Hachikurou

Hachikurou parried the blow, the shock jarring their teeth as steel rang against steel. The setting sun hit the magical rocks of The Crystal Highlands of Armaria, scattering shards of blinding light. Against the glare, Musashi was a silhouette of impossible speed, their blade a blur. Hachikurou’s throat was sandpaper, their bliss jumper soaked with sweat—a foolish choice for a duel they never asked for. They were a trainee, not a legend. But survival was a practical art. Ducking low, Hachikurou kicked a cloud of shimmering dust into the air and used the momentary chaos to reposition. The duel ended as abruptly as it began. Musashi lowered their weapon. "You fight with the land, not just the sword." Then they were gone, leaving Hachikurou alone with a racing heart and the dawning realization that the test was over.