Chapter 6
Alright, Rudy… let's try something different."
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Paul stood taller now.
More serious.
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Wooden sword raised.
Feet planted firmly.
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"Come at me properly."
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Rudeus nodded.
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This wasn't play anymore.
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He stepped forward.
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Faster than before.
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Swing.
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Paul blocked—
But his arm jerked slightly.
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"…What?"
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That was new.
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Rudeus didn't stop.
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Step.
Turn.
Second strike.
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Paul barely adjusted in time.
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"…Hey now—"
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Third strike.
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Paul stepped back.
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For the first time—
He had to move.
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Silence filled the yard.
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"…Rudy."
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Paul's voice was different now.
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"What exactly are you doing at night?"
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Rudeus froze.
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For a moment—
There was hesitation.
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But only for a moment.
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"…Training."
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Paul frowned.
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"…Training what?"
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Rudeus looked at his own hands.
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"…Everything."
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That answer—
Was not reassuring.
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That night—
Paul didn't sleep.
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He listened.
Watched.
Waited.
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And eventually—
He heard it.
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Soft.
Rhythmic.
Relentless.
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*Swing.*
*Swing.*
*Swing.*
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Paul quietly opened the door.
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And what he saw—
Made his blood run cold.
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Rudeus stood in the darkness.
Body trembling.
Breathing uneven.
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Swinging his sword—
Over and over—
Long past the point of exhaustion.
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His arms—
Shaking violently.
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His stance—
Barely holding.
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And yet—
He continued.
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"…Rudy."
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No response.
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Because Rudeus—
Was no longer aware of anything else.
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*Break.*
*Heal.*
*Repeat.*
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Paul stepped closer.
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And then—
He felt it.
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The air.
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Heavy.
Dense.
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Mana.
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"…You used this much…?"
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It was absurd.
Impossible.
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For a child—
To manipulate—
To exhaust—
That level of mana.
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And then—
Rudeus collapsed.
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Silently.
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Paul caught him.
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And for the first time—
Fear crept into his voice.
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"…What are you becoming?"