I flinched.
"No, I'm afraid that won't be possible at the time." I said with a cold voice. "I would love to accept that challenge in the future though." I bowed my head slightly. "If you'll excuse me," I turned my back and left with hasty steps.
"Kai?" Aoife called my name, but I ignored her.
I headed straight outside, to the trees surrounding the outer wall. A place to relax, a place to clear my mind. That was what I needed right now.
I walked among the trees as I forced myself to calm down.
Emilia's words hurt more than I thought they would. Despite my failings and inadequacy, I had always prided myself on working as hard as I could and being the best version of myself. As much as I could, anyways. Sure, I was rarely successful, but I always tried my hardest. And if anything, I could accept any challenge thrown at me because I knew that it would help me grow as a person and as a martial artist.
