Calyx and Cass were panting, the only recurrent sound through the entirety of the training room. Each one of them had a different look on their faces; Zaine's face was colored with surprise, masking the subtle annoyance he felt.
He couldn't count the number of times he was told the same thing: "There are many monsters at Astra." Everyone reminded him that, no matter how talented he was at Astra, there would always be someone better. This was one of the many things that drove him to always want to prove to himself and everyone else that he was better than his peers, which is what made him accept Nexor's offer along with Calyx.
However, they hadn't even reached the academy, and the constant reminders already seemed all too true. Fighting Cass felt almost like there was no chance for any of them against her, like trying to pierce steel with a broomstick. It felt impossible to even stand a chance without using brute strength and speed to overwhelm her.
