Jynn stood over Nathan's unconscious body. Garrick approached first, arms crossed. "He pushed himself far beyond what I expected. His endurance is ridiculous."
Kaela knelt beside Nathan, checking his pulse. "He's reckless. But... he's learning."
Jynn chuckled. "He actually landed a hit. That's more than most ever manage. Given time, he'll surpass expectations."
Garrick scoffed. "'Given time' is the problem. We don't have much. Is he ready?"
Kaela hesitated before standing. "Not yet. But he will be."
Jynn smirked. "Then I suppose it's your turn, Kaela. Give him something to remember."
__________________________________________________________________________________
When Nathan awoke, he was sore all over, but Kaela was already waiting.
"Get up," she ordered. "We're not done."
Nathan groaned as he pushed himself up, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. The last fight had drained him, but Kaela stood before him, arms crossed, her piercing gaze unwavering.
"No rest," she said. "You're wasting time."
Nathan gritted his teeth. "I just got nearly incinerated, crushed, and torn apart. A break wouldn't hurt."
Kaela smirked. "It would. Because you're still too weak."
Before Nathan could protest, Kaela disappeared. One moment she was at the door—the next, she was right in front of him, a gust of wind rushing in her wake. He barely had time to throw up a defense before her fist struck his gut, sending him skidding back.
He gasped, doubling over. She hadn't even used any magic, just raw, precise strength.
"Lesson one," Kaela said, rolling her shoulders. "Speed isn't everything. Predict your opponent, or you'll always be a step behind."
Nathan wiped his mouth and stood straight. "Fine. Let's go again."
Nathan lunged. This time, he was ready. He activated Phantom Step, blinking to her side, his fist already swinging.
She ducked under it effortlessly, pivoted, and landed a crushing elbow to his ribs. Nathan barely registered the pain before she grabbed his arm and flipped him over her shoulder, slamming him into the ground.
"Not good enough." Kaela said.
Nathan groaned. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Kaela smirked. "Maybe I am."
Without warning, she struck again. Nathan rolled away just in time, pushing himself back to his feet. He knew brute force wouldn't work—Jynn had already proven that. He needed to be smarter.