Tavany The gym smelled of blood and sweat, the heavy scent thick in the air beneath the harsh glare of overhead lights. The residue of countless battles lingered like a shadow, mixing with the sharp tang of effort and adrenaline. I stepped carefully across the worn floor, boots silent against the scuffed surface, and let my senses expand. Energy thrummed beneath my skin, and I could feel the subtle currents radiating from everyone around me—anomalies, shadows, even the building itself. Today wasn’t just another training session. It was the first exercise that combined everything: control, agility, reaction, and combat. The anomalies had set up a challenging obstacle course, but it was more than just navigating barriers. Illusions twisted the air, misdirection clouded vision, and a faint

