Chapter 18
Morning came.
Rudeus stood.
Something was different.
Not just stronger.
More… stable.
His movements felt smoother.
Cleaner.
As if unnecessary resistance—
Had been removed.
"…So this is what happens…"
When destruction and recovery—
Reach balance.
Outside—
Paul was waiting.
Watching carefully.
"…You look different."
Rudeus said nothing.
He stepped forward.
And attacked.
Fast.
Faster than yesterday.
Paul blocked—
But his stance shifted slightly.
"…Again?"
Rudeus continued.
Strike after strike—
But now—
There was no wasted motion.
No hesitation.
Only flow.
Paul's expression hardened.
He improved again… overnight.