Part-237

  Mili shifted unfortably. "But isn’t martial arts about dedication? About choosing oh and mastering it?"

  "Yes," Lily agreed, "but sometimes, you have to try different paths to find your own way. Maybe he hasn’t found it yet, or maybe…" She paused, her gaze never leaving her brother. "Maybe he's trying to master something beyond just martial arts."

  Mili tilted her head, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

  Lily sighed, as if the weight of years had suddenly settled on her shoulders. "James has always been fighting for something—whether it’s respect, strength, or purpose. He hides it well, but I see it. Every time he picks up a different style, he's searg for a piece of himself." She looked at Mili, a knowing smile pying on her lips. "And you, of all people, should uand that."

  Taken aback, Mili remained silent, uo articute her thoughts. She watched James as he began practig his swings, sweat already starting to form on his brow. There was a fierce determination in his eyes—an unyielding fire that refused to be extinguished. It was both inspiring and intimidating.

  "I'll be heading to my own css," Lily said, snapping Mili out of her thoughts. "But keep watg him. He is a good boy i."

  As Lily walked away, Mili tio watch James. There was something captivating about the way he moved, the sheer effort he put into each swing, the unspoken pain and triumph that seemed to flow through him with every motion. She had seen many martial artists in her life, but none quite like him.

  Later that day.

  James was fully engrossed in his training, tuning out the world around him as he attempted to plete the 100 rhythmic swings assigned by Carlos. Sweat dripped down his forehead, stinging his eyes, but he refused to slow down. The wooden sword felt heavier with each passing swing, but he pushed through, ign the burning in his muscles. There was something liberating about this struggle, a sense of crity that came with pushing himself to the limit.

  At st, he pleted the 100th swing. He let out a ragged breath, his chest heaving. "I did it," he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. He looked up to see Carlos leaning against the wall, a smug grin on his face.

  "You surprise me, James," Carlos said, pushing himself off the wall and walking over. "I didn’t think you’d be able to do it."

  James wiped the sweat from his forehead, a weak smile. "You were pnning to kick me out from the start, weren’t you?"

  Carlos let out a chuckle. "No, ly. I would've given you another ce, but you’re the first to succeed on the first try. That takes determination."

  "Thanks," James said, feeling a small swell of pride in his chest. "So, what's ?"

  Carlos’s eyes narrowed, a wicked gleam fshing within them. "Now, you’ll do the same rhythmic swings, but while standing on one foot."