Chapter 56
That night felt different.
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Rudeus stood still in the darkness.
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"…Up until now…"
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Everything he had done—
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Had been controlled.
Measured.
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Even when pushing limits—
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There was restraint.
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But now—
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"That's not enough."
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He raised his arm.
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And swung—
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Not efficiently.
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Not correctly.
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But violently.
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Forcing strain.
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Forcing imbalance.
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Forcing failure.
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*Snap.*
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Muscle fibers tore far beyond previous levels.
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Pain surged instantly.
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Sharp.
Overwhelming.
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"…Good."
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Healing activated—
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But struggled.
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And that was exactly what he wanted.