After several grueling hours of combat and relentless training under the merciless sun, Nathan finally lowered his arms, chest rising and falling with labored breaths. Sweat trickled down his temple, stinging his eyes as he wiped his brow with the back of his hand. His muscles ached, trembling from the sheer intensity of the session. Every fiber of his body screamed in protest, yet he remained standing, jaw clenched, back straight.
Amaterasu never went easy on him—nor did he expect her to. In fact, it was her exact intention to break him down, only to rebuild him stronger each time. She knew better than anyone what awaited him on the battlefield—beings of incomprehensible power, entities who would show no mercy. And so, neither did she.
