, ready for whatever challenge he had in store.
Opposite Alister were his trusted teammates: Anzo, with his calm and composed expression, was twirling his great sword in the air with his telekinesis.
Axel was bouncing on his heels, looking more than a little excited.
Blitz had a mischievous glint in her eyes, already sizing up the situation.
Beatrice stood with her arms crossed, her usual encouraging smile barely visible today, instead there was a look of curiosity in her eyes and Lila, who was clutching her sword nervously, as if unsure of what was about to unfold.
Alister cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone. I’d like to introduce someone to the team today.” He waved his hand to the side, where Miyu stood, in a white and blue guild uniform practically radiating confidence.
“This is my sister, Miyu,” Alister said, a touch of pride in his voice.
“She’ll be joining us from now on.”
There was a brief silence as the team took in the news. Anzo raised an eyebrow, a look of curiosity in his eyes. Axel’s grin widened, as if a new challenge had been presented to him.
Blitz bounced lightly on her feet, eager for any opportunity to make things interesting. Beatrice gave a polite nod, though there was a glimmer of surprise in her eyes. Lila, however, was the first to speak.
“Wait… you have a sister?” Lila’s voice was filled with astonishment, and she looked from Alister to Miyu.
“I never expected that. Is she as monstrous as you?”
Alister chuckled softly at the question, a knowing smile crossing his face. “Well, you’ll find out soon enough.” His gaze shifted to Miyu, who stood with her arms folded, her expression calm but with a touch of mischief.
Miyu lifted her chin slightly, as she spoke. “Although Idon’t know how strong my brother is…”.
“…but I’m certain I’m a monster in my own right.”
A collective murmur passed through the team. Axel chuckled, crossing his arms. “A bold claim. Let’s see if she can back it up.”
Blitz let out a short laugh, clearly amused.
Alister raised his hand, silencing the chatter. “Alright, enough talk,” he said with a smile, turning to face the team.
“We’re going to keep it simple for today. We’ll be doing some basic drills to gauge everyone’s current level. Miyu, if you’re up for it, I’ll have you take on a few drills with the team.”
Anzo nodded a studded grin appearing in his face, stepping forward, his sword hovering behind him. “I look forward to seeing you in action… Miyu.”
Since my rival is so strong a part of me is curious to find out if it runs in the family.” Miyu gave a small, confident nod, stepping onto the training field and assuming a relaxed stance. She seemed unfazed by the attention, already adapting to the atmosphere.
“Alright, let’s get started,” Alister said, his voice sharp and commanding as he began to give instructions. “Blitz, Axel, you two will work together against Miyu.”
“Anzo, you’ll go up against Beatrice and Lila. Let’s see how everyone performs. No holding back, but keep it fair.”
Anzo suddenly stepped forward, his great sword hovering just behind him as he raised an eyebrow, looking directly at Alister.
“Hold on…”
“…that’s not fair.”
Alister paused, turning his head toward Anzo, his brow furrowing slightly at the unexpected interruption.
Anzo’s expression remained unchanged, though there was a playful smirk on his lips.
“I just said I wanted to test the ropes with the new member, and you completely ignored me. You’re putting me up last, huh?”
He shook his head, his sword hovering beside him. “Not very team leader-like if you ask me.”
The rest of the team stood quietly, exchanging glances. Axel tilted his head with a grin, as though enjoying the banter. Blitz, however, was the first to speak, her mischievous glint returning.
“Wow, Anzo, looks like you’ve been hurt, huh? I bet you didn’t expect that.”
Alister, however, wasn’t fazed by the comment. A slight smirk crossed his face as he glanced back at Anzo.
“I’m the team leader here,” Alister replied. “I make the calls. You’ll get your turn, don’t worry.”
Anzo didn’t back down, though. He crossed his arms, letting out a dramatic sigh, clearly unimpressed with Alister’s leadership style for the moment.
“I’m not asking for any special treatment, but a little acknowledgment would be nice. You can’t just throw me to the back like that.”
Alister took a moment to assess Anzo’s challenge, then nodded.
“I get it,” Alister said with a slight smirk, “That’s why after you’re done with the healers, you an I will have our rematch.”
Anzo’s eyes lit up at the mention of a rematch, a grin spreading across his face. His earlier annoyance seemed to fade completely, replaced with a sense of eager anticipation.
“Now you’re speaking my language,” Anzo said with a gleam in his eyes. “And this time, I’ll be sure to crush you, Alister.”
Alister chuckled softly, stepping back slightly. “We’ll see about that,” Alister replied calmly.
“But first, we’ll focus on the drills with the healers. I want to see how you all handle the basics before we get to any serious rematches.”
Anzo’s smirk only widened, and he gave a quick nod, clearly ready for whatever came next. “Alright, alright,” he said, waving his hand dismissively. “But don’t think you’ve got a free pass after this. I’ll be waiting for you.”