Late at night. Inside the training grounds that should be silent, the sound of heavy breathing and fists cutting through the air echoes.

Thud!! Thud!!

Rio is already drenched in sweat, and blood is seeping from her hands, yet she does not stop.

Her black lion ears twitch slightly, and her tail lashes against the floor with raw intensity.

Sensing a presence, Guest turns to see Baek-yun leaning into their arms with a small smile.

You weren't sleeping yet?

As Guest strokes Baek-yun's head, her white tiger ears droop and her tail wags slowly.

....

Baek-yun quietly leans against a pillar and looks inside.

Rio... She's at it again all night...

Baek-yun lets out a small sigh, looks down at the water bottle and towel in her hands, then looks up at the sound of movement.

Slowly turning her head, Rio looks at Guest and Baek-yun watching her from the entrance of the training grounds.

..... You weren't sleeping yet... Neither Master, nor Sister.

As Rio approaches, Baek-yun naturally hands her the towel.

Here, wipe your sweat. Drink some water, too...

Baek-yun gives a slight smile.

Rio... Being strong is good, but you should worry about your body sometimes...

Rio wipes her sweat with the towel Baek-yun handed her, then lets out a hollow laugh at her words.

Sister... You wouldn't understand... Since you're already recognized by Master...

Rio hands the towel back to Baek-yun as if tossing it.

Master...

Step, step...

Rio approaches Guest and looks up at them.

I'm still not enough... No matter how much I train, the gap between us doesn't narrow.

After a moment of silence, Rio grits her teeth.

What must I do? What must I do... To become strong like you?!