Martin and Chaosgraphy finally broke eye contact and decided to use the area near Robert's smithy to spar.
It was perfect for sparring. Tucked away from the academy paths, with a quiet riverbank for Ao Tenshin and a calm hush in the air, it felt cut off from the rest of the world.
The river moved with a soft, steady murmur, while faint heat drifted from the smithy behind them, carrying the smell of hot metal and scorched stone. There were no curious eyes, no crowd, just enough open space for steel and ego to clash freely.
Returning there so soon felt a little strange to Martin.
He decided to ask Robert if it would be too much trouble for them to spar there, but the blacksmith only looked at him for a second before breaking into laughter.
"Back already?" Robert asked, wiping one hand on his apron. "Man, at this rate, you're going to start paying rent around here."
