Swiftly, Master struck at me—the force behind his blade sending me crashing back. I barely caught my footing as dirt and leaves scattered around my boots.
"Ren," he called my name. There was weight in his voice. Did he know?
"You're slow today," he added, his tone calm but piercing. He didn't wait—he came at me again, faster.
I felt a tight breath escape me, not from fear… but relief. He didn't know. Not yet.
Still, I was far too obvious.
Breathe.
I lunged forward, every muscle responding to instinct. My footwork shifted—more layered, less familiar. I made sure of it. I excelled at one-handed wielding, my blade an extension of my will. Sparks danced as steel met steel.
I looked at Master—and in that moment, I felt it. The urge to surpass him. To grow stronger.
I struck back, channeling everything I had into one forceful blow. My muscles screamed. My tied hair came loose, falling across my eyes.
"Tell me what you're hiding," he said, his voice cold, unwavering.
The words hit harder than his sword. A part of me wanted to speak—desperately. But no… not now. Not like this.
Lightless Veil.
Darkness folded around me, still and thick. Inside it, I could finally breathe.
I'm sorry, Master… I can't tell you. Not yet.
---
I slammed my hand into the dark veil. No response. Even now, after all that… Ren wouldn't speak.
Not even a hint.
I had to wait. But waiting wasn't enough anymore. If I wanted the truth…
…I would have to fight Sylvia.
---
Days blurred into each other, like sword swings and footwork.
I fought Ren every single day.
Each time I tried to break through. Each time, I failed.
His silence stood stronger than any wall.
No matter how fast I moved or how hard I hit, he wouldn't talk.
He couldn't.
Or maybe… he simply refused.
I was running out of patience.
And now, there was only one person left who could give me what I needed.
Sylvia.