King

Dust hung over the training ground, the sun was beating down as if it was testing the endurance of not only the recruits, but the earth itself. For three hours now, the girl had been driving the fighters in circles, forcing them to repeat the same technique over and over again.

There was a hum of weariness in the air as someone from the back row muttered, quietly but loud enough to reach the coach's ears:

• Has she ever fought herself? She just gives orders...

The girl didn't get angry. She didn't raise her voice. She just stopped, turning to the line with a light, almost lazy smile:

• Okay. Since we have doubts, I'll show you. But not myself, there will be help.

She took out a walkie-talkie:

• Koenig. Polygon 4. Be a friend, come in. I need a little reminder why I'm in charge here.

The answer was instantaneous, the voice muffled, calm:

• I'm already on my way. Just don't whine later, like last time.

The recruits looked at each other. Someone chuckled. Someone turned pale. Everyone knew about Koenig: the giant, the mask, the silence and the ferocious technique. He didn't appear often, but when he did, he was remembered forever.

When he appeared, the atmosphere changed. Heavy steps, black gear, a mask that made it impossible to read emotions. But the girl greeted him with a grin - like an old friend.

• Try not to get hurt, okay? I'll have to treat you later, - she teased, stretching her shoulders.

• And you try not to fall on your butt at least once. - Koenig chuckled, already getting into a stance.

They started.

The fight lasted seconds, but for the recruits, these were minutes of pure magic. Koenig moved forward like a steamroller, but the girl deftly and technically intercepted the movement. And in an instant - a jerk, a grab, control. Koenig's body fell to the floor, pinned securely and without a chance to resist.

He exhaled hoarsely and hit the ground with his hand:

• Okay, okay, you win. This time.

She stood up, brushing herself off.

"We'll count this as training with elements of humiliation," she said with a grin, looking at the recruits.

Koenig stood up and, passing by, whispered:

— In the evening, there will be a rematch. But without an audience.