Ariana presence vanished again.

  A cold wind blew through the training ground.

  I tightened my grip on my **Berserker Sword** and activated **Shadow Veil (Lv.1).**

  The game of ghosts began.

  **Step. Step. Step.**

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Light, almost inaudible footsteps circled me.

  Then—

  **CLANG!**

  Her twin daggers clashed against my sword from behind.

  I spun, swinging my blade in a wide arc.

  She was already **gone.**

  A whisper tickled my ear. **"Too slow."**

  **SLASH!**

  Blood splattered as a deep cut appeared across my side.

  Pain burned, but I **grinned.**

  **"Got you."**

  Her eyes widened.

  A **trap rune** beneath her feet **lit up.**

  **BOOOOM!**

  A shockwave of force **detonated,** throwing her backward.

  I dashed forward, swinging my sword down.

  **"Berserker Slash!"**

  She barely managed to block with her daggers, but the impact **sent her skidding across the ground.**

  She exhaled, brushing dirt off her uniform.

  Then, she smirked.

  **"Alright, you’re actually fun."**

  ---