Test of precision

Morning light filtered through the dense canopy, casting golden rays across the forest floor. The camp was already alive with movement as Kai and his crew prepared for another day of training. The addition of Sylara had shifted the group's dynamic, her presence both intriguing and challenging.

Kai stood in the center of the clearing, flexing his fingers as he mentally prepared for the day's lesson. Eryndra paced before them, her expression unreadable.

"Yesterday was about speed," she began. "Today, we focus on precision. Strength without control is meaningless. If your strikes lack intention, they're wasted movement."

She motioned to the surrounding trees. "Each of you will carve a precise symbol onto a moving target. The goal is to use flash step to reach your mark and etch the design before it's out of reach."

Lyria sighed, crossing her arms. "Sounds easy enough."

Eryndra smirked. "Then you go first."

---

The Test of Precision

Lyria positioned herself before a wooden dummy that had been enchanted to move unpredictably. With a sharp inhale, she launched forward, her blade glowing as she attempted to carve a crescent moon into the surface. The dummy twisted at the last second, causing her strike to miss.

She landed with a frustrated grunt. "Damn it!"

Ryn was next. He activated flash step, his form blurring as he darted forward. His blade connected, but the symbol was incomplete—just a rough outline rather than a perfect marking.

Eryndra watched them with a knowing gaze. "Speed alone won't help you. Control your power. Visualize your mark before you strike."

Kai tightened his grip on his sword, stepping up to his own moving target. Taking a deep breath, he let the energy surge through him, his mind sharpening as he focused on a single point.

The moment he moved, he became a blur of motion. His blade met the dummy, and as he reappeared, the mark was flawless—a perfect dragon's eye.

The group stared in stunned silence before Eryndra gave a satisfied nod. "Good. You're improving."

Then, all eyes turned to Sylara.

She stepped forward, the air around her almost humming with energy. The moment the dummy moved, she vanished. When she reappeared, not only had she carved her symbol—a swirling elven rune—but she had done so three times before the target even stopped moving.

Kai couldn't help but stare. Lyria let out a low whistle. "Well, damn."

Sylara sheathed her blade effortlessly. "Precision comes naturally when you've had centuries to practice."

Eryndra chuckled. "Then perhaps you should be the one testing them next time."

Sylara smirked but said nothing.

---

Shadows Stir in the Dark

As the sun began to set, Kai found himself sparring with Sylara, their blades clashing in bursts of light and speed. Unlike Eryndra, who fought with brutal efficiency, Sylara's style was fluid, almost hypnotic.

"You hesitate," she murmured as their swords locked. "Why?"

Kai gritted his teeth. "I don't."

She leaned closer, her green eyes glinting mischievously. "Then prove it."

With a flick of her wrist, she slipped past his guard, her blade stopping just short of his throat.

Kai exhaled, stepping back. "You're fast."

Sylara smiled. "You're getting faster."

Before Kai could respond, the wind shifted. A cold, unnatural presence slithered through the air, sending a shiver down his spine. Sylara's expression turned serious.

Eryndra stood abruptly. "Did you feel that?"

Kai nodded, scanning the treeline. The shadows seemed… darker, as if something was lurking just beyond their vision.

Ryn unsheathed his daggers. "We're not alone."

Lyria grabbed her staff, her fiery magic flickering at her fingertips. "Then let's find out who—or what—is watching us."

Kai felt it too—an eerie sensation, like unseen eyes pressing against his skin. He exchanged a glance with Sylara, who merely nodded.

The night was about to take a dangerous turn.