Chapter 218 - Tournament Talk Always Gets Me Hot And Bothered, Too

Ripples of sound gradually came from other tents and signaled the camp coming to life. Qat completed her warm-up forms before the other four Yecine competitors were even halfway through. After that, the teenager began the familiar routine of checking her blade.

The heavy sword had been a constant companion through countless training sessions. An extension of herself worn - and infrequently used - in a large number of missions. Her fingers traced the edge… still perfectly honed from yesterday's maintenance.

The weapon's weight felt natural in her grip as she tested a few cuts through the air. Shorter weapons might allow faster combinations of attacks, but she had learned to make every movement count. Fighting with a heavier blade meant committing fully to each strike.

Her chest caught another directed push of 'pride' from somewhere distant. Her mint-drop was still paying attention.

'I wish she would go take a nap or eat instead.'