Bully Lord

Part-222

Carlos raised an eyebrow, then laughed—a deep, hearty laugh that echoed through the small training hall. "Self-defense?" he repeated, shaking his head. "No one chooses the sword for self-defense. The sword is a weapon of attack, not defense. If you want to protect yourself, pick up a shield, or learn some practical hand-to-hand combat."

James stayed silent, his gaze unwavering. He understood what Carlos was saying, but his reasons ran deeper than that. The sword wasn’t just a weapon to him—it represented a challenge, a path to growth, both in the dungeon and in his own life.

Carlos seemed to sense this. His laughter faded, and his expression softened, though there was still a hint of skepticism in his eyes. "You blocked every attack, but you couldn’t land a single one of your own," he said, almost as if testing James's resolve.

"I know," James admitted, his voice low. "But I won’t quit. I’ll get better."

Carlos studied him for a moment longer, then sighed. "Alright," he said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "I’ll teach you."

James's eyes widened in surprise. "You will?"

Carlos nodded, though his expression remained stern. "But understand this: swordsmanship is a long, grueling path. It’s not flashy, and it’s not easy. Most people quit after a few months because they can’t handle the discipline it requires. If you’re serious, you’ll have to commit to it fully."

James nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "I’m serious," he said firmly.

Carlos gave him a small, approving nod. "Good. We’ll start tomorrow. Be here at 6 AM sharp. Don’t be late."

With that, Carlos turned and walked away, signaling the end of their conversation. James stood there for a moment, processing everything that had just happened. Goni approached him, a faint smile on his face.

"Not bad, man," Goni said, extending a hand. "You’ve got potential."

James smiled back, shaking Goni's hand. "Thanks," he said, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "You’re pretty good yourself."

Goni chuckled. "Carlos doesn’t just train anyone. If he’s agreed to teach you, that means he sees something in you. Don’t waste it."

James nodded, the weight of Goni's words sinking in. He had earned Carlos’s approval, but this was just the beginning. There was still so much to learn, so much to improve.

James slung the wooden sword over his shoulder as he walked out of the martial arts center. His body ached from the match with Goni, and the tension from his encounter with Carlos still buzzed in his mind. Just as he reached for the door, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from Mili: *"Waiting for you outside by the exit."*

James raised an eyebrow, surprised. He hadn’t expected Mili to be around. He quickened his pace, curious to see what she wanted. When he stepped outside, there she was—leaning casually against the wall near the exit, scrolling through her phone. She wore a simple outfit, a loose-fitting t-shirt, and jeans, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Something about her relaxed demeanor caught James off guard.