Mia turned over under the covers, repositioning his blanket and relaxing. He slowly opened his eyes and laid there for a moment.

“Guess I can’t sleep all day… huh?” Mia sat up on the mattress, his blanket falling across his legs as he reached up and stretched. Silently yawning before exhaling.

“First full night in Japan… went pretty well…” Mia pops his back in another stretch. A knock echoes on his door causing Mia to jump a bit.

“Mia? Are you awake yet?” Mia sits off the side of his bed and stands.

“Yeah, Yeah… Just got up but I am, Mr. Daniel” Labryce slightly laughed beyond the door.

“Okay, just call me Labryce during your stay… Breakfast is almost ready… and meet me out in the backyard when you’re done” Mia stretches again.

“Why?” Labryce speaks through the door before walking away.

“Oh, just a little bit of sparring, I wanna see why Mina selected you for this year” Mia listened as Labryce walked away. Mia exhales.

“Great… fun start to the day”

Mia cuts into the biscuits and gravy, callously shoving it into his mouth and chewing. Exhaling steam and smiling. Mina looks over.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself, Mia,” Mia smiles and nods.

“I am… actually…” Mia swallows another bite and lays his fork down, sliding his plate back.

“Thank you for the food, Ms. Daniel” Mina smiles and grabs the plate.

“No problem, Mia” Mia stands from his chair and pushes it in. turning to the courtyard,walking along the side as an opening came into view. Mia’s eyes widened.

Labryce swung his fist forward, sweat flying from his forehead as he swung his other fist. Quickly stepping forward into a double kick. Landing and spinning around to tornado kick the air. Planting his foot down and lifting his fists for another round of punches. His breathing heavy as he stood there. Sweat poured off his forehead. He turned and noticed Mia.

“Oh, Mia, are you done eating? Ready to spar?” Mia stepped off the deck and onto the stone pathway of the courtyard.

“I… I guess so” Mia walked closer as Labryce’s shoulders relaxed. Mia froze for a moment. Behind Labryce’s smile was a mountain of aura. Mia gulps. ‘This guy isn’t ranked 3 for nothing’ Labryce smiles.

“I’m sure you’re well aware that upon starting classes at AWA, you’ll constantly pitted in training matches against fellow students and sometimes, maybe even teachers… there has to be a reason my Wife selected you for this year…” Labryce leans forward, metaphorical steam rising from his shoulders as he smirks, Mia backpedals a bit. Labryce stares at Mia.

“Let’s see what you got, Mia Ikati” Labryce’s muscles suddenly tense up as Labryce seemingly disappears. Mia quickly turns left, Labryce appears, a metal pipe in his right hand, swinging it like a weapon towards Mia. ‘So fast-’ Mia blocks it and slides back and looks up, two large metal pipes erupt from the ground towards him. Mia’s foot slides as he jumps forward, dodging between the two pipes. Flames pour from his eyes momentarily, clenching his fist. Labryce steps back and crosses his forearms, two metal pipes tear from his skin, blocking Mia’s punch.

“You pack a punch!” Mia snaps back to reality as Labryce grabs Mia’s shoulders, then delivers his knee into Mia’s stomach. Mia coughs a bit and stumbles back, quickly looking up as Labryce’s fist is in front of his face. Labryce smirked despite the sweat.

“You did good, but I won” Mia breathes heavily but smiles, shaking Labryce's hand. Labryce smirks.

“How’d you dodge those pipes and land a hit though? That was impressive” Mia rubs the back of his neck.