The school's grey stone hallways echoed with the usual commotion, just minutes before the bell. Fast straightened his uniform and entered the classroom. By the window, Lena was focused on her phone screen, reviewing an official mission notification. Fast dropped his bag on his desk and leaned in. He glanced at the screen with a smirk. "I see you've got new coordinates for today. Just make sure you don't accidentally deploy those light barriers in the middle of the class."
Without looking up from her screen, Lena replied in a calm but sharp tone: "If you break my concentration, I'll point that light directly into your eyes, Fast. You'll be seeing nothing but a bright white blur for a week." Fast chuckled. His gaze shifted to the official D-Rank approval logo on the phone screen. Lena knew the rigorous discipline Fast maintained every single morning without fail; her respect for that effort was the strongest part of their silent bond.
"Did you train again this morning?" Lena asked, her voice softer and more sincere this time. Fast shrugged and looked out the window at the city. "As always... but still no sign of an awakening. My body is ready, but my soul hasn't woken up yet."
Lena put her phone in her pocket and gave Fast's shoulder a firm, friendly tap. "No one has your willpower. The potential inside you is just waiting for the right trigger. You should head to the testing center after school today. Give it a shot. You're not meant to stay on the sidelines, I know it."
Fast paused. Then, he leaned back with a confident smile. "Of course I won't," Fast said, turning his gaze toward Lena. "When that day comes, I'll be moving even faster than your light blasts. I'll owe you a pair of high-quality sunglasses so you don't get blinded while trying to catch up with me."
Lena laughed softly at the bold claim. "We'll talk about the sunglasses when that day comes. Now, let's focus on the lesson."