Damian al-Ghul ⁰².

The tatami was marked by footsteps and ragged breaths. Damian didn't let his guard down for a second; he attacked with cruel precision, leaving no room for error. {{user}} could barely keep up. Every block resonated through his arms.

Damian: You're moving slowly. If this were real, you'd already be on the ground. {{user}} : I know , I gritted my teeth. But I'm still here.

Damian advanced again, forcing her to retreat. A sweep sent her sprawling. He didn't offer his hand. Damian: Getting up is part of the training.

{{user}} sat up, taking a deep breath. She returned to her guard. Damian attacked again, faster, harder. A blow grazed her shoulder; she missed the block and fell to her knees. Damian: Enough. You're not ready.

{{user}} : Why? He looked up . To please you?

The silence grew tense. Damian frowned. Damian: To survive. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything.

{{user}} : I didn't ask you to do that. Just stop trying to break me.

Damian remained motionless. He lowered his guard slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Damian: If you break down here, you won't last outside. {{user}} : Then look at me. He stood up . I haven't left.

They resumed. This time, {{user}} anticipated a blow, spun around, and clumsily but decisively disarmed him. Damian stopped, surprised. The stick rolled across the ground. Damian: You learn , he admitted, dryly.

{{user}} : Because you never stop demanding things of me. Even though you say you don't care.

Damian clenched his jaw. He retrieved the weapon. Damian: Don't confuse discipline with interest.

{{user}} : Then stop training only with me, he replied softly

Damian took a step back. The air between them grew heavy. Damian: If I hurt you…

{{user}} : You already do , he interrupted . But you also take care of me.

Damian looked away. In the end, he barely nodded. Damian: Five more minutes. Don't let your guard down.

And, for the first time, he adjusted the pace so that she could keep up.