Even then.
A bead of sweat trickled down her cheek as the nervousness she had been holding back started to take root.
She had known from the beginning that the academy was home to some of the most talented individuals of their generation, but seeing it firsthand was something else entirely.
The gap between them and this senior—this untouchable figure—was far greater than she had anticipated.
Her brother had warned her.
Riley had told her that his generation of students was particularly special, even calling them a "golden generation."
But no matter how much information she gathered, no amount of preparation could have prepared her for this.
Watching the senior—his effortless movements, the way he controlled the flow of the fight without breaking a sweat—made her realize just how wide the chasm was between herself and these students.
The young man on the stage might be even stronger than her brother for all she knew.
