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  Part- 304:

  James nodded, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. The instrus were simple but profound, the kind of guidahat only years of experience could distill into such precise words. With each repetition, the movements became sharper, more refined. It was like chiseling away at a rough stone, bit by bit, until only the essential form remained.

  They moved through more transitions—failed hip throws that became sweeps, blocked attacks that turned into joint locks, and defensive positions that seamlessly morphed into ters. Kashem’s teag style was methodical, almost ical, and James found fort in the crity it provided. There was no wasted motion, no unnecessary talk—just the pure essence of teique.

  An hour passed in what felt like minutes. By the time Kashem called for a break, James could feel the differen his body—his movements were more fluid, his reaore instinctive. His muscles burned, but it was the satisfying burn ress.

  Kashem gave James a firm pat on the shoulder as they ed up. "You’ve got the right mi," he said with a rare smile. "Stay focused, and you’ll do fine in the finals."

  James grabbed a towel from his bag, wiping the sweat from his face as he began pag his things. He felt lighter, both physically aally. This session had beely what he needed—a ce to step out of the routio fiuhe little things that ofte unnoticed but made all the differen a fight.

  Just as James slung his bag over his shoulder, Kashem’s voice cut through the quiet moment. "What about swordsmanship? Taking a break today?"

  James gnced up and gave a quiod. "Yeah, I told Coach Carlos I’d skip this week’s session. I want to serve my energy for the tour."

  Kashem chuckled, a sound that was more thoughtful than amused. "Smart choice," he said, nodding approvingly. "Sometimes, less really is more."

  James smiled, appreciating the affirmation. It wasn’t always easy to bance everything—sartial arts, and his personal life—but moments like these reminded him that he was on the right path.

  With a final nod to Kashem, James turned and made his way out of the office, feeling both exhausted and energized. The finals were just around the er, but for the first time in a while, he felt ready—not just physically, but mentally as well.

  James stepped out of the training hall, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension built up from an intense session. The light from the sun bathed the training area in a warm glow, aook a moment to appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of the Banani Martial Arts ter before heading outside. The thick wooden door creaked slightly as he pushed it open, and as soon as he stepped out, he spotted Mili waiting just outside, casually leaning against the wall. Her short bck hair bounced lightly as she straightened up upon seeing him, and a bright smile lit up her face.