The living room buzzed with a quiet intensity as Kaijin and Sui faced each other, standing in the empty space where the furniture had been pushed aside. Both prepared for a sparring session, their eyes locked in focus.
"Are you sure it's okay for you to help me train?" Kaijin asked, lowering his stance. "I don't want to hurt you."
Sui smiled confidently, pulling out a knife and driving it into his arm. Instead of blood, his arm turned into flowing water, absorbing the blade effortlessly. "Hurt me? I'm always in defense mode," he said, the water reshaping back into his solid form. "Besides, you're helping me train too—for the scholarship exams."
Kaijin's eyes widened. "Woah! Your water pillar is amazing!"
Sui nodded, then signaled for them to begin. "Alright, get into position. On the count of three, we'll come at each other."
Kaijin nodded, adrenaline already coursing through him. He began the countdown. "One… two… three!"
