The echoes of the battle slowly faded, leaving the private training grounds bathed in a tense but exhilarating silence. Brodie and David lay sprawled across the ground, catching their breath. Despite the aching muscles and bruises, wide grins stretched across their faces.
Leo stood in the middle of the arena, his golden eyes dimming as his aura receded. His tattered uniform fluttered gently in the breeze, but there was no smugness in his posture. Instead, he looked relaxed, his lips quirking into a faint smile.
"That…" David wheezed, propping himself up on an elbow, "…was insane."
Brodie let out a loud laugh, still lying flat on his back. "You think? I haven't been pushed like that in years! Damn, Leo, where have you been hiding this kind of power?"
Leo shrugged, brushing some dust off his shoulder. "Nowhere special. Just didn't see a reason to show off until now."