First member of the team part 2

This wasn't just a friendly spar; it was a test of strength, skill, and even something more.

Andrew didn't waste time and just rushed toward her with an impressive speed.

He jumped then aimed a strong strike directly at her head. But instead of blocking it, Sophia stepped to the side and dodged it, her movements were fast and smooth. My brother kept up with the same pressure, striking her again and again, but she perfectly, somehow managed to dodge every attack like it was nothing.

It felt like she wasn't taking him seriously, but Andrew didn't seem to care, actually, he seemed happy and at the same time he looked focused and calm. This is how he fights every time. And by knowing my brother, I knew he was already analysing her movement and figuring out where her weaknesses might be.

He slowly changed his fight style, attacking in a steady way and in a controlled rhythm, not allowing her a single chance to attack. But even so, Sophia found a way out of this, and suddenly her spear goes into action. She quickly switched to attacking, and I couldn't help but admire the way she handled her weapon.

Her strikes are coming from all directions, the spear spinning and darting like it had a life of its own. Andrew stepped back to create some space for him, realizing she was stronger than he'd thought. But Sophia didn't let him rest, she charged after him, her blows growing faster and harder.

What really surprised me wasn't just her speed or strength, it was her stamina. She kept moving as if she didn't get tired. Still, her style wasn't perfect yet. I noticed a few openings in her attacks; I can say… Small gaps, that could be taken advantage of. Judging by Andrew's expression, he had noticed that too.

The fight became more intense. Their weapons clashed over and over, loud cracks filling the training ground. Even Yuri looked excited, clearly enjoying what he was seeing. It wasn't often you got to watch a fight this close and well-matched.

Finally, they both stepped back, taking a moment to breathe.

Sophia smirked and rested her spear at her side. "You're better than I thought. Those rumors about you weren't lies after all."

Andrew smiled, gripping his wooden sword tighter. "And I didn't expect you to be that strong. You're impressive."

For a moment, neither of them moved, their eyes locked. It was clear this fight wasn't over yet.

Andrew and I had always shared a talent by capturing the weakness and the gaps of the opponent and using them against him. These weaknesses didn't always have to be physical; they could just as easily be mental or emotional. in Sophia's case she underestimated Andrew at first and she makes a lot of unnecessary movements.

Suddenly, Andrew did something unexpected.

He dropped his wooden sword to the ground. Sophia froze, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

"Why?" she asked, her voice firm but questioning. "Are you giving up?"

Andrew straightened his stance, taking on his usual calm and composed posture, stood up with his fighting style and then he said, "No. I just thought it was fair. You underestimated me at the start… now we're even."

For a moment, Sophia's expression shifted, and I saw a flicker of anger in her eyes. That flicker quickly grew into a storm. Her grip on the spear tightened as she rushed toward him, her movements faster and sharper than before.

But I knew the outcome was already decided. She'd made the fatal mistake of letting her emotions take control.

Anger, frustration, fear; are your first enemy. A skilled fighter doesn't just face their opponent; they also battle to keep their mind steady, their focus clear. The moment Sophia let anger guide her movements, she'd lost the balance she needed to win.

Andrew stepped lightly to the side, his movements smooth and calculated, waiting for the perfect moment to act. And in that moment, I knew he had already taken control of the fight.

Sophia dealt a direct blow to Andrew, he avoided it and grabbed her hand, then pulled it towards him and with the help of his other hand and foot, he threw her to the ground and restricted her movement. Sophia struggled briefly, but it was clear she couldn't escape.

Yuri looked for a moment and analysed the situation, then stepped forward, and spoke. "The winner is Andrew. Well done you two. That was an impressive display from both of you, but remember, strength alone isn't enough. You need to control your emotions, especially in battle. Anger can take your judgment and make you predictable."

He looked at both of them, his tone firm but encouraging. "I believe that you both have great potential, but there's much more to learn keep that in mind."

He gave them both a small nod, then added, "Alright, I'll leave you to it for today. See you all tomorrow."

The sun started to set, I went to them and then my brother extended his hand to help Sofia get up and when he caught her, he spoke with the same calm confidence he always carried.

"You were incredible out there. Your performance was impressive, but your anger got the better of you. And there were a few gaps in your technique and unnecessary movements that left you open."

Sophia seemed clearly impressed by Andrew. He wasn't just physically strong, but his perceptive for everything as well is great.

"It's alright," he continued. "I'll help you get stronger and work on tightening up your style. We can train together."

I couldn't tell if Sophia was blushing or if it was just the warm light of the sunset, but the moment had a strangely sweet vibe to it. They looked like an unlikely pair, but they seemed to have an understanding between them.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice soft. "But you can let go of my hand now."

Andrew released her hand with a soft laugh. "Sorry about that... I got caught up in the conversation."

The situation felt a little awkward, so I stepped in. "Sorry to interrupt, but that was a great fight. Now, since Andrew's the winner, I suppose you're joining us, right?"

Sophia looked at me with a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, Roy, you can talk after all...".

My brother burst out laughing, clearly amused. Looks like I had a new source of teasing in the team but as I watched Sophia, I realized she wasn't as scary as I first thought.

She was strong, but there was a softness to her too. She wasn't just the tough fighter I imagined. There was more to her than I expected.

Sophia smiled at the exchange and then continued. "Yes, I'll join you. And if you don't mind, I'll be the team's doctor."

Andrew blinked in surprise. "The doctor?"

"Yes," she nodded, a serious look settling on her face. "I'm currently studying medicine, and I think I'm more skilled in that than fighting." She paused for a second then continued. "My real goal is to invent a method that can protect the human body from radiation. If I succeed, it could allow us to cultivate land anywhere, expand freely, and hopefully put an end to these endless wars."

Her words hung in the air, filled with a quiet determination. It wasn't just about survival anymore; she had a vision that could change the world... just, just like us.

Andrew looked at me, a knowing smile on his face, as if he was already convinced that Sophia was the perfect addition to our team.

"So, you want to stop this war?" I asked, curious about her true motivations.

"Of course," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "Losing someone you care about is... it's a feeling I never want anyone else to experience."

Andrew leaned in, continuing the conversation. "Is there even a way to stop radiation's effects?"

Sophia's expression became more serious. "Yes, there is. I'm finishing what my father started. He was a brilliant scientist. He found ways to reduce radiation's effects, and now it's up to me to complete his work."

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "And where is your father now?"

Sophia's expression darkened as she spoke. "He died from radiation exposure during a lab accident, but... I'm pretty sure it wasn't just an accident. Someone had a hand in it. He was always so careful, so there's no way it was just a mistake. I will uncover the truth, no matter what. I will expose whoever is responsible."

Her father had worked tirelessly to end the war and protect others in the future. He was a true hero. I could see the pain behind her words, but she didn't let it break her resolve.

"I'm sorry about your father," Andrew said gently. "But Roy and I will be by your side from now on. We're aiming to end this war too. You're not alone in this."

Sophia's expression softened, a real smile forming on her face. It was the first time I had seen her look truly at ease. Gaining her trust felt like a victory, and with a doctor and a brilliant fighter on our team, we were one step closer to our goal.