Lessons in Control

Exiting the cafeteria, Kai and his friends carried on with their conversation as they headed back to class.

Clearly irritated. Aoi inquired, " Did you deliberately look for trouble by fighting an unfamiliar senior? "

Attempting to dissipate his friends' apprehension towards him Kai attempted to explain his actions saying,

"But as you guys saw, he was obviously provoking the fight. At first, I tried to ignore him, but his insults became worse.

What else could I have done but respond?"

Ethan added his thoughts. Stating, "Now that events have unfolded the way they did. Let's just wait and see how he handles the situation.''

Aoi nodded in understanding. "We can see that, but you don't even know him. It's risky to engage in fights without knowing the consequences."

Kai assured his friends, "I'll find out more about him tomorrow. But for now, I'll go talk to Master Liang before school ends, so you guys can leave without me today, okay?"

His friends exchanged glances and reluctantly agreed, as they made their way to their respective classrooms.

The remainder of the school day passed slowly.

Kai and his friends attended their last four periods, their minds distracted by the events of the lunchtime confrontation.

Finally, as the school day came to an end, students dispersed, heading home for the day.

Ethan, Aoi, and Leon bid Kai farewell, reminding him once again to meet with Master Liang.

"Be sure to go to Master Liang and discuss everything," Leon emphasized.

Kai nodded and waved them goodbye.

Once they were out of sight, he headed towards the staff room, hoping to find Master Liang there. He knocked on the door, but there was no response.

Deciding to check if Master Liang was in his office, Kai opened the door cautiously.

To his surprise, the room was empty. As he turned to leave, Ms. Reina, suddenly appeared behind him without making a sound.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice calm but curious.

Startled, Kai replied, "Ah... Good afternoon, Sensei. I was looking for Master Liang. I have something important to discuss with him."

Ms. Reina nodded and said, "Good afternoon. Well, you won't find him here. He's at the training grounds right now. You can go and see him there."

Kai thanked her for the information and headed toward the training grounds.

His mind was filled with anticipation as he wondered how Master Liang would react to the situation.

Upon reaching the training grounds, Kai spotted Master Liang engrossed in a practice session with his swords.

The sight was mesmerizing as Master Liang displayed fluid and graceful sword moves, almost like a dance.

As Master Liang noticed Kai's presence, he stopped his practice and called out to him. "Kai, what are you doing here? Do you need something?"

Approaching Master Liang, Kai explained what had transpired during lunchtime, recounting the insults and the ensuing challenge.

He felt a mix of frustration and uncertainty, seeking guidance from his respected teacher.

Master Liang sighed, "What trouble have you gotten into? I specifically told you to rest today," he remarked.

Defending himself, Kai replied, "But sir, that senior was the one who started the trouble and insulted us. Shouldn't I get angry in such situations?"

Master Liang bumped his fist gently against Kai's head and said, "No, that's not what I'm saying. What I mean is that you didn't keep your mind in control. Letting anger take over is dangerous. That student you're dealing with, you don't even know a fraction of him. Do you understand what's at stake in a life-and-death match?"

Confused, Kai shook his head, prompting Master Liang to explain further.

"In a life-and-death match, opponents fight with the understanding that the stakes are high. If one were to kill their opponent, no one would object because both parties have agreed to fight to the death. That student likely provoked you intending to kill you in the fight. Otherwise, he wouldn't have suggested this type of match"

Kai raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "But he doesn't even know me, and there is no underlying conflict between us. Why would he want to kill me?"

Master Liang replied, emphasizing the harsh reality, "It's not about having trouble or not. Remember, this world operates on the principle of survival of the fittest."

Absorbing the weight of Master Liang's words, Kai asked, "What should I do now?"

Master Liang replied firmly, "For now, you'll train with me until the evening so that you can survive tomorrow's fight. You should also inform your parents about the training sessions with me. Go and make that call."

Taking out his phone, Kai dialed his home number, and his sister answered.

He informed her that he would be coming home a bit late due to training sessions with Master Liang and asked her to relay the message to their mother.

Once assured, he hung up and turned to Master Liang, ready to embrace the intensive training that awaited him.