Chapter 50

• I trained for half an hour without stopping, each movement sharp and deliberate. Every turn, every thrust, every motion was calculated—my body moving like a finely tuned machine. My focus was absolute, my determination unwavering. Finally, with one last powerful strike, I shattered a stone into dust, the force of it echoing through the quiet space.
• Antern stood off to the side, watching me with a mix of awe and respect. His eyes swept over the scattered leaves around me—each one pierced with precision, not a single one untouched.
• "My lady," he said, his voice laced with amazement. "Your skill has surpassed even the best. You're nearly at the level your father was."