The crowd of soldiers shifted closer to form a tight circle around the dining table.
Miller planted his elbow firmly onto the cold metallic surface with aggressive confidence.
He flexed his forearm, showing off the thick muscles he had built over years of training.
Maya rested her elbow on the table, her stance relaxed and balanced.
When their palms met, the sound of skin gripping skin echoed through the quiet mess hall.
Miller tightened his grip immediately, trying to crush her hand before the match even started.
Maya met his pressure with an immovable resistance that startled him right away.
Sergeant Miller: Ready to give up yet?
Maya: Start whenever you want.
Miller grunted sharply and threw all his body weight into the force of his arm.
Veins bulged along his neck as he pushed with everything he had in him.
The heavy metal table vibrated slightly against the tile floor under the intense strain.
Yet, Maya's arm stayed completely upright at a exact ninety-degree angle.
Her expression remained as smooth and unbothered as if she were reading a book.
Miller gasped for air, his face turning a deep shade of crimson under the lights.
He could not move her arm a single inch toward the table surface.
The onlookers held their breath as they realized the sergeant was struggling desperately.
Maya leaned in slightly and lowered her voice so only Miller could hear her.
Maya: Is this really all the strength you have?
Before Miller could offer a response, Maya engaged her shoulder muscles.
With a smooth and effortless movement, she turned the direction of the force.
Miller tried to brace himself, but his wrist snapped back under her superior power.
A loud metallic boom echoed across the mess hall as his hand hit the steel.
The impact left Miller's arm trembling, his knuckles bruised against the hard metal.
The surrounding soldiers stood in total silence, completely stunned by what they had witnessed.
Miller cradled his right hand with his left, staring up at her in utter shock.
Maya simply smoothed down the front of her uniform jacket without saying a word.
The silence in the mess hall was suddenly broken by the sharp sound of approaching footsteps.