Meanwhile, in the center of the courtyard, Sui began a series of movements that resembled a dance. He swung his arms gracefully, his body moving with fluid precision. He leaped and spun, his feet barely making a sound as they touched the ground. His eyes remained closed, and a serene expression settled on his face.

  For twenty minutes, he continued this enigmatic routine, each movement deliberate and controlled, as if he were in a trance.Kael and Elise watched in silent fascination, their fatigue momentarily forgotten. The contrast between their own clumsy exhaustion and Sui's effortless grace was stark. It was clear that Sui possessed a mastery over his body and mind that they could only aspire to.

  The courtyard, with its white expanse and tranquil atmosphere, seemed to amplify the surreal beauty of Sui's movements, leaving a sting impression on the two aspiring warriors.After a brief respite, Sui's voice cut through the tranquil air of the courtyard. "Rest time's over. Let's continue."Kael and Elise, though still weary, pushed themselves off the wooden bench, the coolness of the water they'd consumed lingering in their throats. The courtyard's vast white expanse seemed to stretch endlessly around them, the training dummies and target logs casting long shadows under the mid-morning sun."Now, to build up your muscles" Sui commanded, "drop down and give me f100 push-ups."The duo complied, lowering themselves onto the firm ground. As Kael began, his arms trembled slightly with each descent, the muscles in his shoulders and triceps burning from the exertion.

  The scent of the earth filled his nostrils, grounding him in the moment. Beside him, Elise moved with a steadier rhythm, her defined muscles flexing gracefully under her skin, a sheen of sweat highlighting her dedication."Now, sit-ups," Sui's voice rang out once more.Transitioning swiftly, Kael and Elise y on their backs, the cool ground pressing against them. With each rise, Kael felt the strain in his abdominal muscles, a tightness that spoke of both weakness and potential. Elise, though fatigued, maintained a consistent pace, her breaths coming in controlled bursts, eyes fixed on an unseen point above."Curl-ups," Sui instructed, his tone unwavering.Positioning themselves accordingly, they continued, their bodies protesting but their wills unyielding. The repetitive motions became a test of endurance, each movement a battle against their own limitations.Throughout their exercises, Sui remained in the center of the courtyard, his presence a constant reminder of their purpose. This time, his movements had transformed. No longer the serene dance from before, he now moved with a fierce intensity. His arms sliced through the air as if wielding invisible swords, each motion precise and deadly. His feet shifted seamlessly, maintaining bance and power, his expression one of deep concentration.Kael, amidst his exertion, found his gaze drawn to Sui. He marveled at the fluidity and strength dispyed, the way Sui's body seemed to move in perfect harmony with an unseen rhythm. The contrast between his own bored movements and Sui's effortless grace was stark. It was evident that Sui's "dance" was a form of martial art, a kata performed with such mastery that it appeared almost otherworldly.The courtyard, with its ethereal white backdrop, served as a silent witness to their training. The only sounds were their bored breaths, the soft thud of their movements, and the occasional rustle of fabric. The atmosphere was thick with determination and the unspoken understanding that this was just the beginning of their journey.As they continued, muscles aching and sweat dripping, Kael and Elise couldn't help but feel a burgeoning respect for Sui. His "weird dance" was not merely a dispy but a testament to years of discipline and dedication. It was a silent promise of what they could achieve if they persevered.With each passing moment, the line between pain and progress blurred, and the courtyard became a crucible where their weaknesses were burned away, forging them into stronger versions of themselves.Sui's movements came to an abrupt halt, the imaginary bdes in his hands vanishing as he dropped his arms to his sides. His piercing gaze settled on Kael and Elise, their bodies drenched in sweat, chests rising and falling heavily from the relentless training."Alright, kids, that's enough for today," Sui decred, his voice steady but firm. "Go drink some water from the barrels—hydrate yourselves. Then, you're diving into the dungeon. No armor this time."Kael wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, his red hair damp and sticking to his skin. His body ached from the rigorous workout, muscles protesting even the smallest movements. Elise, though visibly fatigued, remained composed, rolling her shoulders to ease the tension in her muscles. However, both of them froze at Sui's next words."Go to Gramps Orm and borrow some weapons," Sui continued nonchantly, as if sending them into a dungeon practically bare was no big deal.Kael's red eyes widened in disbelief. His sore body suddenly felt much heavier. "Isn't it already noon right now?" he asked, gncing at the bright white expanse above the courtyard, which had no real sky or sun.Sui let out a deep, rumbling ugh, his grin mischievous. "Nope," he said, stretching his arms zily. "Go outside and see for yourselves."Kael and Elise exchanged puzzled gnces before bolting toward the red door, curiosity and unease compelling them forward. Kael reached it first, twisting the knob and pushing it open. As soon as they stepped out of the courtyard and back into the forge, they sprinted toward the front shop, where the scent of metal and burning coals filled the air.

  Kael and Elise exchanged puzzled gnces before bolting toward the red door, curiosity and unease compelling them forward. Kael reached it first, twisting the knob and pushing it open. As soon as they stepped out of the courtyard and back into the forge, they sprinted toward the front shop, where the scent of metal and burning coals filled the air.

  Behind the counter, Orm sat zily, puffing on his pipe as usual. His grizzled features were calm, his thick arms crossed over his barrel-like chest.Kael skidded to a stop in front of him, panting slightly. "Orm! How is this possible?" he blurted out. "It's still morning!"