After leaving Jean with a heartfelt farewell, Cruzer and Elara made their way back to the academy, their pace brisk but unhurried.
The morning sun had climbed higher, casting long shadows across the cobbled pathways that connected the academy's sprawling grounds.
They both carried a sense of anticipation, knowing this was their final training session under Nina's tutelage before the tournament.
"Do you think your master has something intense planned for today?" Elara asked, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. She adjusted the strap of her staff case slung across her back.
Cruzer smirked and said, "Knowing Master, it's going to be something that pushes us to our limits. She wouldn't let us leave for the tournament unprepared."
Elara nodded, a flicker of determination crossing her face. "Good. We need all the edge we can get."
