The arena was quieter this time.
Not empty
But focused.
After what Adrian did yesterday, no one was taking him lightly anymore. The whispers had changed. Less doubt.
More caution.
More expectation.
Adrian stretched his arms slightly as he stepped into the center.
So, he muttered, "who's trying to kill me today?
Riven's voice came from the side.
Kai.
Adrian blinked.
Wait, what?
Kai stepped forward, already in position.
Calm.
Composed.
Serious.
Adrian stared at him.
You're joking.
Riven didn't react.
This isn't a spar.
A pause.
It's synchronization training.
Adrian glanced between them.
That sounds worse.
No Room for Error
Kai stood across from him.
This won't be like before.
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
You mean where we almost died?
Kai didn't respond.
Which was basically a yes.
Adrian sighed.
Alright then.
Riven's voice cut in.
You're going to recreate what happened during the mission.
A pause.
Deliberately.
Adrian frowned.
You want us to trigger the bond?
Riven nodded.
Yes.
Kai's expression tightened slightly.
That's risky.
Riven didn't deny it.
So is the war we're heading into.
Silence.
Adrian rolled his shoulders.
Guess we're doing it.
Finding the Connection
They stepped closer.
Not attacking.
Not moving.
Just
Standing there.
Facing each other.
Now what? Adrian asked.
Kai's voice was low.
Focus
Adrian frowned.
On what?
Kai met his gaze.
On me.
That caught him off guard.
That's… specific.
Kai didn't react.
Stop thinking about the fight.
A pause.
Feel the connection.
Adrian exhaled slowly.
Right.
He closed his eyes briefly.
Tried to focus.
Not on the arena.
Not on the watchers.
Just
Kai.
The bond.
That faint, familiar pulse.
At first
Nothing.
Then
A flicker.
There, Adrian whispered.
Kai nodded slightly.
I feel it.
The air shifted.
Subtle.
But real.
The First Sync
Riven's voice came quietly.
Good. Now move.
Kai stepped forward first.
Adrian reacted
Not by thinking
But by instinct.
Their movements aligned.
Not perfectly.
But close.
Kai struck
Adrian moved with it
Their shadows rising together.
But then
It broke.
The timing slipped.
The connection snapped.
Tch, Adrian muttered.
Kai stepped back.
Again.
Trial and Error
They tried again.
And again.
And again.
Each time
Getting closer.
But not quite there.
Adrian exhaled sharply.
This is harder when we're trying.
Kai nodded.
Yes.
Adrian frowned.
That's annoying.
Veyr's voice came from the side.
You're forcing it.
Adrian glanced over.
Got any helpful advice
Veyr didn't move.
Stop controlling everything.
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
That's literally what I've been learning.
Veyr shook his head slightly.
Control doesn't mean restriction.
A pause.
It means flow.
Adrian frowned.
That's vague.
Kai spoke quietly.
No.
Adrian looked at him.
Kai continued.
He's right.
Adrian sighed.
Great. Now I have two teachers.
Letting Go,Just Enough
Adrian took a breath.
Closed his eyes again.
This time
He didn't try to control it.
Didn't try to force the bond.
He just
Let it be there.
Faint.
Natural.
Real.
Okay
Kai moved again.
This time
Adrian didn't think.
Didn't hesitate.
He moved with him.
Their shadows rose
Together.
Not clashing.
Not separate.
One motion.
One rhythm.
The connection clicked.
Clear.
Strong.
There,Kai said.
Adrian's eyes opened.
Yeah
They moved again
Faster now.
More fluid.
Every step
In sync.
Every strike
Aligned.
The arena fell silent.
Watching.
Because this
Was different.
The New Technique
The shadows around them began to shift.
Not just reacting
But merging.
Adrian felt it.
The connection deepening.
Not overwhelming.
Not unstable.
But
Balanced.
Kai, Adrian said quietly.
I know.
Their voices overlapped.
Their movements matched.
Without thinking.
Without speaking.
They struck
Together.
The shadows surged forward
Forming a single, focused attack.
Not wild.
Not explosive.
But precise.
Controlled.
Powerful.
The impact hit the far wall of the arena
And cracked it.
Silence.
Complete.
Adrian blinked.
Okay.
A pause.
That was new.
Kai exhaled slowly.
Yes.
Aftermath
Riven stepped forward.
That's it.
Adrian turned.
That's it
Riven nodded.
For now.
A pause.
You've found the base.
Adrian smirked slightly.
Only took almost dying.
Veyr spoke again.
Now refine it.
Adrian glanced at him.
You're really invested in this.
Veyr's gaze didn't waver.
You'll need it.
A pause.
Soon.
That lingered.
Adrian noticed.
Of course he did.
But before he could ask
Kai stepped closer.
You did well.
Adrian smirked.
You too.
A pause.
Then Adrian added
Feels easier with you.
Kai didn't respond immediately.
Then
It is.
Something Unspoken
As the others began to disperse
Adrian caught something.
A glance.
From Veyr.
Not casual.
Not indifferent.
Focused.
Intent.
Like he was watching something specific.
Something important.
Adrian frowned slightly.
That guy's definitely hiding something.
Kai didn't disagree.
"Yes."
Adrian crossed his arms.
Great. Another problem.
But deep down
He knew.
That wasn't just a problem.
That was a clue.
And sooner or later
It would matter.