Leon sat beneath the waterfall stream in the arena's healing alcove, steam rising from his skin, every muscle throbbing with residual vibration from the Spiral Warden's strikes. The battle still echoed in his bones, even with Shell Reverb softening the aftershock.
Roselia approached silently, draping a warm towel over his shoulders. "You could've died if that last move didn't connect."
"I almost did," Leon admitted, his voice rough. "He used motion like a blade. Every second I was off-balance… he could've taken me apart."
"Yet you adapted," Roselia said, settling beside him. "Again."
Leon gave a weary smile. "The higher we go, the less room there is for mistakes."
Roman and Liliana entered next, followed by Milim and Naval, each looking worn, but proud. They'd all been training while Leon fought, sharpening their own powers for the trials to come.
"Two more," Liliana said, "until Rank 30. Then the Circle begins."
