Chapter 78: Flow
Orion left Kaiser's study, his mind still weighing the conversation. He had one week before the gala—one week to sharpen himself, not just mentally, but physically.
His last training session with Ren had exposed a flaw that gnawed at him like a wound left untreated.
"You're too reactive, Orion."
Ren's voice echoed in his mind, sharp and undeniable.
"You predict your opponent. Don't get me wrong, you are amazing at it, even better than me who is enhanced as the Apex, but what happens when you're unable to predict the opponent's movement? You freeze."
At the time, Orion had scowled, sweat dripping from his chin as he struggled to catch his breath. He wanted to argue, but what could he say? Every time he lunged, Ren was already moving.
Every time Orion attacked, Ren had a counter waiting. It was like fighting smoke—his strikes hit nothing, his footwork always a half-step too slow. He was playing into Ren's hands without even realizing it.
Frustration boiled in his chest. Orion prided himself on his ability to read his opponents, to see their next move before they made it. But what good was foresight if he couldn't force them to make the wrong move? If he couldn't dictate the flow of battle?
That night, he logged into Ares Combat Simulator, a full-immersion VR combat simulator used by elite trainees, duelists, and even professional fighters. Unlike scripted training exercises, every opponent was real—a person with instincts, experience, and unpredictable tactics.
Tonight, Orion wasn't here to win.
He was here to break himself down and rebuild from scratch.