"Could it really be that a mere suit of armor would plunge us into such dire straits?"
The Commandant nodded pensively, responding with a rhetorical question.
Upon reflecting, he felt less ashamed of his defeat. It seemed to be a natural outcome.
"But if that's the case, we might not be able to turn the tide anymore. Second Young Master Feng must have ways to strengthen his armor. Our progress in martial arts, on the other hand, is so painstaking that catching up seems impossible."
"...."
Upon hearing these words, the Commandant couldn't help but fall silent. If they couldn't turn the situation around, they would be the subject of ridicule for the rest of their lives.
No matter how extraordinary that suit of armor or its origin might be, those who wanted to mock them wouldn't care. They would only scorn them for their inability to defeat a mere suit of armor, labeling them as a disgrace to martial artists.
"If we can't win, then let's all lose together!"
