Sacrifice!

When Harry entered the dimly lit room, his eyes immediately fell on Steven. The master of the Red Bird Dojo stood by the window, leaning slightly against the frame as though the simple act of standing required effort. His face was pale, almost ghostly, and there was a heaviness to his movements that was completely unlike the vibrant and powerful fighter Harry knew.

"Ahem." Steven turned toward him, but before he could speak, a racking cough shook his body. He pressed a hand to his chest, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

Harry frowned deeply. This wasn't the man he knew, the Dojo master who commanded respect with his strength and presence. Steven's reputation wasn't built on words; he was one of the strongest hall masters in the region, and his skills were said to surpass most of his peers. Yet here he was, frail and weakened, as if the life force that once radiated from him had been siphoned away.

"Teacher, what—" Harry began, his voice low but filled with concern.