The training field was steeped in an uneasy silence, broken only by the repetitive sounds of malformed energy explosions. At the center of the clearing, Strax, visibly frustrated, stretched his hands forward, attempting once more to create the infamous "flaming ice sword." However, as soon as the form began to take shape, a spark of fire erupted, consuming the ice before it could solidify.
*"Damn mutant fire! Damn it! If it were normal fire… but infernal fire?! This is impossible!"*
Daniela, sitting nonchalantly on a nearby rock, watched the scene with an expression that oscillated between amusement and exasperation. She had spent the last 90 minutes offering tips, some useful, others deliberately sarcastic, while Strax made a monumental effort to meet the challenge.
"You look awful, Strax," she remarked, resting her chin on her hand. "I almost feel bad for you. Almost."
*'Annoying woman...'* Strax gritted his teeth, ignoring the provocative tone.
