[All aggressive actions are strictly prohibited within the rest area. Climbers are invited to rest and relax as much as they would like. Time remaining: 58 hours 27 minutes.]0

The rest area was quiet in the early morning.0

As usual, I was sparring with Alexei, and we maintained a steady rhythm of battle and reflection. 0

She swung her axe through the air with an ominous whistle; however, with how far apart we were, the strike lost most of its threat.0

This was our first training session since I had become a master. Because of that, I found myself catching details I would have previously missed, giving me the opportunity to offer more pointed advice.0

“That last move was too hasty.”0

“Really?”0

“You swung with the intent to maintain some distance between us after struggling to evade my strikes. Because of that, it couldn’t seriously threaten me and I could still press forward.”0

Alexei chewed her bottom lip in contemplation before nodding slowly. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking it through.”0

“If you want to improve from here on out, every move needs to have purpose. A meaningless action is worse than doing nothing at all.”0

“So, that’s the secret to becoming a master like you? Man, this is tough.”0

“Don’t make it harder than it is.” I paused deliberately, staring at her to underscore my point. 0

Alexei locked eyes with me, steadying her breathing as she concentrated.0

“Your...0