We walked together across the damp grass. The sun broke over the eastern buildings, painting everything orange and gold. Campus looked almost peaceful at this hour. Like a resort instead of a combat academy designed to churn out monster killers.
The armory smelled like oil and leather. My spear hung on the rack exactly where I'd left it. I grabbed it. Checked the balance. Still good.
Jordan retrieved his short sword. Belle collected her crossbow with the reverence usually reserved for religious artifacts. Naomi took her staff, running her hands along the length like greeting an old friend.
Misato inspected each weapon personally. Checked Belle's crossbow string tension. Made Jordan demonstrate his grip. Corrected Naomi's hand placement on the staff by two inches.
When she got to me she just stared.
"What?"
"Your stance is still shit."
"Working on it."
"Work faster." She moved to the next student.
We filed out. Headed to the dining hall.
