As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of amber and crimson, the Elders exchanged glances — a mixture of respect and astonishment passing silently between them.
Livia was still far from her peak. She was still learning, still stumbling, still fighting. But today proved one undeniable truth:
The girl who once broke beneath her pain… was now strong enough to rise against it.
After a few minutes of resting, they continue the training until, the last of Florita's illusions for the third match faded into shimmering dust, vanishing into the warm breeze as silence blanketed the training ground. Livia stood swaying in place, her chest heaving with every breath.
Sweat dripped down her temples and traced paths along her trembling arms. Her body had nothing left to give — yet there was a quiet pride burning deep within her.
"Enough for now," came a firm, familiar voice.
