20demayo Chapter 325: Troubled Thoughts
Chapter 325: Troubled Thoughts
Ty remarked, "Your ability is pretty broken, if I remember right. You can pick the perfect option almost every time in real-time. But still, to say you haven't lost a fight in a long time just means you haven't been fighting anyone worth their salt."
With a sincerity beyond understanding, Ty added, "The people I've crossed hands with are leagues above both me and you."
Gritting her teeth, she retorted, "So what! All I can do is focus on who's in front of me." As she spoke, she sprinted forward toward Ty, materializing an arrow in her hand. She swung it toward Ty as though it were a sword.
Ty took a step back, countering the attack. Quickly, she followed it up by stepping further into Ty, connecting her foot with his, almost sweeping him over. However, her foot got stuck as Ty placed his hand on her chest, ready to unleash a rush of black flames. Instead, he twisted his hand and pushed outward, throwing her back.
As she skidded along the ground, Ty declared, "You probably have as much talent as Nana, but your skill alone won't help you cross the path of the strongest!"
Ty questioned Yun-Jin with evident frustration, "What if you were suddenly thrown into the arena with the strongest, what if you fought the strongest right now?! Would you win?"
The lieutenant, observing from a distance, thought to himself, "Wow, this is getting intense. Wish I had brought a snack."
Startled for a moment, Yun-Jin admitted, "So what if I can't? They can just handle things, and I can do what I can do..."
"Do you have anyone you love... anyone you want to protect above all else, anything that you're striving for?" Ty challenged her. "With a mindset like that, you'll end up with nothing but regrets. What happens when those stronger than you aren't enough?"
Maintaining the Ma Bu stance and keeping his eyes closed, Ty replied with a confident smirk, "Give it a try. You seem to excel when your emotions are in turmoil. Let's see how you handle things without leaning on your skill."
"Just focus on what's in front of you, without letting your mind take over," Ty suggested, considering the paradox his advice might pose for someone so reliant on their abilities.
He steeled himself as Yun-Jin charged once more. This time, he opened his eyes, ready to meet her attack head-on. She adopted a fierce tiger stance, a precursor to a powerful strike, and threw a punch aimed at his chest. As Ty moved to parry, she unexpectedly withdrew her punch, shifting her weight and aiming a kick at his head.
With reflexes honed through countless battles, Ty caught her ankle just in time. Placing his hand firmly against her chest, he maneuvered his knee against hers, destabilizing her balance and guiding her to the ground. Securing her other leg, he kept her pinned momentarily.
"I think that was your best attempt yet," Ty commented, recognizing her progress.
"Th-thanks... Can you let go now? This is a bit uncomfortable," Yun-Jin mumbled, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks from the close contact and the unexpected compliment.
Realizing the intimacy of their positioning, Ty promptly released her and stepped back, giving her space to rise. Her light blush remained.
Lt. Daemon's applause broke the tension in the dojo as he teased, "Okay, lovebirds, that's enough for one day. Let's get you back before they close down for the night, Demon Boy. And Ms. Yun-Jin, thanks for helping with training. I'm glad you managed to glean something from it too.
And hey, don't forget to spread the word about how charismatic I am, but don't go falling for him—seems his friend has already got that covered."
Yun-Jin's light blush momentarily deepened as she snapped her gaze towards the lieutenant. "What are you even talking about? I don't love him. And I don't care if someone's got a crush on this demon. Besides, if I wanted to, I'd have him anyway because I always get what I aim for."