Ariana presence vanished again.


    A cold wind blew through the training ground.


    I tightened my grip on my **Berserker Sword** and activated **Shadow Veil (Lv.1).**


    The game of ghosts began.


    **Step. Step. Step.**


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    Light, almost inaudible footsteps circled me.


    Then—


    **CLANG!**


    Her twin daggers clashed against my sword from behind.


    I spun, swinging my blade in a wide arc.


    She was already **gone.**


    A whisper tickled my ear. **"Too slow."**


    **SLASH!**


    Blood splattered as a deep cut appeared across my side.


    Pain burned, but I **grinned.**


    **"Got you."**


    Her eyes widened.


    A **trap rune** beneath her feet **lit up.**


    **BOOOOM!**


    A shockwave of force **detonated,** throwing her backward.


    I dashed forward, swinging my sword down.


    **"Berserker Slash!"**


    She barely managed to block with her daggers, but the impact **sent her skidding across the ground.**


    She exhaled, brushing dirt off her uniform.


    Then, she smirked.


    **"Alright, you’re actually fun."**


    ---