Chapter 69

The early morning sunlight streamed through the branches of the trees, casting dappled patterns across the forest floor.

The air was cool and crisp, invigorating the them as they followed Maria into the dense woods, their weapons ready and their steps light and agile.

Maria had insisted on moving their training outside today.

Maria led the way deeper into the forest, the sound of leaves crunching beneath their feet the only sound that broke the silence.

After a while, they reached a small clearing, the sunlight filtering down onto a patch of soft grass.

"Here," Maria said, her voice low and commanding. "This is where we will train today."

Kai, Kaori, Ryu, and Kaida nodded, taking their positions around the clearing. They knew better than to question Maria's orders.

Maria, her eyes scanning the trees around them with a mix of caution and anticipation, drew her weapon. "Today, we will be training against a yomigaeri," she said.