Chapter 43: Too good for the world

Jesse waited until everyone had left for dinner before slipping back into the training room. The large space was dimly lit, with only Mei still there. She was completely focused on her target, her vines coiled tightly around the training dummy. With a quick motion, she kicked it, launching herself backward with surprising force.

Her relentless attacks only stopped when she noticed him standing by the door. Sweat dripped down her forehead, and her breath came in short gasps.

"You returned?" she asked, turning to face him. Her voice was strained, her chest rising and falling quickly.

Jesse didn't answer right away, instead studying her face for a moment. Mei's expression, the way she held herself, reminded him so much of her father. It was unsurprising, really, how much she resembled him, not just in appearance but in her controlled, careful demeanor. He quickly looked away, not wanting to dwell on it.