On their way to the courtyard, many apprentices noticed the tense air between Liuxing and Paz. Those who had left earlier turned back, curiosity pulling them along.
When they arrived, Odo was seated cross-legged in the corridor, calmly teaching a few newcomers the basics of kendo. The moment he saw Liuxing and Paz approach, he paused, eyes narrowing with curiosity.
Both bowed respectfully. Paz immediately spoke first, his tone sharp and full of grievance.
"Teacher, Liuxing harbors ill intentions. Just now, when I went to fetch water for everyone, he handed me a kettle of freshly boiled water. I lost my grip, burned my feet, and spilled it all over the floor. When I confronted him, he accused me of throwing it on purpose. Don't I understand how important warm water is after morning practice? I was furious, so I brought him here to let you decide!"
Paz's voice was full of indignation. To anyone who didn't know the truth, his words might have sounded convincing. Indeed, several apprentices who once had a good impression of Liuxing now looked at him with anger.
But Odo, as the master of the training hall, wasn't one to take words at face value. He knew the character of his apprentices well. After observing Liuxing for a month, he had already formed a judgment of his temperament.
Odo's steady gaze shifted. "Liuxing," he said calmly, "what do you have to say?"
Liuxing straightened, his expression unshaken. He knew Odo was a man of discernment—this was exactly why he had agreed to come.
In a composed tone, he began, "Master, I have been here for a month. Each day I remind myself to serve with sincerity. The first task I always do in the morning is boil water. At this season, it takes at least an hour for freshly boiled water to cool to a drinkable temperature. After morning practice, everyone is drenched in sweat, so proper hydration is vital. To ensure there is no shortage, I always boil several pots at once. Light can testify to this."
At the mention of his name, the young man called Light stepped forward without hesitation. "Master, it's true. I've seen Liuxing boiling three pots of water these past few days."
"That doesn't prove he did the same today!" Paz snapped, his voice rising in panic.
Meteor—Liuxing—shot him a disdainful glance. Striding over, he seized the kettle from Paz's hands. Holding it before Odo, he placed his palm directly on the metal.
"According to your claim," he said coldly, "if I had boiled this just now, the kettle should still be scalding hot. But look—it's only warm."
Paz's eyes darted nervously. "That's… because your kettle was boiled earlier!" His words were shaky, his composure unraveling under Meteor's sharp reasoning.
Meteor pressed further. "Then should I fetch the kettle still in the kitchen?"
"It's useless!" Paz barked, his voice shrill. "You'll just claim that's the one you boiled earlier. This only proves how deceitful you are!"
"You—!" Meteor's fists clenched, fury burning in his chest. To twist truth into lies so shamelessly—it was beyond infuriating.
At last, Odo's deep voice cut through the rising tension. "Paz, you said you were burned. Then show me—where's the burn?"
The color drained from Paz's face. He stammered, unable to respond. He hadn't been burned at all—so how could he produce an injury?
"Quickly," Odo's tone hardened.
Paz's heart lurched. In that moment, he realized Odo had already seen through his lies. The pressure was unbearable. Falling to his knees, tears welled in his eyes as he cried, "Teacher, I was wrong! I shouldn't have framed Meteor. Please, forgive me this once!"
Meteor's anger wavered for a heartbeat, replaced by a pang of pity. But Odo's stern gaze revealed no mercy.
"Paz," the master said, shaking his head, "I have long known of your petty tricks in the hall. They were small, and I tolerated them, leaving your parents to discipline you. But today's scheme was no trivial matter. Had your words been believed, Meteor would have been expelled from this hall. Given his current condition, he could hardly survive alone. Do you understand the gravity of what you've done?"
Paz's eyes widened, shock striking him. He had never imagined his actions could carry such dire consequences.
"In light of this," Odo continued, "I have decided to expel you from the Kendo Training Hall. Take care of yourself after you leave."
His gaze swept across the other apprentices who had sided with Paz. "From today onward, you are no longer apprentices of this hall either."
The apprentices fell to their knees, pleading desperately for mercy. But Odo's voice thundered, unyielding: "Didn't you hear me? Do you wish me to throw you out personally?"
Faced with his wrath, they could only rise reluctantly and shuffle toward the exit. As they passed Meteor, their eyes burned with hatred, sending a chill through his heart.
Yet Meteor felt no regret. He had done nothing wrong. If the incident repeated itself, he would make the same choice, even if it meant earning their enmity.
"Return to your duties," Odo commanded, dismissing the crowd.
Meteor quietly slipped back to the kitchen. Light came to help, carrying away another pot of water. He leaned close and warned, "Be careful. Paz and the others won't accept humiliation so easily. They may seek revenge."
Meteor nodded his thanks, silently vowing to strengthen his body quickly, so he could begin true kendo training—and protect himself.
That night, after another exhausting day, he collapsed onto his bed. Sleep claimed him swiftly.
But as his breathing deepened, something unexpected stirred in the darkness…
(End of Chapter )