The sparring match concluded with mutual respect rather than a decisive victory.
"Your progress is remarkable," Valeria declared with professional admiration. "Most practitioners require years to develop what you've achieved in weeks."
Noah was crossing ranks.
He was fighting at a level above his own. Even Alissa and Kipp weren't able to do that at the novice stage. Despite their incredibly fast progress and domination of those at their level. They were unable to cross-rank fight as exaggeratedly as Noah.
Lola watched from the sidelines, her ruby eyes tracking every movement with obvious approval. The human who'd saved her life was proving himself capable of surviving the dangers their partnership might bring.
...
After the training ended, Noah showed Lola around the human kingdom with the enthusiasm of someone sharing his homeland with a valued guest.
