Part-233

  James nodded, gripping the sword with both hands. He took a deep breath, cleared his mind, and began. The first swi powerful, the sword cutting through the air with a satisfying swish. He ted in his head, ensuring each swing was in time with the rhythm. But as the repetitions piled up, the weight of the sword became more burdensome, and his arms began to tremble.

  By the 60th swing, sweat dripped from his face, stinging his eyes. His breaths became ragged, and the sword felt as if it were made of lead. The urge to speed up and finish quickly was overwhelming, but he fought against it. He could not afford to make a mistake.

  Suddenly, his left arm faltered, throwing off his timing. He paused, letting out a frustrated groan. He knew what it meant—starting over. Carlos observed him without a word, his eyes never leaving James.

  "Again," Carlos anded.

  James nodded, swallowed his frustration, and started from the beginning. Each time he made it further, but each time, exhaustion got the better of him. It was only on his fifth attempt, at the 80th swing, that Carlos called it off.

  "That’s enough," Carlos said, stepping forward. "I didn’t expect you to reach 100 swings today. In fact, I would’ve been surprised if you did."

  James wiped the sweat from his brow and looked at Carlos in fusion. "Then why make me do it?"

  Carlos's eyes softened slightly, a faint smile tugging at the er of his mouth. "I wao see how you’d react when faced with an impossible task. Whether you'd get angry, frustrated, ive up."

  James stood silent, catg his breath, as Carlos tinued. "You didn't give up, and you didn't let your frustration trol you. That’s why you’ll tiraining here. But make no mistake, tomorrow, you will plete those 100 swings, or you’re out."

  James nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I uand. Thank you."

  Suddenly, a chime echoed in his ears, and a notification appeared in his vision:

  **[Mission 25: plete 100 rhythmic swings, and you will be granted +2 DEX. Penalty if you fail: You will be expelled from the sword css.]**

  A smile formed on James's lips as he aowledged the challehis was what he needed—an objective to strive for, a tangible goal to achieve. As Carlos walked away, James stared down at his sword, feeling the weight of it in his hands. This on was no longer just a tool; it was a refle of his journey, his struggles, and his determination.

  **"Tomorrow, I’ll reach 100,"** James muttered to himself, determination burning in his eyes.

  --

  James's muscles were still sore from his sword training with Carlos and then after doing dungeon run and gym, and the weight of his exhaustion pressed down on him like a heavy bhe dimly lit street ahead of him seemed endless, and the warm glow of streetlights offered little fort as he made his way bae. It was te, and most people had already turned in for the night, leaving him aloh his thoughts. But something wasn’t right. He felt a prig sensation at the back of his neck—a warning, as if a pair of unseen eyes were watg him ily.