Chapter 32: The Art of Humility
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
His words felt like the last blow to my fragile pride. My glare burned with unrestrained anger as I hissed, “Don’t you regret this later!”
Deep down, I knew there was no chance I could defeat someone as experienced as Aldrich. But admitting that, even to
, was too bitter a pill to swallow. All I needed was to stall for time, or so I thought. Yet, before I could muster a proper resistance, he overpowered me again. His hand easily pinned both of mine above my head, while his other arm wrapped firmly around my waist, pulling me closer. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as I realized how
compromising our position was.
“Thelma, you’re not ready yet,” Aldrich whispered, his voice low and steady, as if he had all the time in the world.
The realization of how we must look struck me suddenly. If anyone were to stumble upon us like this, it would be impossible to explain it away. This was especially troubling given the knowledge that Aldrich harbored feelings for someone else. Quickly, I shifted my position, burrowing into his embrace to minimize the awkwardness.
“Again!” I demanded, my tone sharp with frustration.
Aldrich regarded me with a mix of helplessness and indulgence, his gaze soft but firm. “No matter how many times we try, Thelma, it will end the same way. I can see how hard you’ve been working, but there’s still more to learn about combat.”
His words stung, especially since my combat instructor had recently been showering me with praise for my progress. I had received perfect scores in class, yet here Aldrich was, dismissing
y efforts like they meant nothing. Unable to hold back my annoyance, I threw a punch at him, but he dodged it effortlessly.
my
Before I could protest further, he scooped me up and slung me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing at all. My indignation flared. “What are you doing? Put me down this instant!”
Aldrich chuckled lightly and gave me a gentle pat, as though I were an unruly child. “Thelma, you’re the most talented person I’ve ever met in this field. But talent alone isn’t enough. You still have much to
learn.”
My face turned crimson with embarrassment and indignation. “I’ve aced every combat class! I’m not some amateur!!
“This is different,” he replied, his expression shifting to one of seriousness, “You’ve mastered the basics, but that’s not the same as understanding the essence of battle. Right now,
you’re only playing games with your classmates. You might look like a hero in their eyes, but against a true warrior, you can’t last more than a single move.”
Choper 32-7 he An of Humility
His words, spoken with such calm authority, made me pause. I looked into his eyes and saw no mockery, only sincerity. Perhaps I had misunderstood him. Aldrich wasn’t trying to belittle me; he was trying to teach me.
“But that’s exactly why I need more practice,” I argued, still unwilling to completely let go of my pride.
“My dear Thelma,” Aldrich said with a dramatic flair, his tone almost musical. “Practice is only valuable if it’s done with the right mindset. Repeating the same mistakes over and over won’t make you better. It’ll only reinforce bad habits.”
His words struck a nerve, but I refused to back down. “Let’s go again,” I said, determination replacing my frustration. “This time, I’ll prove I can hold my own.”
Aldrich agreed, stepping back to give me space to prepare. I focused all my energy on the fight, determined to close the gap between us. But no matter how hard I tried, no matter what tactics I employed, I could never quite land a hit. Every move I made brought me tantalizingly close, but never close enough.
“How does it feel?” Aldrich asked, stopping just as I was about to charge at him again.
“I don’t know,” I admitted reluctantly. “I feel like I’m always so close, but something’s missing.”
He nodded, his expression softening. “Exactly. That ‘missing piece‘ you’re feeling is what separates sparring with classmates from a real battle. In practice, you
can afford to fall short, In a life–and–death fight, that little gap will cost you everything.”
His words hit me harder than any punch ever could. Standing before him, I felt small and vulnerable in a way I’d never experienced before. For the first time, I understood the weight of his expertise and the seriousness of his warnings.
t you to use
“Let’s try again,” I said, my voice quieter now but still resolute. “This time, I want you your full strength.”
Aldrich obliged, and in the blink of an eye, he subdued me again. I barely had time to react- before I was pinned, completely powerless.
“Raise your head and look at me,” he commanded, his voice steady but firm. “You need to see your opponent, to face your fear head–on. Losing isn’t the problem, Thelma. What matters is learning from it and coming back stronger,”
He had seen through me completely. The truth was, I had been afraid–afraid of losing, of looking weak, of admitting I wasn’t as skilled as wanted to be. But Aldrich’s words left no
room for excuses.
When he finally released me, he sat down on a nearby bench, his expression thoughtful. I stood there, staring at him, as a wave of guilt washed over me. I had been so consumed by my anger and pride that I hadn’t seen how much he was trying to help me..
Chapter 32: The Art of Humility
The fiery frustration that had fueled me earlier was gone, replaced by a heavy sense of remorse. I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to say the words that burned in my throat. “I’m sorry,” I said softly, stepping closer to him.
The words felt foreign on my tongue, but I forced myself to continue. “I shouldn’t have been so quick to judge you. You were only trying to help, and I acted like a child.”
A strong wind swept through the garden just then, carrying with it a flurry of flower petals. They danced in the air before settling gently on the ground. The world seemed to quiet around us, amplifying the sound of my heart pounding in my chest.
Aldrich turned to look at me, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he smiled–a faint, genuine smile that was different from his usual teasing grin. It was a smile of understanding, of forgiveness.
And in that moment, I knew our bond had grown stronger.
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