With Rem, it was sparring with high-speed sword strikes. With Ragna, it was sparring to counter sword styles, only clashing lightly. With Audin, they exchanged strikes and grappling holds bare-handed.
After the sparring ended.
“You’re finally taking your first steps,” Rem said.
First steps.
It might have sounded like he was looking down on him. But I knew that wasn’t the case. A faint smile appeared on Rem’s face as he spoke.
To Enkrid, it was a look of satisfaction.
“Your wasted movements have decreased.”
Ragna also added a word. This too was hard to take as a compliment. The words were plain, but an unprecedented fervor could be seen in Ragna’s eyes.
He was the type to go around with his eyes half-open for most things. The look in his eyes came from being utterly satisfied with the sparring match against Enkrid. A cold heat was transmitted from Ragna’s eyes.
“You’ve continued your sensory training,” Jacksen offered a calm compliment.
“You’ve taken a step closer to the Lord,” Audin said with strange words.
I mulled it over a few times, but the meaning didn't seem good, so I stared at Audin. Rem spoke before Enkrid could.
“Isn’t that basically praying for him to die?”
“No, Brother. It is a blessing.”
What part of that is a blessing? Anyway, the sparring was over.
“Is that the troublemaker squad leader?”