Eleanor simply stood.

Then she changed her position.

One small movement.

A different stance.

The laughter stopped.

The instructor's eyes widened.

Because he recognized it.

The old style.

The style almost nobody taught anymore.

Marcus noticed the silence.

"What?"

Nobody answered.

Eleanor looked calm.

"You recognize this stance?"

Marcus smiled.

"I recognize someone trying to look impressive."

Then he attacked.

CHAPTER 5 — THE FIRST MOVE NOBODY EXPECTED

Marcus moved quickly.

A professional fighter's speed.

The students expected Eleanor to struggle.

Instead...

She disappeared from his path.

Not literally.

But her movement was so efficient that Marcus missed completely.

He turned.