The air in the Framework's underground training facility was thick with tension. The other recruits had gathered around, forming a loose circle around the sparring ring. Word had spread fast—Justin Reyes, the rising star, was about to face Kael Voss.
Justin stood across from his opponent, rolling his shoulders. Kael was taller, built like a veteran fighter, his stance balanced and relaxed. His piercing amber eyes locked onto Justin with a calm intensity.
Nia's voice echoed through the room. "No powers. Hand-to-hand only. Fight until one of you yields."
Justin exhaled slowly. He had been training, improving, but this was his first real fight without relying on his abilities. He had to prove himself.
Kael cracked his neck. "I'll give you the first move."
Justin didn't hesitate—he lunged, throwing a fast jab aimed at Kael's ribs.
Kael wasn't there anymore.
Justin's punch struck empty air, and before he could react, Kael's knee drove into his stomach.
The impact sent a shockwave through his core, knocking the wind out of him. Justin stumbled back, barely regaining his footing before Kael followed up with a quick, controlled hook—not full force, but enough to send a message.
Justin barely managed to duck, rolling to the side. His instincts screamed at him to activate his ability, to calculate probabilities, but he forced himself to stay grounded.
Justin analyzed Kael's movements. There was a pattern. Kael's style was efficient, precise—each attack set up the next. He didn't waste movement.
Justin feinted left, then pivoted right, barely slipping past Kael's elbow strike. He retaliated with a sharp counter—his fist grazed Kael's ribs.
For the first time, Kael's lips twitched upward. "Not bad."
Justin pressed forward, dodging Kael's next strike and catching a brief opening. He drove a punch toward Kael's jaw—
Kael caught his wrist mid-air.
Kael's grip was like iron. Justin didn't even see the kick coming.
A brutal sweep took his legs out from under him, and before he could react, Kael's fist stopped an inch from his face. A warning.
Justin lay on the mat, breathing hard, sweat dripping down his forehead. He clenched his jaw. He had lost.
Kael took a step back, offering Justin a hand. As Justin took it, Kael pulled him up effortlessly.
"You're strong," Kael admitted. "For someone who relies so much on their powers, you adapt quickly. Most people would've gone down in the first ten seconds."
Justin exhaled, rolling his sore shoulder. "But I still lost."
Kael nodded. "Yeah. And I went easy on you."
Justin's fingers curled into a fist.
Kael smirked. "But you've got potential. A few months of real combat training, and you could be dangerous. Right now? You're just a talented amateur with too many bad habits."His voice dropped slightly. "If you fight an Echo the way you just fought me… you won't survive."
Justin looked away, frustration burning in his chest. He hated this feeling. But deep down, he knew Kael was right.
Nia approached, arms crossed. "Looks like you need to start taking training more seriously, Reyes."
Justin wiped the sweat from his brow and let out a slow breath. No powers. No shortcuts. He had to become stronger the right way.
He looked at Kael and nodded. "Next time, I'm winning."
Kael chuckled. "I'll be waiting."