Chapter 98 Sparring
But something about her words made Addison pause.
Was it just her imagination, or was there a double meaning hidden beneath that calm, courteous voice? Was Mila subtly implying that Addison had fallen behind — that she was no longer on Mila’s level after being away from training for so long?
Addison frowned slightly, then shook her head, brushing the thought aside. Maybe it was just her own insecurities talking — ghosts of doubt creeping in.
After all, Mila stood there poised and graceful, the very image of control and refinement. In contrast, Addison felt like a wild child — rough around the edges, chaotic, and untamed.
Addison didn’t say a word — she simply smiled back at Mila. After finishing her stretches, she stepped closer into the arena, her expression calm but focused.
Mila, standing still with an air of composed grace, returned the smile, brighter now, but with an undertone that made Addison raise an eyebrow. It was subtle, but the way Mila held herself, so serene and unbothered, felt almost like she wasn’t taking Addison seriously.
But Mila had said she could attack first, and Addison had no intention of holding back. In a real battle, enemies wouldn’t wait for you to catch up, and there was no room for courtesy.
Without hesitation, Addison launched her first strike — a straight punch aimed directly at Mila’s face. Mila smoothly dodged to the side, but Addison was already anticipating that move. Her left hand shot up beneath Mila’s chin, aiming for a swift uppercut.
Mila didn’t have time to evade. She stepped back just as the blow grazed her chin — enough to make her head snap slightly and a wave of dizziness wash over her. She staggered.