When the classes were over, we headed toward the training ground. In the middle stood an arena, surrounded by stones, with Yuri present to supervise the fight.
Yuri's reaction surprised me when we told him about the fight—he was genuinely excited and encouraged my brother. I could tell he really liked us.
A few minutes passed before Sophia arrived, carrying a wooden spear. Andrew had chosen a simple wooden sword. Both stepped into the arena, facing each other with calm determination. Yuri entered the center and spoke.
"The rules are simple. The match ends if one of you surrenders or is unable to continue. Now, get ready..." He paused for a second before raising his voice. "Fight!"
Andrew nodded. "Good luck."
Sophia's expression remained steady. "You too."
This wasn't just a friendly spar; it was a test of strength, skill, and even something more.
Andrew didn't waste time and just rushed toward her with an impressive speed. He jumped then aimed a strong strike directly at her head. But instead of blocking it, Sophia stepped to the side and dodged it, her movements were fast and smooth. My brother kept up with the same pressure, striking her again and again, but she perfectly, somehow managed to dodge every attack like it was nothing.
It felt like she wasn't taking him seriously, but Andrew didn't seem to care, actually, he seemed happy and at the same time he looked focused and calm. This is how he fights every time. And by knowing my brother, I knew he was already analysing her movement and figuring out where her weaknesses might be.
He slowly changed his fight style, attacking in a steady way and in a controlled rhythm, not allowing her a single chance to attack. But even so, Sophia found a way out of this, and suddenly her spear goes into action. She quickly switched to attacking, and I couldn't help but admire the way she handled her weapon.
Her strikes are coming from all directions, the spear spinning and darting like it had a life of its own. Andrew stepped back to create some space for him, realizing she was stronger than he'd thought. But Sophia didn't let him rest, she charged after him, her blows growing faster and harder.
What really surprised me wasn't just her speed or strength, it was her stamina. She kept moving as if she didn't get tired. Still, her style wasn't perfect yet. I noticed a few openings in her attacks; I can say… Small gaps, that could be taken advantage of. Judging by Andrew's expression, he had noticed that too.
The fight became more intense. Their weapons clashed over and over, loud cracks filling the training ground. Even Yuri looked excited, clearly enjoying what he was seeing. It wasn't often you got to watch a fight this close and well-matched.
Finally, they both stepped back, taking a moment to breathe.
Sophia smirked, resting her spear at her side. "You're better than I thought. The rumors about you weren't lies."
Andrew smiled, gripping his sword tighter. "And I didn't expect you to be this strong. You're impressive."
For a moment, neither moved, their eyes locked. This fight wasn't over yet.
Andrew and I had a talent for finding weaknesses—not just physical but mental and emotional ones, too. In Sophia's case, she underestimated Andrew at first and made unnecessary movements.
Suddenly, Andrew did something unexpected. He dropped his sword.
Sophia froze, eyes narrowing. "Why? Are you giving up?"
Andrew straightened; his calm confidence unwavering. "No. I just thought it was fair. You underestimated me at the start… now we're even."
For a moment, Sophia's expression shifted. I saw a flicker of anger in her eyes. Then it turned into a storm. Her grip tightened on her spear as she rushed toward him, faster and sharper than before.
But I knew the outcome was decided. She had made a fatal mistake by letting her emotions take control.
Anger, frustration, fear, these are a fighter's worst enemies. The moment Sophia let her emotions guide her, she lost her balance.
Andrew moved smoothly, waiting for the perfect moment. As she struck, he dodged, grabbed her arm, pulled her toward him, and with a swift motion, threw her to the ground, restraining her. Sophia struggled briefly but couldn't break free.
Yuri watched for a moment, then stepped forward. "The winner is Andrew. Well done, both of you. That was an impressive display. But remember, strength alone isn't enough. You need to control your emotions. Anger clouds judgment and makes you predictable."
His tone was firm but encouraging. "You both have great potential, but there's much more to learn."
He nodded to them before adding, "Alright, I'll leave you to it for today. See you all tomorrow."
As the sun set, I approached them. Andrew extended a hand to help Sophia up. When she took it, he spoke with his usual calm confidence.
"You were incredible out there. Your performance was impressive, but your anger got the better of you. And there were gaps in your technique, unnecessary movements that left you open."
Sophia seemed impressed. Andrew wasn't just strong—he was perceptive and gentle.
"It's alright," he continued. "I'll help you get stronger. We can train together."
I couldn't tell if Sophia was blushing or if it was just the sunset's warm glow, but the moment had a strangely sweet vibe. They seemed to understand each other in an unexpected way.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice soft. "But you can let go of my hand now."
Andrew chuckled. "Sorry about that… got caught up in the conversation."
Sensing the awkwardness, I stepped in. "Sorry to interrupt, but that was a great fight. Since Andrew won, I suppose you're joining us, right?"
Sophia looked at me with a playful glint. "Oh, Roy, you can talk after all."
My brother laughed, amused. Looked like I had a new source of teasing in the team. But watching Sophia, I realized she wasn't as intimidating as I thought. Beneath her tough exterior, there was more to her.
Sophia smiled. "Yes, I'll join you. And if you don't mind, I'll be the team's doctor."
Andrew blinked. "The doctor?"
"Yes," she nodded seriously. "I'm studying medicine. I think I'm better at that than fighting." She hesitated before adding, "My real goal is to invent a method to protect the human body from radiation. If I succeed, we could cultivate land anywhere, expand freely, and maybe even end these endless wars."
After World War 3, all the advanced weapons were destroyed. Now, we only have old weapons like swords and bows. The land is still full of radiation from the war, even after more than 200 years. There's not much land left, so every empire fights to get the best land they can. It's because the land is so rare now, and without it, no one can survive."
Her words hung in the air. It wasn't just about survival anymore, she had a vision that could change the world, just like us.
Andrew looked at me, a knowing smile on his face, already convinced she was the perfect addition to our team.
"So, you want to stop this war?" I asked, curious about her true motivations.
"Of course," she said softly but firmly. "Losing someone you care about… it's something I never want anyone else to experience."
Andrew leaned in. "Is there even a way to stop radiation's effects?"
Sophia's expression turned serious. "Yes. I'm finishing what my father started. He was a brilliant scientist. He found ways to reduce radiation's effects. Now it's up to me to complete his work."
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "And where is your father now?"
Sophia's expression darkened. "He died after a radiation exposure in a lab accident, that what they say. But… I don't think it was just an accident. He was always so careful. Someone had a hand in it. I will uncover the truth someday, no matter what."
Her father had worked to protect the future. A true hero. I saw the pain in her eyes, but she didn't let it break her resolve.
"I'm sorry about your father," Andrew said gently. "But Roy and I will be by your side. We're aiming to end this war too. You're not alone."
Sophia's expression softened, a true smile forming. Gaining her trust felt like a victory. With a doctor and a skilled fighter on our team, we were one step closer to our goal.