The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the battlegrounds of Silverleaf Academy.
The air was thick with heat and dust, the ground stained with the sweat of countless students.
But amidst it all, one figure stood out.
Aestrea.
His muscles tensed as he swung the dark, massive scythe through the air.
SWISH!
The blade cut through the air with a sharp whistle, striking the dummy with a sickening thud. The impact echoed across the training grounds.
THUD!
Another swing.
Aestrea's feet shifted, his body flowing seamlessly from one movement to the next.
SWOOSH!
He spun, the scythe cutting a wide arc in the air.
His foot dug into the dirt as he pivoted, launching the weapon at the dummy with more force. The dummy groaned under the assault, its sturdy frame splintering in places.
CRACK!
Another hit, this time with a powerful thrust, and the dummy shook violently.
THUD!
Derek and James stood off to the side, watching in silence.
