Chapter 77: A Game of Masks
Ren was exactly where he expected her to be—inside her private gym, attacking a training dummy with sharp, precise strikes.
The air hummed with the faint vibrations of the simulation field, a holographic interface flickering in sync as it traced her every movement, logging the power, speed, and precision behind each strike. Data streams scrolled along the periphery, analyzing her performance in real time, but Ren wasn't paying attention to the numbers.
The space was vast, lined with reinforced walls designed to absorb impact, yet it seemed to shrink under her fury, the sheer intensity of her movements making even the large room feel confining.
Orion leaned against the doorway, watching in silence. Her footwork was sharp. Her technique flawless. The sheer ferocity behind each strike made it clear she wasn't just practicing—she was venting every ounce of pent-up anger.
After a few more hits, he smirked. "You know, if that thing had feelings, it would be crying by now."
Ren didn't pause. She pivoted, driving a final knee into the dummy's midsection before stepping back, exhaling sharply. "Go away."
Orion tsked, tilting his head with a wry smile. "I'm here to make amends. Though, if you ask me, I think I'm not the only one who should be apologizing." His tone was teasing but careful, testing the waters.
Ren narrowed her eyes, squeezing the towel in her hands. "Oh? And what exactly do you think I should be apologizing for?"
He spread his fingers to count. "Well, let's see—setting my practice droid to its highest difficulty while I was sleeping, and let's not forget nearly dislocating my shoulder last week. Also..."
Ren scoffed. "That was your fault. You should've dodged."
Orion chuckled. "You are completely ruthless. But lucky for you, I'm a forgiving person."