Aliya’s face changed, as if she wanted to say something, but Carlos waved her off, signaling her to leave.
Carlos turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “Nola Olley, don’t you have anything to explain?”
I met his gaze without flinching. “No. I accept the punishment.”
Carlos sighed. “Fine. Tomorrow morning, six o’clock, at the training grounds.”
I nodded and turned to leave. As I reached the door, I heard Carlos's low voice: “Good luck.”
I didn’t look back, only offering a faint smile.
*****
The wind howled, sand swirling in the air. I stood in the holographic training arena, my white T-shirt soaked through with sweat, sticking to my skin. This hellish place felt like a nightmare come to life.
Ice, flames, hurricanes... each stage pushed me to my limits. Cutting-edge technolo
