The Test of Strength

"Long time no see, Zero."

The deep, steady voice cut through the air like a blade. Standing a few meters away, arms crossed, was a tall man draped in a dark green cloak. His presence was effortless, yet it weighed on the atmosphere like an unseen force pressing down. His piercing amber eyes locked onto Zero, his expression unreadable.

Sefu.

Zero clicked his tongue. "Didn't expect to see your smug face again."

Korir, standing beside Zero, felt something shift. This man wasn't just strong—he was something else entirely. His very presence seemed to bend the air around him, as if reality itself had to adjust to his existence.

Sefu's eyes drifted to Korir, scanning him like a predator analyzing prey. "So this is the kid, huh?" He smirked. "I heard you took out Troop Leader Eight. Impressive."

Korir straightened, fists clenching. He wasn't sure if Sefu was complimenting him or sizing him up.

"I didn't do it alone," Korir replied.

Sefu chuckled. "Fair enough. But you're not just some lucky kid, are you? That power of yours… it has potential." His smirk faded, replaced by something colder. "But potential means nothing without discipline."

Korir narrowed his eyes. "And you're here to test that, aren't you?"

Sefu nodded. "A spar. Right here. Right now."

Zero exhaled, stretching his arms. "You just got here, and you already wanna fight? Haven't changed a bit."

Sefu ignored him. "If you impress me, Korir, I'll give you an offer. If not—" His eyes darkened. "You'll learn exactly where you stand."

Korir stepped forward, heart pounding. He had been training for six months. Mastered 42% of Timeshift. If he couldn't hold his own now, when would he ever?

"Let's do this."

Korir dashed forward in an instant, Timeshifting mid-step, appearing to the left of Sefu, fist cocked back. A direct strike—fast, precise, aiming for Sefu's ribs.

But Sefu was already gone.

Korir barely registered the shift before a fist smashed into his stomach. The impact rattled his ribs, sending him skidding back. He gasped, barely catching himself.

He's fast.

Korir Timeshifted again, blinking behind Sefu, aiming for a counterstrike. His body flickered through space, shadows trailing behind him.

But Sefu sidestepped with ease, catching Korir's wrist and twisting it effortlessly.

A sharp pain shot through Korir's arm.

"You rely too much on raw speed." Sefu's voice was calm. Controlled. "What happens when someone faster appears?"

Korir gritted his teeth and yanked his arm free, flipping backward to regain distance. His breathing was already uneven.

Sefu wasn't even trying.

Korir knew he couldn't beat Sefu outright. But maybe—just maybe—he could land one clean hit.

He Timeshifted again, this time pushing his limits. The world blurred, warping around him. 42%—his max. He saw every movement in slow motion.

Sefu was shifting his weight, prepared to dodge again. But Korir was already moving to cut him off.

A faint whisper of darkness curled at Korir's fingertips.

Not Shadow Extraction. Not yet. But something.

Korir aimed his final punch straight for Sefu's chest—

—and missed.

Sefu twisted at the last second, grabbed Korir's shirt, and slammed him into the dirt.

The impact knocked the breath out of him. His vision blurred. He tried to push himself up, but a weight pressed against his back.

Sefu's foot.

"That's enough."

Korir clenched his fists. Damn it.

But then—Sefu smiled.

"You're strong, kid. With the right training, you'll be terrifying."

Korir blinked up at him, heart still hammering. Even in defeat, he couldn't ignore the rush burning inside him.

Zero chuckled from the side. "Told you he's got potential."

Sefu extended a hand. "Now… about that offer."

Korir took a shaky breath. And reached for his hand.