The restaurant was buzzing with activity as customers filtered in, filling tables and chattering as orders were taken. Midama moved briskly between tables, taking orders with ease, while Muzuhara kept things in line by serving patrons. Amid the usual sounds of clinking cutlery and warm greetings, a curious silence fell over the restaurant when a young boy with short white hair and strikingly long, pointy ears stepped inside, glancing around with a determined look.
Muzuhara noticed him immediately and, sensing something unusual, nodded toward Midama to check on the kid. Midama approached him gently, leaning down to meet his gaze. "Hey there, kiddo. What's your name, and what brings you here today?"
The boy stood straight, his dark, tattered clothing contrasting with his pale skin and resolute eyes. "My name is Miz Chyff, and I'm here for…" he paused for dramatic effect, "Sir Alexis Tilt"
Midama raised an eyebrow, more curious than concerned. "Alright, then. Give me a second, kid."
She quickly made her way to the back, where Alexis was busy inspecting the storage, making notes on their inventory. He looked up as she walked in, a questioning look on his face.
"We've got a visitor up front asking for you," Midama said with a smirk. "Young kid. Seems… interesting, to say the least."
Curious, Alexis followed her out to the front, where the boy stood waiting, his gaze fixed on him. As Alexis approached, the boy's eyes lit up with an intense fire.
"Sir Alexis Tilt!" Miz Chyff announced dramatically, pointing a finger directly at Alexis. "I want to become your disciple!"
The room fell silent. Customers paused mid-bite, Midama and Muzuhara exchanged bewildered looks, and even Carna, who was in the kitchen, peeked out from behind the counter with a look of sheer disbelief.
"Huh?" Alexis finally managed, blinking in confusion.
Miz, undeterred, took a step forward. "You are the Master Strategist, the brilliant mind of Boundless Adventure. I've seen your work, your tactics… I want to learn from you. I want to become as strong and as wise as you are!"
Alexis scratched his head, glancing around to see if anyone else was finding this as surreal as he was. "You… want to learn from me?" he asked, trying to gauge the seriousness in the boy's eyes. "Kid, you know I'm just managing a restaurant here, right? Strategy's not exactly in the job description."
Miz shook his head, his determination unwavering. "I don't care! I know you have the knowledge and skills to help me become great. I will do anything—wash dishes, sweep floors, clean tables—if you'll just teach me."
Alexis exchanged a helpless look with Midama, who simply shrugged, clearly entertained by the kid's spirit. He looked back at Miz, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"Alright, tell you what," Alexis said, crossing his arms. "Being a disciple isn't just about flashy skills and battles, you know. It's about learning from the ground up. How about this: if you want to learn from me, you'll start by working here. You'll do whatever Midama and Muzuhara ask of you, and if you prove you're serious, maybe we'll talk."
Midama and Muzuhara raised an eyebrow, amused. "Didn't know we were starting a mentorship program."
Miz's face lit up as he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sir Alexis! I'll prove myself worthy, I swear it!"
Alexis chuckled, watching the kid's excitement. "Alright, alright. But remember, no shortcuts. Now, let's get to work."
The day wore on, and Miz dawned a restaurant uniform and dove into his tasks with relentless enthusiasm. He scrubbed pots with a vigor that rivaled Midama's, wiped down tables with intense focus, and even tried his hand at taking orders, though the customers looked a little confused by his formal, knightly approach.
Carna chuckled as she watched Miz work, tossing a sidelong glance at Alexis. "You're gonna have your hands full with this one."
Alexis just grinned, watching Miz put his heart into every task. "Maybe. But there's something refreshing about that kid's spirit." He smirked. "Who knows? Maybe he'll teach us something, too."
The sun was setting, casting warm, golden hues across the restaurant as Alexis and the team wrapped up for the day. After surviving another midday Wave and serving the last of the dinner rush, they'd finally closed up shop, leaving the place quiet and calm. Alexis stretched, feeling the wear of the day in his muscles, when a sudden burst of energy shattered the stillness.
"Sir Alexis! Now! Train me!" Miz called out, his voice full of excitement and determination, his arm extended dramatically, pointing at Alexis with unwavering resolve.
Alexis blinked, looking over his shoulder at the kid's serious expression. With a bemused smile, he waved Miz over. "Alright, alright, keep it down. You don't want to alert the whole neighborhood," he said, walking over to a storage closet in the back. After a few moments, he returned, handing Miz a wooden short sword.
"Here," Alexis said, holding out a similar weapon for himself. "This should do for tonight's lesson. No need to jump straight into combat—first, we'll work on the basics."
Miz took the wooden sword eagerly, inspecting it as if it were a legendary blade. "I'll do my best, Sir Alexis! Show me what I need to learn, and I'll master it!"
They then visited an empty park nearby the restaurant, where they would start Miz's training.
Alexis stepped back, raising his sword to demonstrate. "Alright, then. Let's start with stance. The way you hold yourself is just as important as the blade itself."
He shifted his feet slightly apart, lowering his center of gravity. Miz quickly mimicked him, glancing back and forth between Alexis's form and his own. "You need to balance evenly. Think of your feet like the roots of a tree," Alexis explained. "Strong and stable."
Miz adjusted his feet, determination etched into his face. "Like this?"
"Better, but watch your grip," Alexis said, tapping Miz's hand gently. "Too tight, and you'll exhaust yourself. Too loose, and you'll lose control. Find that balance."
Miz nodded, loosening his grip slightly, then raised his sword. Alexis took a step forward and lightly tapped Miz's sword with his own, testing Miz's reflexes.
"Let's see how you handle defense," Alexis said. He aimed a slow strike toward Miz's left side. Miz responded with an eager, but slightly clumsy, block, grinning as he succeeded.
"Nice block, but don't celebrate yet," Alexis warned, immediately following with a quick tap from the other side.
Miz barely blocked in time, his eyes widening. "Whoa! You didn't say you'd be that fast, Sir Alexis!"
"Well, out in the field, the enemy's not going to wait for you," Alexis replied with a smirk. "Now, focus. Stay in the moment."
Miz took a deep breath, his face more serious. Alexis continued with a series of slow but increasingly varied strikes, testing Miz's reflexes and pushing him to react quickly. Miz blocked each one with growing confidence, his movements becoming more fluid and natural.
"Not bad," Alexis said, nodding approvingly. "You're picking this up faster than I expected."
Miz's eyes lit up with pride, but Alexis held up a finger. "But don't get cocky. We're just getting started."
Without warning, Alexis suddenly shifted his stance and launched a quick strike toward Miz's midsection. Miz hesitated, but managed to block just in time, though he stumbled slightly backward.
"Always stay grounded," Alexis reminded him, stepping back to let Miz recover. "Your stance is your foundation. No matter how quick or strong your opponent, if you keep that foundation, you'll stay in control."
Miz straightened, breathing heavily but smiling. "Got it! I think I'm getting the hang of this!"
Alexis gave a nod of approval. "Good. Now, one last test. I'm going to attack, and I want you to dodge. Try to anticipate the direction of the strike."
Miz adjusted his stance, his face set with determination. Alexis stepped forward with a feint to the left, then quickly shifted to strike from the right. Miz hesitated but managed to sidestep the attack, a grin spreading across his face.
"I did it!" he exclaimed.
"Not bad, Miz," Alexis said, lowering his sword with a small smile. "But remember, training is a long journey. You'll need discipline, patience, and—"
"More training?" Miz interrupted, his face lit up with excitement.
Alexis chuckled, shaking his head. "Exactly. And that's enough for tonight. Get some rest. You'll need it if you're serious about keeping this up. I guess you'd better head home and get some rest. We'll pick this up again soon."
Miz rubbed the back of his neck, glancing down. "Actually… I don't have a home. Or… really anywhere to stay."
Alexis stared at Miz for a long moment, a bit stunned. "Wait… you're telling me you've got nowhere to go?"
Miz nodded, looking awkward but determined. "Yeah. I've been on my own since I got here, wandering and sleeping wherever I can find. But I'd rather be training than just scraping by on my own!"
Alexis scratched his head, suddenly feeling a wave of responsibility he hadn't expected. So this kid really doesn't have anywhere else to go? After a deep sigh and a moment of hesitation, he said, "Alright, come on. You'll stay with me… for now."
They arrived at Seika's apartment building just as night had fully settled in, the lights of the city casting a soft glow over everything. As Alexis awkwardly opened the door, Miz peered inside, eyes wide with curiosity. Seika popped her head out of her room at the sound, her brow raising as she noticed Miz.
"Hey, Seika…" Alexis began, scratching the back of his head. "This is Miz. He's… got nowhere else to go, so I thought I'd, you know, let him stay here."
Seika blinked, her face slowly shifting from confusion to a look of pure deadpan realization. She crossed her arms, gave Alexis a long, appraising look, and then, without missing a beat, said, "...You will be paying for his rent too."
Alexis sighed, already knowing this was coming. "Fair point… alright. I'll cover it."
Miz looked between them, a little bewildered but grateful. "Thank you, ma'am! I promise I won't cause any trouble."
Seika's expression softened just a little, and she managed a half-smile, though her voice was a bit dry. "Well, just keep your promise. And don't call me ma'am."
Miz nodded vigorously, relief clear in his eyes. He looked to Alexis with a grin. "So, do I get a bed and everything?"
"Yeah, yeah, don't push it," Alexis said, though he couldn't help but chuckle. "Welcome to the team, I guess."
Seika, watching the two of them, let out a sigh but couldn't help a small smile as she turned to head back to her room. "Alright, boys. Keep it down. And Alexis—next time, warn me before bringing a stray home."
With a grin, Alexis gave her a playful salute. "Noted, boss."
As the door closed behind her, Alexis turned to Miz, finally feeling a bit of the day's exhaustion hit. "Alright, you can crash on the couch for now. Tomorrow, we'll figure out the rest."
Miz plopped down on the couch with a big grin. "Thanks, Sir Alexis. I won't let you down."
Alexis shook his head, smirking as he made his way to his own room. "We'll see, kid. We'll see."
The next day rose, They did their restaurant work, the sun had set, casting long shadows across the park as the evening air grew cool. The usual sounds of the city—distant chatter, the hum of cars—faded in the background as Alexis and Miz stood across from each other, ready to continue Miz's training. The previous day had been a good start, but today Alexis was ready to take things up a notch.
"Alright, Miz, today we're working on Agyl' Boost," Alexis said, adjusting his wooden short sword in his hand. "This skill is about enhancing your movement and weapon swing speed. It's going to take a lot of focus, so be prepared."
Miz nodded with determination, his white hair shimmering faintly under the park's dim lights. "I'm ready, Sir Alexis!"
Alexis rolled his eyes, the corners of his mouth twitching into a grin. "Just Alexis. No need for all the formality. And, Miz, it's not about strength right now—it's about control. You've got to focus on your connection with your body and your energy. Agyl' Boost isn't something that can be forced. It's a rhythm."
With a quick nod, Miz mimicked Alexis's stance, holding his own wooden sword tightly. Alexis took a deep breath and demonstrated the motion first, his body shifting fluidly as he activated Agyl' Boost. The instant he did, there was a brief flicker of light, and he shot forward in a blur of speed, his sword swinging with a sharp crack through the air before he slowed down, coming to a smooth stop.
Miz's eyes widened in awe. "Wow. That was incredible!"
Alexis shrugged, clearly trying to downplay it. "It's all about control. You don't have to be fast—just precise. Alright, now you try it."
Miz squared his shoulders and closed his eyes for a moment, focusing. His feet shifted slightly, and he attempted to activate Agyl' Boost the same way Alexis had shown him. His body began to glow faintly for a split second, and then—whoosh!—he shot forward in a burst of speed, but it was a much shorter distance than Alexis's. He slid to a halt, his heart racing as he panted for breath.
Alexis raised an eyebrow, then gave a small nod. "Not bad. That was Agyl' Accel. It's a faster, shorter burst, but it's still progress. It means you're close, but you're not quite there with Agyl' Boost yet."
Miz looked frustrated but quickly nodded. "It was faster, though! I think I can feel it now!"
"That's the point," Alexis said with a smile, trying to reassure him. "Agyl' Accel is like a scaled-back version of Agyl' Boost. It's quicker to activate and less tiring, but it doesn't have the same long-range benefits. If you master it, though, you'll have an advantage in quick bursts of speed."
Miz looked down at the ground, clearly deep in thought. "But how do I—how do I master it?"
Alexis crossed his arms, pacing a little as he spoke. "Simple. You've got to get used to how it feels. Right now, you're rushing it, trying to push the speed too quickly. Relax, Miz. Take a step back and feel the flow of the energy. It's a lot like learning how to walk faster—you don't try to force it, you just adjust your pace until it becomes natural."
Miz nodded again, but this time his expression was more focused. "I'll do it. I can feel it now, I just need to get used to it."
"Good. Take your time," Alexis said, his voice steady. "No rush. Just make sure your mind and body are working together. The moment you feel the energy and movement connect, that's when you know you've got it."
Miz took a deep breath and closed his eyes. For a moment, he was still—his entire focus narrowed on the flow of energy within his body. Then, with a sudden burst of confidence, he sprang into action, his legs kicking off the ground, his body moving quicker than before. The faint glow from his body increased slightly, but this time, instead of fizzling out, it continued for a few more seconds, his movements maintaining that brief burst of speed as he swiftly crossed the park.
He stopped, breathing heavily but grinning from ear to ear. "Did you see that, Alexis? I did it! I did it for longer!"
Alexis watched, his expression neutral, but there was a hint of approval in his eyes. "Yeah, that's more like it. You've got control now. Keep practicing, and soon enough, Agyl' Boost will come naturally."
Miz bounced on the balls of his feet, clearly excited. "Thanks! I'll keep at it, Sir Alexis!"
Alexis chuckled at the title but didn't correct him. "Good. Just remember—every little bit of progress is a step toward your goal. Keep focusing and refining it. And don't burn yourself out trying to rush."
They spent the next few hours in the park, Miz practicing his Agyl' Accel, and Alexis offering guidance here and there, fine-tuning his movements. By the end of the night, Miz's bursts of speed had grown longer, and his control over the skill was improving, though he still had a long way to go.
Finally, Alexis gave a satisfied sigh. "Alright, that's enough for tonight. We'll pick this up tomorrow."
Miz, breathing heavily, wiped the sweat from his forehead and gave Alexis a determined look. "I won't stop, I'll get it right, you'll see!"
Alexis smiled faintly, his hands on his hips. "I'm looking forward to it, kid. You've got potential."
As they left the park and made their way back to the apartment, Miz's mind was buzzing with excitement. He might not master Agyl' Boost, but with Alexis's guidance, he felt closer than ever to achieving it.
The next evening arrived, the night air cool and crisp as the park remained quiet under the dim glow of the streetlights. Alexis and Miz stood at the same spot they had trained the previous night, the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional distant hum of traffic providing a calm backdrop to their focused atmosphere.
Today, Alexis had decided it was time to teach Miz how to use his signature skill: Precision Strike—a technique that could deliver devastating damage when charged, whether with fists or a weapon. It was a skill that relied on patience, focus, and control, and Alexis knew it would test Miz's ability to channel his energy.
Miz stood across from a self-made training dummy, a crude but functional target Alexis had spent the night constructing. The dummy was made from stacked hay bales and old cloth, shaped to resemble a basic humanoid form, but sturdy enough to handle the force of a Precision Strike.
"Alright, Miz," Alexis began, his hands resting casually on the wooden sword slung across his back. "This is a charging attack. The longer you charge it, the greater the damage. But be careful—you don't want to waste too much energy, or you won't be able to hit anything."
Miz looked at the dummy, his expression a mix of determination and nervousness. "Got it, Sir Alexis!" he said, using the same overly formal tone that Alexis had long since grown accustomed to, but still did nothing to correct.
Alexis just smiled slightly, rolling his eyes. "It's just Alexis. Now, watch closely. I'll show you how it's done."
Alexis stood in front of the dummy, taking a few slow breaths to center himself. He then raised his wooden short sword, holding it steady in front of him. His stance was balanced, legs apart, and his focus sharpened. Slowly, he began to channel energy into the sword, the blade seeming to shimmer slightly in the moonlight as his mana began to coalesce.
"Watch how the charge builds," Alexis explained. "The longer I hold it, the more power it'll have."
He paused, letting the charge accumulate for a few moments, and then with a quick but deliberate movement, he swung the sword forward in a controlled arc. The wooden blade cracked against the dummy with a powerful thud—leaving a noticeable dent in the target. The force behind the strike was clear, and the dummy shifted slightly, its straw stuffing puffing up from the impact.
"See that?" Alexis said, stepping back and wiping his hands on his pants. "The longer you hold it, the more focused the strike becomes. It's all about control—how much power you're able to concentrate into that one moment."
Miz was silent for a moment, eyes glued to the dummy where Alexis had struck. He nodded eagerly. "Okay, okay, I think I understand. It's about focusing the charge, right?"
Alexis nodded, crossing his arms. "Exactly. The more you charge it up, the greater the damage. But if you charge it too long, you risk leaving yourself vulnerable. So you need to be able to judge the timing—how much charge is enough for a clean strike and when to let go."
Miz grinned, enthusiasm brimming on his face. "I'll do it! I'll make it perfect!"
"Don't get too ahead of yourself," Alexis warned. "It takes time to master control. Just focus on getting the feel of it first."
Miz took a deep breath and raised his wooden sword, mimicking Alexis's stance. He steadied himself and, after a few moments of quiet focus, began channeling his energy into the weapon. At first, there was a hesitation—he wasn't sure how much energy to channel or when to let it build. The sword felt heavier as the mana flowed through it, but Miz held his ground.
"Don't force it," Alexis reminded, stepping to the side to observe. "Let it flow naturally."
Miz nodded, tightening his grip as he felt the pulse of mana within him, the power surging. His feet shifted, adjusting his stance, and he drew back his sword for the strike. For a moment, everything felt perfect—the charge had reached a peak, and he felt a rush of confidence.
With a sharp exhale, he swung his sword at the dummy. The wooden blade sliced through the air, landing with a loud crack against the target.
The strike was solid, but it wasn't as powerful as Alexis's demonstration. The dummy wobbled a bit but didn't shift nearly as much. Miz's face fell slightly as he realized the attack hadn't landed with the force he was hoping for.
Alexis stepped forward, walking over to the dummy and inspecting the strike. "It's not bad, Miz. You've got the idea, but you didn't fully release the charge."
Miz grumbled, scratching his head. "I thought I had it. What went wrong?"
"Timing," Alexis explained, crouching down to adjust the dummy. "You were just a little too fast. You didn't give the charge enough time to build."
"But it felt like it was ready," Miz said, his frustration mounting.
"It felt ready, but your body wasn't quite in sync with the charge. Precision Strike isn't just about speed—it's about control," Alexis replied, standing up and looking at Miz. "You have to let it build, feel the power, and then release it with the right amount of energy. Not too much, but just enough."
Miz took a few deep breaths, nodding. "Okay, I get it now. Let me try again."
"Take your time," Alexis said, stepping back to give him space. "No rush. Focus."
Miz raised his wooden sword once again, this time taking extra care to steady himself. He wasn't going to rush it. He closed his eyes, letting the mana flow naturally into the weapon. The energy built slowly, and for a moment, it felt different—more controlled, more in tune with his movements.
This time, he didn't swing immediately. He let the charge build longer, feeling the surge of power. His feet dug into the earth, his posture firm. Then, with a sharp breath, he swung the sword in a smooth arc.
The wooden blade collided with the dummy, and this time the strike landed with a much more satisfying thud. The dummy shifted noticeably, its body tilting to the side with the force of the blow.
Miz stepped back, eyes wide in surprise, as he caught his breath. "I... I did it!"
Alexis smiled, his arms crossed with a sense of approval. "There you go. That's Precision Strike. You've got the control now."
Miz stood a little taller, clearly feeling more confident. "Thanks, Alexis! I can do it! I just need to practice more!"
"Exactly," Alexis said, nodding. "Practice makes perfect. Don't rush, though. Mastering the timing is just as important as the power. Now, keep working on it. The more you practice, the more you'll get a feel for it."
Miz grinned, already feeling the thrill of success. "I won't let you down!"
As the two of them stood in the dim park, the quiet night surrounding them, Miz's confidence seemed to grow with each passing moment.
The sun rose early on this particular Saturday, its golden light creeping into the small kitchen of Seika's apartment. The clink of plates and the sizzle of a skillet filled the air as Alexis (now currently wearing his weekend clothing, that he wore last chapter) and Miz enjoyed a simple breakfast before their training session. The past few days had followed the same rhythm—work at the restaurant, dealing with the midday Waves, and intense training at the park in the evening. But today was different. Alexis had decided it was time to see just how much Miz had truly learned.
"Alright, Miz," Alexis said with a glint in his eye as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Today's the day. We're going to have a duel."
Miz's eyes widened, excitement and a hint of nervousness rushing through him. "A duel? You mean like... a real one?"
"Yeah, real. You've been training hard, so now it's time to test your skills." Alexis' tone was calm, but there was a serious edge to it, a silent challenge in his words.
Miz nodded quickly, a fire lighting in his chest. "I'll show you what I've learned!"
After finishing their meal, they made their way to the same park where they had trained for the past few days. The crisp morning air and the empty expanse of grass between them made it the perfect setting. The park was calm, the early birds chirping overhead, but everything felt alive with anticipation as Alexis and Miz stood a few paces apart, weapons in hand.
Alexis, ever composed, stood with his wooden short sword casually in his right hand. Miz, his usual white hair slightly tousled from the morning breeze, gripped his sword with both hands, his stance eager yet focused. Today was the day he'd show Alexis that his training hadn't been in vain.
"Alright, Miz," Alexis said, his voice sharp. "Rules are simple. We fight until one of us gets disarmed. If you get my weapon out of my hands, you win. If I get yours, I win. Got it?"
Miz nodded, adjusting his grip. "Got it."
"Then let's begin."
Alexis stretched his neck, his calm demeanor betraying the underlying intensity in his eyes. With a fluid motion, he activated Agyl' Boost, his body surging with energy as his movement speed doubled, the world seeming to slow down around him. The air itself seemed to hum with his increased power.
Miz, not to be outdone, quickly activated Agyl' Accel—his own version of the skill. His form blurred for a split second, a flash of white hair and quick, sharp steps. The difference was noticeable: where Alexis moved with calculated precision, Miz was faster but lacked the same level of fluidity. Still, it was clear that he wasn't holding back.
The two stood facing each other, the tension between them almost palpable. Without a moment's hesitation, Alexis lunged forward, moving with the grace and speed of someone who had been in countless battles. Miz, reacting almost instinctively, sidestepped with a burst of speed, narrowly avoiding the incoming strike as Alexis's sword barely skimmed the air.
Clang! The sound of wood against wood echoed as Miz quickly retaliated, swinging his sword at Alexis's side. Alexis's agility allowed him to parry the strike with ease, his body already moving into position for a counterattack.
Miz's eyes widened in surprise at the speed and efficiency of Alexis's movements. He's fast... really fast!
Alexis smirked. "Not bad, Miz. But you'll need to do better than that!"
With a quick flick of his wrist, Alexis aimed a low slash at Miz's legs. Miz jumped, narrowly evading the strike, but Alexis followed up with a powerful overhand strike aimed directly at his head.
Miz's heart pounded in his chest, but he didn't hesitate. Agyl' Accel fueled him as he ducked low, twisting his body out of the way just in time. He felt the breeze of the sword rush past his head, and in that moment, he knew this was his chance. He countered, swinging his sword up with all his strength, aiming for Alexis's side.
But Alexis was already gone, his body shifting sideways with the enhanced speed of Agyl' Boost. The swing missed, and before Miz could react, Alexis was on the offensive once more, his sword coming down in a quick series of strikes, forcing Miz into a defensive stance.
Clang! Clang! Clang! The sound of their wooden blades clashing rang out like a symphony as they exchanged blows, each one faster and more precise than the last. Miz's movements had grown sharper, more in tune with his own rhythm, but Alexis's experience and control made him a formidable opponent.
Miz's breath quickened as he blocked another strike, feeling the pressure of the duel building. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him, his body responding instinctively to Alexis's attacks, but it was clear that he was struggling to keep up with his master's speed.
"Come on, Miz! Show me everything you've got!" Alexis taunted, his eyes gleaming with excitement. His sword blurred through the air as he launched a series of quick slashes from all angles, aiming to wear Miz down.
Miz gritted his teeth, his mind racing as he desperately tried to keep up. He dodged another slash, then another, his body moving on pure instinct. I can't let him beat me like this! I have to—
In a burst of determination, Miz activated Precision Strike, charging up the energy in his sword. The moment the charge hit its peak, he swung the sword in a wide arc, hoping to land a decisive blow. Alexis, however, had anticipated this move. With a swift sidestep, he dodged the strike and followed through with a quick, calculated parry, knocking Miz off balance.
The force of the parry sent Miz stumbling backward. He managed to regain his footing, but Alexis was already there, closing in with a flurry of attacks. Miz swung his sword to block, but Alexis's speed was overwhelming. He dodged, blocked, and countered with seamless precision, his every move flowing like water.
Finally, Alexis saw his opening. With a quick motion, he swept Miz's feet from under him, sending the young apprentice sprawling onto the grass. The wooden sword flew from Miz's hand as he hit the ground with a soft thud.
Alexis stood over him, his sword raised in a victorious stance, but his expression was one of approval, not mockery.
Miz lay on the grass, panting heavily, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I... I lost," he panted, his voice a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.
Alexis lowered his sword, stepping back to offer Miz a hand. "You did well, Miz," he said, his voice calm but full of praise. "You've grown a lot in these few days. Your movements were much more controlled, and your reaction time improved significantly."
Miz took Alexis's hand, pulling himself up with a slight wince. "Thanks... I'm not there yet, but I'll keep training. I won't give up."
"I know you won't," Alexis said with a small, encouraging smile. "You've got potential, and that's what matters most."
Miz nodded, determination lighting up his eyes. "I'll catch up to you one day, Alexis."
Alexis chuckled lightly. "I look forward to it. But for now, you've earned a rest."
As they stood there in the peaceful park, the tension of the duel began to fade, and Miz felt a surge of satisfaction despite the loss. Alexis had acknowledged his growth, and that was all he needed to keep pushing forward in the future.
(And It's now a fact that Miz is now living with Alexis and Seika at Seika's apartment suite.)