Stigmata of Survival [ High School of the Dead / Resident Evil /

The sun was slowly sinking toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold. The atmosphere in the training room, lit only by the soft rays of the evening sun, was tense. Two Krav Maga masters, Ichiro and Jill, were preparing for a sparring session that promised to be a heated fight.

Ichiro, tall and muscular, with a confident expression, slowly glanced around the room, where the walls were covered with photographs of famous fighters and trophies from various competitions. His gaze fell on Jill Valentine, a woman with a graceful figure and a determined look. She seemed to be an impenetrable wall of readiness.

The sparring began with slow movements. Ichiro and Jill moved around each other, their movements smooth and precise, like dancers performing a choreography. They instantly responded to each of their opponent's movements, as if they were reading his mind.

As time went on, the intensity of the fight increased. The blond and the brunette performed complex combinations of strikes and defenses, with sweeping kicks and precise blows to the head and body. The hall was filled with the sounds of breathing, the creaking of soles on the parquet and dull blows.

Ichiro tried to punch Jill, but she deftly dodged and responded with a quick left punch to the stomach. He staggered, but quickly regained his balance and hit with a right kick, but the brunette blocked with her raised hands.

The sparring continued like a battle between two titans. Their bodies were covered in sweat, their faces were tired, but even at this moment they did not miss the slightest opportunity to attack. They moved in rhythm with each other, as if they knew each other's every move in advance.

Finally, when the sun had already set, Ichiro and Jill stopped. They stood before each other, glowing with sweat and adrenaline. The looks that had been full of challenge and determination just a few minutes ago now expressed respect and recognition.

The sparring ended in a draw, but both masters knew that it had been an incredible performance and a lesson for both of them. They embraced, knowing that their friendship and competition would continue, making them stronger every day. Such was the nature of masters - the endless pursuit of perfection and the never-ending struggle for it.

Ichiro thought that the girl in front of him was extremely good. Jill Valentine was superior to him in skill. The blond had enough courage to admit it, because only by admitting the problem could he deal with it.

"Your technique is better," Ichiro said, feeling his neck ache at that moment.

It was in the neck that Jill's last blows landed. Thanks to regeneration, this injury has already begun to heal.

"Hah, you have a really strong body," Jill grumbled with a hint of envy in her voice.

The girl understood perfectly well that the blond had many times more talent than she did, for sure. Jill had sparred with Chris and the rest of STARS, and none of them had such a strong physique. Such comrades spoke of the girl's experience in finding talent. Jill had no doubt that Ichiro would be able to develop the technique - it was only a matter of time, nothing more.

"You'll have to train hard before you decide to fight me, though," Jill said.

The girl added these words not only to support and satisfy her ego... The brunette saw what flashed for a moment in Ichiro's eyes. A spark of self-satisfaction. Such emotions could hinder his improvement.

"After all, how could we be sure," the girl continued with a slight smile on her face. "Mastery wins."

Ichiro smiled sadly and nodded.

"I guess I can't argue with that anymore," Ichiro said.

*BAM*

Jill and Ichiro glanced at the source of the noise, which turned out to be the door that was forcefully opened. The man looked around with frightened eyes... And when he saw Jill, he turned pale.

"Chris," Jill hissed, recognizing the man.

The man who abruptly opened the door looked like he had run a marathon. However, he swallowed and handed over the card. Chris quickly entered the locker room.

"I take it... This person was supposed to be here on time today?" Ichiro asked Jill.

"Yes," Jill nodded, her voice grimly determined.

The girl was already anticipating the scolding Redfield would get for being late. At that moment, Chris Redfield came out of the locker room. The man was nervous.

While on STARS, Chris Redfield met Jill Valentine of Alpha Squad and they quickly developed a strong partnership. Chris also worked with Burton and others who transferred to the unit, as well as Commander Albert Wesker. He was also close friends with Joseph Frost and Forest Speyer.

In his spare time, Chris would train his little sister when she came to him, and even gave her a gold lighter and his STARS knife as a symbol of his care. And for this reason, Jill and Chris knew each other well.

"Huh, hi Jill," Chris said.

Ichiro noticed Chris looking at him appraisingly. However, Chris didn't stop for long, probably because Jill Valentine was next to him.

"Hi, Chris," Jill practically sang, looking at Chris.

Jill's tone... It was much more frightening than what people usually feared. Chris understood perfectly well what followed such a tone... Redfield's mind changed for what he was going to do next...

"I was late because Claire took so long to find her suitcase!" Chris exclaimed.

Chris's behavior surprised Ichiro. The blond remembered this tall and muscular man with a strong physique as a stern captain with little emotion. Chris's masculine facial features were relaxed at that moment. He was acting extremely sincerely. In Ichiro's opinion, this man was acting like this only because the events of the games had not yet happened.

"Less talk," Jill said with a frown on her face. "Get in the ring."

Chris sighed in resignation, but still climbed into the ring.

"Defend yourself," Jill said before going on the attack.