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Autumndusk, The COU Castle: Hallway to Asmon's Office, Time: 3:00 AM
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Bada walked down the hallway, bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight that filtered through the windows. His steps were weary, his body feeling the effects of the night's tasks.
The responsibility of ensuring the safe return of the rulers had left him sore and exhausted.
"God, can't wait to go cuddle with the bed." He stifled a yawn, his fatigue evident as he navigated the quiet corridors alone.
The modern transportation systems Voxdrift had introduced to The COU and the various kingdoms undoubtedly made his task more manageable.
The trains had efficiently transported the rulers back to their castles, sparing them the long and arduous journeys that had been the norm in the past.
Yet, even with the convenience of technology, the weight of the night's responsibilities had taken a toll on Bada's energy.
As he walked, thoughts of relaxation crossed his mind. He mused that he could convince Mel to join him for a brief stretching session.
The idea of limbering up his body after a long night's work appealed to him, a way to release accumulated tension.
Passing by the windows that lined the corridor, Bada gazed out at the gardens that lay beyond.
The moonlit scene was serene, the quietude of the night broken only by the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
It was here, in this very place, that he had first encountered Sugar – a memory that was forever etched in his mind.
A nostalgic smile tugged at the corners of Bada's lips as he leaned closer to the window. His fingers grazed the glass, almost as if he could reach out and touch the past.
The memory of that encounter played vividly in his mind, a reminder of the fateful spring day when he had crossed paths with his idol, Sugar.
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Autumndusk, The COU Castle: The Garden, 5 years ago.
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The tranquil breeze enveloped the surroundings, casting a soothing atmosphere over the bustling COU. Life continued to thrive in harmony and peace, each person going about their daily tasks in this hub of activity.
Amidst the vibrant energy, two figures stood out, engaged in a practice that transcended the ordinary.
Sugar, his eyes ablaze with determination, and Bada, resolute and focused, engaged in a unique trial of skill and instinct.
The young prince of COU was being put to the test by Sugar, a challenge that stretched both his physical prowess and his honed instincts.
In this moment of practice, the bond between mentor and student was evident. Sugar wielded a wooden club, a makeshift weapon that he swung with precision and intent.
Bada, wearing a blindfold that obscured his vision, relied on his other senses to anticipate and counter Sugar's movements.
A wooden club swung toward Bada, who responded swiftly by blocking the strike with his arms, a display of his reflexes and determination.
Sugar's voice carried encouragement, "You're adapting quickly, Bada!"
As the training intensified, Bada's senses sharpened. His instincts guided him, and he tried to anticipate Sugar's moves.
He could feel the weight of Sugar's presence in the air, a reassuring constant amid the uncertainty of his surroundings.
Sugar's mischievous tactics added a new layer of challenge. Bada felt the air shift around him and knew that Sugar was up to something.
He concentrated on his instincts, trusting them to guide him.
Suddenly, a dark portal materialized beneath him. Bada's quick reflexes kicked in, and he used his arms to block the attack from below.
The impact reverberated through his arms, but he held his ground. 'Smart move, Sugar,' Bada thought as he analyzed the situation.
But Sugar wasn't done yet. A wooden club swung from the right, catching Bada off guard. The impact struck him, and he tumbled to the ground.
He grunted in frustration, realizing he needed to remain vigilant and adaptable.
Sugar's voice echoed in the garden, "Great effort, Bada! Remember, it's not just about blocking attacks, but also about predicting your opponent's next move."
Bada pushed himself back onto his feet, his determination unwavering. He focused on the sounds around him, the feel of the air, and the movements that hinted at Sugar's location.
As the afternoon sun cast long shadows, the training between Bada and Sugar intensified. Sugar's relentless assault tested Bada's reflexes, instincts, and resilience. Every move was a calculated challenge, pushing Bada to his limits.
The air was filled with the sounds of their training, the clashing of wooden clubs, and the sound of footsteps and quick movements.
Bada's determination and Sugar's guidance wove together, creating an intense atmosphere of growth and learning.
As the sun began its descent, the training session drew to a close. Bada's body was marked with bruises, and his clothes were stained with dirt and sweat.
He lay on the ground, breathing heavily, feeling both exhausted and accomplished.
Sugar approached, a satisfied grin on his face. "You did very well today!" He wiped some sweat from Bada's forehead and extended his hand.
Bada, despite his fatigue, managed a smile and accepted Sugar's hand, allowing himself to be pulled up.
They walked over to a nearby fountain and sat down together. Bada's body ached, but a sense of contentment washed over him.
"It's gonna be two more years before I can register myself as a guardian," Bada said, his determination unwavering.
Sugar chuckled, leaning back against the fountain's edge. "Two years, huh? I can't say I'm not eager to see how far you'll come in that time."
Bada shot Sugar a playful glare. "Don't get too excited. You're going to have your hands full training me."
Sugar winked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, I'm counting on it. And who knows, maybe you'll find my weak spot sooner than you think."
Sugar leaned back, letting the cool water from the fountain trickle over his fingers. "You know Bada, training and becoming a guardian is noble work, but don't forget to enjoy life too. The world is full of wonders beyond just fighting."
Bada nodded slowly, considering Sugar's words. "I know, I know. Sometimes I get so focused on my goals that I lose perspective. What would you recommend I do to, as you said, enjoy life more?"
"Well for starters, we could go grab a bite to eat after this. My treat!" Sugar grinned. "And you could try picking up a hobby beyond just combat training. Something creative maybe, like painting or music."
"Hobbies huh?" Bada rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I did always enjoy tinkering with gadgets when I was younger. Maybe I could take up some kind of engineering or invention project."
Sugar clapped Bada on the shoulder. "There you go! Finding other outlets will help balance you. Plus, who knows, you may discover a new passion along the way."
Bada smiled, feeling re-energized by the prospect of exploring new activities. "You're right Sugar. From tomorrow, I'll start looking into potential hobbies to pursue. No more putting all my eggs in just the guardian basket."
Sugar laughed, his cyan hair blown through the wind, "Challenge accepted, then. Who knows maybe, you will pick up-"
"SUGAR, WHERE ARE YOU? WE'VE GOT AN EVENING DATE TODAY!"
A feminine voice echoed through the garden, causing both Sugar and Bada to exchange amused glances.
"Well, looks like I shouldn't keep her waiting," Sugar said, getting up from where he was seated.
Bada nodded, chuckling. "Yeah, that's probably a good idea."
As Sugar began to walk away, he turned back to Bada with a grin. "Hey, Bada!"
Bada raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
Sugar's expression turned playful. "One day! I'm sure you'll beat me."
Bada's determination shone in his eyes as he stood up. "You bet! Once I'm strong enough, I'll come looking for you."
Sugar's smile widened. "That's the spirit! I'll be waiting."
With a final wave, Sugar headed off to meet his date, leaving Bada standing there with a sense of purpose. He watched Sugar disappear into the distance, knowing that every day brought him closer to the moment he could truly challenge and test his mentor.
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Autumndusk, The COU Castle: Hallway to Asmon's Office, Time: 3:20 AM
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Bada's moment of nostalgia gradually faded as he shook off his daydream. With a determined gaze, he focused back on the present.
"Yeah, I'll come looking for you," Bada murmured to himself, a confident smile playing on his lips.
He turned away from the garden and continued his walk toward his father's office, his steps purposeful.
Suddenly, a cheerful chirp caught his attention, and he turned around to find Mr. Fuzzy, the Dodo, standing there. The bird-like creature, sporting a red scarf around its neck, resembled Asmon amusingly.
"Mr. Fuzzy," Bada greeted with a warm smile, reaching out to pat the Dodo's feathery head. Together, they made their way toward the office, a silent camaraderie between them.
Entering the room, Bada's eyes met with Asmon and Nick engaged in conversation. "Father, what's the situation?" Bada inquired, his curiosity evident as he addressed his father.
Asmon turned his attention from Nick to Bada, acknowledging his son's arrival with a nod.
"Ah, you're back. Nick and I were just discussing how to approach this situation," Asmon explained, his expression a mix of seriousness and concern.
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