A Weird Guy

After their rigorous training session, Padrin and Amukelo took a moment to reflect on their overall weaknesses.

Padrin began, "My approach can be a bit chaotic. I sometimes leave openings during my attacks because I rely too much on my speed and agility to outmaneuver opponents. And while my speed is adequate, the power behind my attacks isn't where it should be. I need to focus on these areas to ensure they don't hold me back."

Amukelo listened intently, absorbing the critique and the self-reflection modeled by Padrin. When it was his turn, he took a deep breath and delved into his own analysis. "Clearly, I'm lacking in both power and speed compared to you. My style tends to be reckless, creating opportunities for counterattacks that I don't always capitalize on. And I struggle with defending against more complex combinations. I think my primary focus should be on improving my speed, as it's my most significant shortfall."

Padrin nodded, pleased with Amukelo's insight. "Good," he commented. "Let's reconvene tomorrow. I'll speak to a teacher to observe our session and provide additional feedback."

With the day's training concluded, Amukelo returned to the inn, physically exhausted but mentally invigorated. He knew a session with Pao awaited him, focused on the subtleties of mana, which required a different kind of concentration and mental preparation.

Upon reaching the inn, Amukelo headed straight for the bathhouse. The warm water was soothing, washing away the sweat and strain of the day's exertions and helping him transition from the physicality of swordplay to the more cerebral challenge of magical training.

Refreshed from his shower, Amukelo returned to his room. Bral and Idin were already inside. Bral was writing something, while Idin was lying in bed and was looking at a small ring in his hand.

When he realized Amukelo had come back, he asked, "Yo, how was your first training session with Padrin?"

"It was good," Amukelo replied, a slight smile playing on his lips from the satisfaction of the productive session. "He really knows his stuff. I learned something interesting today that might help you guys too. After every spar or any action in training, take a moment to analyze your mistakes. Focus exclusively on what you did wrong and how you can improve on it. Also, identify your overarching weaknesses and work on them until they're at least up to your baseline standards."

Idin raised his eyebrows as he slipped the ring into his pocket. "Wow, that's really smart. It's so simple, yet no one thinks about it."

"Yeah," Bral chimed in, "to think we never thought about this approach. No wonder he's advancing so quickly."

Then Amukelo asked, "What are you writing? I've seen you a few times writing something, do you run a journal?"

Bral chuckled and said with a nostalgic tone, "No, I'm just corresponding with my family. Can't wait to see them again once we get a higher rank, and get out of this town."

Amukelo nodded silently, and continued his preparation. After Amukelo was done preparing himself, he left their room and headed to where they were supposed to meet.

Amukelo waited patiently at the inn's entrance, shifting slightly as he waited for Pao. When she finally appeared, her attire caught him off guard. The dress clung neatly at her waist before flaring out elegantly, a style that seemed both sophisticated and whimsical. She also wore the necklace Amukelo bought her. As he took in her appearance, a hint of red colored his cheeks, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "Why do you dress like this?"

Pao smiled and replied, "I thought maybe to celebrate your victory, we could talk about magic at that restaurant we went to before. A nice setting might inspire more magical discussions, don't you think?"

Amukelo nodded, still slightly flustered, "That's a good idea, but I should change what I'm wearing too."

Pao glanced at his simple, somewhat disheveled attire—a loose shirt paired with casual pants, hardly different from what he'd worn to the training facility. "There is no need—remember last time I also didn't wear anything too formal," she started, but as she took a second look, she reconsidered, "Okay, maybe you can change."

Laughing awkwardly at how fast she changed her decision, Amukelo agreed and headed back to his room to find something more appropriate for their dinner out. As he returned to the room to change, Bral and Idin caught sight of him and quipped in unison, with a hint of sarcasm, "Weren't you supposed to be training with Pao?"

With a grin, Amukelo explained, "She wants to go to the restaurant you guys showed us, to celebrate yesterday's victory. So, I guess I have to change my clothes."

Their teasing continued as they both eyed his outfit and commented, "Yeah, you really should."

As he rummaged through his belongings for the clothes he was wearing the last time, Idin asked, "Hey, Amukelo, do you mind showing us how you analyze your own mistakes? We've been trying to think about it, but can't seem to get past the obvious stuff like needing more speed and power."

"Sure thing," Amukelo responded as he buttoned up his blue jacket. "You can join me and Padrin tomorrow. I don't think he'd mind."

Idin's face lit up with gratitude. "Great! Thanks, brother. Good luck on your date," he added with a chuckle.

With a quick salute to his friends, Amukelo left the room, now properly dressed for the evening.

As Amukelo was walking through the corridor towards the exit of the inn, his brisk steps were halted by Bao's voice calling out to him. Turning around, he saw her approaching with a sincere expression. "Amukelo, wait a moment," she said, catching up to him.

Curious, Amukelo paused and asked, "What's up?"

Bao took a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and relief. "I just wanted to thank you," she began, causing Amukelo to raise his eyebrows in surprise.

"For what?" he inquired, genuinely puzzled.

Bao smiled softly, "Since you joined us, everyone's been pushing themselves harder. But more importantly, Pao seems much happier these days. She's always been passionate about magic, but because of that she neglected other areas, especially relationships. But now she has a genuine interest in you, and this doesn't seem to take her away from her passion for magic. On the contrary, now she does things that she found annoying and used to skip them, which definitely will push her even further. That's all thanks to you. So, thank you for that."

Amukelo was momentarily speechless, touched by the unexpected acknowledgment. "I don't know what to say... That's great to hear," he finally managed, his voice tinged with emotion.

Bao nodded, her tone earnest. "We'll definitely support you in achieving your goals. It's not just for you; it makes us all stronger, too. Anyway, I won't hold you any longer. I know you're heading out with Pao. She's been talking about this all day."

With a grateful smile, Amukelo thanked her and continued down the corridor. His mind was abuzz with Bao's words when he suddenly heard raised voices ahead. One was unmistakably Pao's, firm and clear, "I said no. What do you not understand?" The other voice was male, pushy and unwelcome, "Come on lady, you won't regret this."

Quickening his pace, Amukelo rounded the corner and saw a man standing too close to Pao, who looked visibly annoyed and uncomfortable. Seeing Amukelo approach, Pao's expression shifted to relief.

"What is happening?" Amukelo demanded loudly, his tone sharp as he approached them.

Immediately, Pao stepped back behind Amukelo, putting space between herself and the stranger. "This weird guy doesn't want to leave me alone," she explained, her voice tinged with frustration.

Amukelo's eyes narrowed into a glare as he addressed the man, "Don't get close to her again, or you will regret this."

The man scoffed, "Tsk. I didn't know she has a guy," and with a dismissive wave, he turned and walked away.

Pao exhaled deeply, her tension easing. "Thanks," she murmured. "Some guys are really weird. It used to happen when we were still considered nobles."

Amukelo, trying to lighten the mood, joked lightly, "I think you're just too pretty."

They resumed walking towards the restaurant, but Pao lingered a step behind, touched by his words. Her cheeks flushed with a soft pink hue.

Noticing she had slowed, Amukelo looked back, concern flickering over his features. "Are you coming?"

Jogging to catch up, Pao managed a laugh, "Yes, yes. Let's go." Her spirit was lifted by his presence.