Above the ocean, the sun presided with unwavering constancy, a luminous beacon heralding the day's untold stories and awaiting adventures.

On the fringe of the shore, Toga dedicated himself to the art of refinement, his demeanor a study in serene focus. Cast aside, his usual attire of a dark cloak and white shirt lay forgotten on the sand, revealing a physique sculpted by discipline and the caress of countless suns. His trousers rolled up to stave off the embrace of the sand, and his feet, bare, embraced the warmth of the grains beneath him.

With his katana cradled in both hands, Toga assumed a posture of purposeful intent. The blade, poised steadily above him, caught the morning light, transforming into a mirror reflecting the brilliance of the day. He executed a series of strikes with precision and strength, each movement fluid and deliberate, the sword slicing through the air to return to its starting point in a seamless cycle. This ritual of fundamental exercises, the cornerstone of his practice, laid the groundwork for mastery, each repetition a step on the path to perfection.

"247…248…" The count ascended, each number marking the rhythm of his blade's dance, a silent testament to the dedication that defined him. In this moment, Toga was not just a aspiring swordsman but a disciple of discipline, his every motion a homage to the craft that shaped his destiny.

Kahu Beach was to be his training ground today, a constant reminder of how Luluhawa Beach had aided his growth over the past few months. When he wasn’t fulfilling his duties as a Rune Knight or honing his magic as a dragon slayer and world traveler, Toga spent his time here on this sunlit island, cultivating new experiences for himself and others. He had met many people: Lumikki, Yuurei, the village chief, and the chief’s daughter, among others. Now, he sought to repay their kindness by becoming stronger each time he set foot on these sandy shores.

For the moment, Toga was alone, training while Zangetsu rested by his side and he swung his fiery katana in controlled arcs. His nose twitched mid-swing. “Huh?” he muttered, sniffing the air with heightened alertness as a new scent drifted into his vicinity. Toga never questioned his senses and immediately recognized the arrival of a stranger. This scent was different, foreign, but undeniably powerful.

A spark of excitement lit his eyes as he gripped the hilt of his katana a little tighter. The thrill of an impending challenge pulsed through him. He didn't know who this mysterious visitor was, but he welcomed the encounter, eager to prove himself on these familiar shores once more. With a grin, Toga turned his gaze toward the beach's entrance, ready to meet his new potential adversary head-on.

---

wc: 470

The earlier stirrings of a potent orgone Tōga had sensed now fully materialized, emerging from the path that wove through sand and stone toward the beach. A formidable aura, unmistakable and overwhelming, swept over the area, instantly captivating the dragon slayer's attention. Tōga turned away from the idle sweep of his sword, his gaze drawn irresistibly towards this new force. His eyes, warm and animated, widened in recognition of a power he had encountered in its physical form only thrice before. It bore a semblance to the energies of Lumikki, Alisa, and Yuurei, yet it was distinct, even stronger in some abstract way—a singular manifestation of force that commanded attention without a word spoken.

The figure approached with determined strides, the stones crunching underfoot as he moved from the structured path to the soft embrace of the sand. Clad in what appeared to be attire born of battlefields past, the newcomer cut an imposing figure. Yet, there was something undeniably non-human about him, despite his humanoid silhouette. Tōga's senses, sharpened by countless encounters, told him this was no ordinary man. As the figure came closer, illuminated by the sun's rays and stepping out from the cast shadows, his features grew clearer, and Tōga's initial wariness transformed into a hesitant smile.

"Brone? Brone of Paradise Dawn? I’ve heard of you!" Tōga's voice boomed across the beach, his excitement causing his words to resonate through the air. In his early days as a Knight, Tōga had been somewhat naive to the intricate power dynamics that shaped the world, unacquainted with the individuals whose might could challenge nations and who wielded the force of armies single-handedly. However, continuous discipline and reminders from his General, Kon, about the importance of understanding these global intricacies had honed his awareness.

As the man confirmed his identity and association with his guild, Tōga's recognition clicked into place. "You’re so cool! I’ve been meaning to find you one of these days!" His enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting a genuine admiration. The figure before him, Brone, stood with the stature of a mountain, his presence as imposing as the tales that preceded him.

"So the rumors are true…" Tōga murmured, his gaze studying Brone with keen interest, taking in every detail of his appearance and the aura that seemed to shimmer with latent power. Even a cursory inspection was enough to tell Tōga that Brone's capabilities far exceeded his own, his power earth-shattering in its intensity.

For many, such a realization might spark despondency or even fear. Yet for Tōga, it kindled a different reaction—a burgeoning fire within, stoked by the thrill of challenge and the heat of potential rivalry. This encounter was not just a meeting of two powerful mages; it was a moment of ignition, where Tōga's competitive spirit flared to life, fueled by admiration and the relentless drive to reach new heights of his own power.

With a swift pivot on his heel, Tōga reached for his twin weapons, Rengoku and Zangetsu, drawing them into his grip as an observer stood rigid in the stands. He measured his steps carefully, establishing a prudent distance (15m) between himself and the formidable dwarf, Brone. As he drew in a deep breath, the tang of sea salt filled his lungs, sharpening his senses and steadying his resolve.

"You're strong—unimaginably strong!" Tōga exclaimed, his voice a mixture of awe and challenge as he acknowledged Brone's remarkable power. It thrilled him that a warrior of such caliber, a member of Paradise Dawn, had sought him out for this encounter.

Turning to face his presumed challenger fully, Tōga's expression was one of unyielding determination. Across the sandy expanse that served as their arena, he saw not just a rival but an opportunity. "I was looking to train in my swordsmanship, and you can definitely help with that!" he declared, his tone imbued with enthusiasm. The thrill of engaging in a true battle was enticing on its own, but the prospect of this duel serving as a crucible to forge his skills further was irresistibly compelling.

For Tōga, this was more than a mere confrontation; it was a confluence of fate and ambition, a chance to test his mettle against a peerless fighter while honing his own abilities. The anticipation of what he could learn from Brone, how he could grow from this challenge, electrified the air between them, promising not just a clash of steel but a transformative exchange of prowess and technique.

---

wc: 750 [1,22.]

---

Combat Log:

The serene expanse of Kahu Rock belied the tension in the air as two formidable warriors faced each other on the stretch of sand that bordered the temperate ocean. Despite the impending battle of titanic proportions, the natural world around them remained tranquil, the steady rhythm of the waves a sharp contrast to the storm of conflict that was about to erupt. The ocean, eternal and vast, held the secrets of countless such confrontations, none of which could rival the sheer force of Mother Nature herself. For every storm these warriors could summon, nature had unleashed countless more across the ages. Today, Earthland itself would serve as the grand amphitheater to this spectacle, with Strigr, the diminutive sea dragon, peering curiously from the water, her smooth head barely breaking the surface as she prepared to witness the clash.

On the shore, Tōga's gaze was locked on Brone, the dwarf whose reputation as a mighty warrior and potent mage resonated across the lands, stirring a mix of fear and admiration. Despite his compact stature, Brone's presence was colossal, his aura formidable enough to shrink the world around him. His physicality, though confined to a shorter frame, was packed with tightly coiled muscle that hinted at explosive power.

Grinning in anticipation, Tōga maintained his stance as Brone spoke. His voice carried a familiar cadence that piqued Tōga's interest, a fleeting reminder of something—or someone—familiar. "Hey, Brone-sama!" Tōga shouted across the distance, his voice carrying over the sound of the surf. "After this battle, I gotta question for ya!" he added, his mind teasing around a curiosity he wasn’t quite ready to voice. There was something about Brone that tugged at his memory, a puzzle he hoped the heat of battle would help solve.

As the confrontation drew closer, Tōga's attention was drawn to the glittering spear and shield that Brone wielded, both gleaming as if forged from pure gold. Yet, it was the crackling electricity dancing around the spear that truly captured Tōga's focus. This was no ordinary weapon; its energy pulsed with a palpable threat. Normally, Tōga would counter with magic, but today he chose to rely solely on his skill with his blades, a decision that made him tread more cautiously.

Suddenly, Brone surged forward, the sand billowing in clouds from the sheer speed of his advance. He aimed his electrified spear straight at Tōga's heart. Reacting with instinct honed by countless battles, Tōga pivoted sharply, sidestepping the lethal thrust. He stayed close to the spear's side, outside its direct path. Then, seizing the moment, he spun inward, bringing the edge of his swords, Zangetsu followed swiftly by Rengoku’s Kimetsu, in a sweeping, fluid motion aimed at Brone's flank. Each blade was a blur, slicing through the air with precision, as Tōga capitalized on their proximity to deliver what he hoped would be decisive strikes.

---

wc: 480 [1,700]

---

Combat Log: