Chapter 57: Piece of shit
"Catch!" Without warning, Ray hurled a fighting stick in Mia’s direction. She scrambled to catch it, losing her balance and tumbling to the floor in the process.
"Why didn’t you tell me before throwing?!" She snapped, slamming her fists on the ground in frustration.
"Your opponent won’t announce when they are going to strike. Get up," he replied calmly, not even sparing her a glance. To her surprise, he began removing his shirt, leaving her bewildered.
They were here to train so why was he undressing? Was he planning something inappropriate? No, of course not. Even Ray wouldn’t try anything in a public training ground. She was definitely overthinking it.
"Why are you taking off your shirt?" Mia finally asked, deciding to voice her confusion directly.
Instead of answering, Ray picked up his fighting stick and moved to the center of the training ground. "I have heard you like to grab your opponent’s shirt to gain an advantage. That won’t work here," he explained, his tone as indifferent as ever.
Mia scoffed, rolling her eyes as she moved to join him. "Klaus really talks too much. But let me make one thing clear, I don’t need to cheat to win," she declared, a smug grin tugging at her lips. Despite her bravado, Ray remained impassive, staring at her as though she were an unremarkable gem.
"Let’s get this over with!" She barked, readying herself. She knew she was no match for Ray in combat, but she didn’t want him to underestimate her. Showing weakness would only seal her defeat; she couldn’t afford to give him that satisfaction.
"Curve your back slightly. Keep your legs angled toward your opponent," Ray instructed, circling her and using his stick to nudge her into the correct stance.