[I can't anymore.]

  [No matter how much I do.]

  [I'll forever stay the same.]

  ...

  [But there's something I can do.]

  [There always is.]

  [I won't accept otherwise.]

  A soft wind blows.

  Leaves fall around, covering the ground in various shades of orange, red, and yellow.

  They're vibrant.

  As if the forest were alive.

  Hinozu sits in front of a tree, its rough, dry surface cracked.

  His shins are red, skin scraped.

  Though for once, his breath doesn't fall short.

  He grabs a nearby rock, standing before he marks several lines on the tree.

  One at the height of his head.

  One at the height of his sides.

  One at the height of his legs.

  Right foot forwards.

  Left foot backwards.

  Like walking once again.

  Front leg bent.

  Hind leg straight.

  Hands raised.

  Like you used to do.

  Inhale.

  Punch straight.

  Exhale sharply.

  Sidekick.

  Plant the foot forwards again.

  Inhale.

  Twist the hips and torso. Raise the knee. Roundhouse.

  Exhale. Sharply.

  His shins sting.

  Shift.

  Bend both legs. Twist the hind. Step lightly with the other.

  Back to the tree, kick behind.

  Again.

  And again.

  Until it all works out.

  Stumbling to a pile of leaves, Hinozu grabs a nearby towel, patting down his shins.

  Beads of crimson flow down the bark of the tree, mixing with its resin.

  He's exhausted.

  Not yet.

  His expression turns frustrated.

  Stand up.

  Inhale.

  Front Stance. Palm heel strike. Exhale.

  Without pause.

  Inhale.

  Front kick. Exhale. Inhale. Punch straight. Exhale. Inhale.

  Fall back.

  Inhale. Sidekick. Exhale.

  Inhale.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Exhale.

  [I won't... let you be... better...]

  Clenching his jaw, he kicks the tree as hard as he can.

  He winces, hitting the ground as he clutches his leg in pain.

  Just...

  Stay behind.

  He lies down, closing his eyes. A red leaf falls on his face.

  Birds are chirping.

  Leaves rustle softly in the wind.

  He breathes.

  Calmly.

  And just as time seems to stretch for eternity, he gets up, leaning against that same tree.

  Grabbing his towel, he pats his shins gently, getting rid of any bark pieces or dirt on them. After, he drags himself to a nearby rock, sitting down.

  He slides his pants over his shorts.

  I'll show them once I'm strong.

  Grinning, he fixes his hair before picking the towel up once again.

  They'll be in awe when I pass the Assessment.

  Stand again.

  He walks through the forest, stepping carefully around wet dirt, rocks, and piles of leaves.

  The city can be seen ahead, much milder to the eyes.

  Treading through the dirt path, he finally steps onto pavement.

  He throws the towel on a nearby bin.

  They would find out sooner than intended.

  Blood doesn't wash easily.

  So why bother?

  He walks around the city.

  Shops are closed. Very few people can be seen outside.

  And even then, they wear enough clothes to cover themselves almost fully.

  Puddles of water are present throughout.

  And not a single tree has its leaves.

  As the Sun starts to set, he arrives just outside the Center.

  By coincidence, Jenneah's car parks at the same time.

  The old woman gets out of the vehicle, walking over to the entrance.

  Jenneah: [Hm? Did you go somewhere?]

  [Yeah... Went for a walk.]

  Jenneah: [I see. Don't do anything reckless, alright? You're not in condition to be doing dangerous things.]

  [I know.]

  Jenneah slides the door open, stepping inside before hanging her jacket. Hinozu takes the stairs to his room and walks into the bathroom.

  Stripping off his clothes, he steps into the shower.

  He stays still for a while, hesitating to reach for the handle.

  A few minutes pass.

  And he decides.

  Water rains down on him, freezing droplets poking his skin as he breathes deeply.

  His skin tightens, and just as he gets used to the sensation, a sharp headache settles.

  Turning off the shower, he dries off with a towel.

  His gaze travels to his reflection.

  He keeps it there.

  It was 5 months.

  Now, only 2 remain.

  I'm better.

  Putting on new clothes, Hinozu leaves the bathroom, walking towards his bed before he crouches down. He sets some books down on the desk, sitting while he reaches for his pen.

  He opens a book.

  Page 129.

  He reads through a page before turning to the blank sheet of paper.

  Tapping his pen rhythmically, he closes the book.

  [It's useless. I've got better things to do.]

  The pen glides through paper as he scribbles on it.

  Documenting all his training today.

  I'm less tired today. This means hitting consumes less energy than repetitive movements.

  Writing about tomorrow.

  I should focus on my strength from now on. My technique has improved, so that would be possible.

  And up until the Assessment.

  2 months.

  Exactly 79 days.

  3 hours.

  [It's enough time.]

  With a deep sigh, he leans back on his chair. After, he opens a drawer, pulling out a stack of papers.

  He adds the new one with the rest.

  Closing the drawer, he stretches before standing up, going to the bathroom to wash his hands.

  Then, he leaves his room to go down the stairs.

  Stepping down the last one, he stops, hearing his breathing attentively.

  Good.

  Walking towards the living room, he finds the food served.

  Though no one's at the table.

  Hearing footsteps behind, he turns.

  Jenneah walks through the entrance room before spotting Hinozu.

  Jenneah: [The two won't arrive anytime soon.]

  Hinozu raises a brow.

  Hinozu: [Where are they?]

  [Training.]

  [So you should eat already.]

  [I... See. Thank you.]

  He sits down at the table.

  Looking at the plate in front of him.

  Steak and potatoes.

  He drives a palm to his face.

  Frustration reeks from his expression.

  How much more will I have to do?

  To surpass you?

  Catching himself, he grabs his fork and knife.

  Cutting a piece of steak, he bites it, chewing slowly.

  Really slow.

  After a minute or two of chewing, he sets his utensils down.

  And even though he doesn't want to, he picks them up again.

  Slicing.

  Chewing.

  Eating.

  And just as he's about to finish, he stops.

  Nauseated.

  He reaches for his glass, gulping down the water.

  And then, he stands up, picking up his plate as he makes way to the kitchen.

  Sliding the door open, he finds Jenneah cleaning.

  Jenneah: [Didn't finish it.]

  [Not hungry.]

  The old woman sighs.

  Jenneah: [Alright, leave it on the counter.]

  He follows, setting the plate down before turning to leave.

  [Have you done your work?]

  [I have.]

  He says, barely containing his irritation.

  The sound of clinking and running water is heard behind as he walks down the corridor.

  And he returns to his room, lying down on the bed.

  Closing his eyes, he breathes calmly.

  Falling asleep.

  The sudden absence of light wakes him up.

  His head feels heavy, eyelids barely open.

  Ruffling his disheveled hair, he scans around the dark room.

  Someone stands in front.

  [Sorry for waking you up, Hinozu.]

  Ayumu.

  [It's alright.]

  [When... Did you arrive?]

  Ayumu: [About 15 minutes ago.]

  [I see.]

  [Don't worry, I'm going to sleep too.]

  He whispers, lying down on his bed. Hinozu stays silent.

  A pause.

  And then, he asks.

  [Ayumu.]

  [Yeah?]

  [Spar against me tomorrow.]

  ...

  [I can do it.]

  Now I can.

  [I won't accept otherwise.]

  Ayumu stays silent, shifting in bed as he sits straight.

  [What's gotten into you, Hinozu?]

  [Nothing at all. I just want to know how stro—]

  [It's impossible.]

  Ayumu's voice rises slightly.

  [You'll... Get hurt.]

  Anger courses through Hinozu's veins. His heart drums faster.

  [I'm sorry, I can't accept.]

  Hinozu clenches his jaw. The lack of light hides his expression.

  [Then... I'll show you.]

  [Once I pass the Assessment.]

  [I'll fight you.]