The training ground had become unusually quiet.
Dozens of trainees had stopped what they were doing.
Weapons rested against shoulders.
Conversations died.
Everyone watched.
Because their leader...
Was actually fighting someone.
Taai rolled his shoulders.
His grin never faded.
Kai steadied his breathing.
His entire body already ached.
"...Again."
Taai vanished.
BOOM.
Kai barely crossed his arms before the punch landed.
The impact launched him several meters backward.
His boots carved trenches through the dirt.
His arms trembled.
Taai scratched his chin.
"Hm."
"You didn't break."
Kai forced himself upright.
"I'd rather not."
Taai laughed.
"Good answer."
He charged again.
This time Kai moved first.
A sidestep.
A counter.
His fist flew toward Taai's ribs.
Taai casually blocked it with one arm.
"...Too slow."
A knee struck Kai's stomach.
The air left his lungs.
Kai stumbled backward.
Before he could recover—
Taai flicked his forehead.
Just a flick.
Kai nearly lost consciousness.
The surrounding trainees burst into laughter.
"Leader's taking it easy."
"Poor guy."
"He hasn't even started."
Taai looked disappointed.
"Your weapons."
He pointed toward Kai's belt.
"Decoration?"
Kai blinked.
"...What?"
"You carrying those because they look cool?"