Sunless stepped forward and the noise of the training ground washed over him again. Metal clashing. Shouts cutting through the air. Boots grinding against dirt. Heat rising from packed bodies and constant movement.
A sparring pair slowed when they noticed him approaching.
A tall man holding a broad blade frowned. "You lost, kid?"
Sunless shook his head. "I want to borrow you for a moment."
The man stared at him, then let out a short laugh. "You sure you can handle this?"
Sunless didn't answer. He simply raised his hand and slowly clenched it into a fist.
The air trembled faintly.
Dust lifted from the ground in a thin ripple.
The laughter cut off.
"…Fine," the swordsman said after a short pause, stepping forward with a more serious expression. "One exchange."
They faced each other.
