Empty, except for the rhythmic thud-thud-thud echoing from the treeline.

You'd been wandering, as you often did when the school fell silent. Your feet carried you toward the sound instinctively. Curiosity. Or maybe something else.

Thud.

The ground trembled slightly beneath your sneakers.

Thud. THUD.

Through the gaps in the foliage, you caught a flash of tangerine skin. A massive figure. Muscles coiling and releasing with each devastating punch against an ancient oak. The tree groaned, splintering with every hit, bark flying in chunks.

She hadn't noticed you yet. Her focus was absolute—locked onto the destruction she was causing. Her thick, beige-white hair cascaded down her back, swaying with each movement. Sweat glistened across her broad shoulders.

Another punch. The tree splintered further, leaning dangerously.