Chapter 53: Training II
The training hall was a cavernous expanse of polished stone, its walls etched with the faint scars of countless battles. Dim light filtered through high, narrow windows, casting long shadows across the floor.
The air was thick with the scent of sweat and steel, a testament to the relentless pursuit of mastery that defined this place. Tasha lingered near the entrance, her presence unnoticed by Baines, who stood at the center of the room, his sword gleaming faintly in the half-light.
His movements were fluid, deliberate, as if he were already locked in combat with an invisible foe. Tasha’s heart sank as she watched him, a pang of inadequacy gnawing at her.
"Young lady," a soft voice broke her reverie. The servant bowed slightly in greeting.
"Oh, hey," Tasha replied, her voice lacking its usual spark. She turned her gaze back to Baines, who was now executing a series of precise strikes, each one resonating with purpose. She had come to learn, to find a way to climb out of her own rut.
Baines was barely a year older than her and had ascended to the 6th star, while she remained mired at the 4th. The disparity stung, a quiet wound she carried in silence. She hadn’t shown her face for weeks for that reason. If that wasn’t depressing, then what was?
"Young lady, I advise you not to rush the process," the servant said, his tone gentle but firm, as if he could sense the storm of self-doubt brewing within her.
"Hm?" Tasha tilted her head, her brow furrowing.
"I understand what you’re feeling," he continued, stepping closer. His voice was low, almost conspiratorial, as if sharing a secret meant only for her. "But you must understand something."
"Understand what?" Tasha’s voice carried an edge of frustration. She wasn’t in the mood for cryptic advice, she wanted answers, a clear path forward.
The servant’s eyes softened, but his words were unflinching. "Young lady, do you know what I sense from Sir Baines every day? Rage. Fury. Bloodlust. A burning desire to achieve his goals drives him forward, like a fire consuming everything in its path. He means to risk everything to achieve it. And I fear you lack that same intensity, that hunger to improve."