Chapter 4: The Diminished Unease and J's Growth
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Training had begun once more.
The arena was divided into several sections, each with different obstacles, but at that moment, the battlefield was a simple open space within the mansion. Tessa and Adam stood face to face, ready to fight. Both knew it was just training, yet the rivalry between them always brought out something more.
This time, Adam had decided it wouldn't go as before. He was no longer so fixated on J's unpredictable movements, nor overly worried about the risk of the drone exploding from uncontrolled power. That afternoon, his mind was focused solely on Tessa. Adam smiled, a confident expression showing how calmness had begun to replace his recent fears.
"Come on, Tessa, today I've got all the time in the world to show you how it's done," Adam said in a heroic tone, though without irony, knowing this fight would be different.
Tessa met his gaze, her face determined, her energy even more intense than usual. She never took a fight lightly.
"Don't underestimate me, brother," she replied, flicking her wrist with agility before launching her attack.
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The Fight Begins
Tessa advanced quickly, a whirlwind of energy. She knew how to use her speed and agility to throw Adam off balance, and she did so with remarkable precision. Adam, however, wasn't impressed. With a smile on his lips, he stepped back just as Tessa aimed a direct strike at his face. Her kick missed his head by mere centimeters, but Adam had already anticipated it.
"Is that all you've got? Come on, Tessa!" Adam teased, spinning quickly to block her next attack with an extended arm.
"Don't think you'll dodge everything," Tessa shot back, unfazed by her brother's sarcasm.
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Rising Tension
Tessa stepped back, creating distance to assess Adam, and in that brief pause, he seized the initiative. In a blink, Adam lunged at her with surprising speed. With an agile leap, he evaded Tessa's strike aimed at his torso and, twisting midair, hooked his left arm around her, attempting to lock her in place.
But Tessa reacted instantly, pushing off the ground with her hands to flip backward and slip free. Her body flowed with the space itself, not wasting a single second.
"You're getting serious, brother!" she said with a laugh as she regained her stance.
Adam capitalized on the moment of surprise, striking straight for her abdomen. Yet Tessa, impossibly fast, tilted her torso just enough to dodge by inches. But Adam didn't relent; at once, his hands swept toward her legs, seeking to catch her midair in a hold.
"You think I'll fall that easily?!" Tessa shouted, flashing a daring grin.
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Adam's Decisive Move
For a heartbeat, Adam paused to think. He knew his next move had to end it. Speed and strength weren't enough; he needed wit and patience. So he feigned a lapse, stepping back, letting Tessa believe his guard was down.
Seizing the chance, she hurled herself at him, intent on finishing it.
But Adam had been waiting for this.
With a sharp pivot of his foot, he spun and, in a flash, caught Tessa's ankle midair, using her momentum to flip her down. She barely had time to react before her shoulders hit the ground with a heavy thud.
"Told you! Patience is key!" Adam exclaimed, quickly rising and offering his hand to help her up.
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Mutual Recognition
Tessa sat on the floor, staring at her brother in surprise.
"What did you just do? You've never taken the time to study my moves that much."
Adam grinned broadly, stretching his arms.
"You know, sometimes being a hero isn't just about speed. It's about knowing when to wait, and how to strike precisely."
Tessa studied him closely, a flicker of admiration crossing her face.
"Looks like you really did teach me a lesson today, huh?"
Adam smirked, shrugging.
"I know, I know. A total prodigy." The irony was still there, but now it carried a more genuine weight, more assured. He was no longer the boy fearing what he didn't understand, but someone learning to master the world around him.
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End of Chapter 4