SLAP!!!
"O-Ow...!"
Another sharp sting struck across my back, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I barely had time to grunt before the familiar annoyed voice barked again.
"Start over again, you punk!"
I groaned and straightened my posture, turning my head slightly.
"What was that for, Master?"
"You were thinking unnecessary thoughts again," he said, voice sharp like a blade but with that ever-so-slight edge of familiarity. "How many times do I have to tell you—let go when you reach the final form. You might know how to use the technique, but you still lack the soul behind it. Focus more, and maybe you won't experience any pain."
I winced, rubbing the sore spot on my back.
"This is unreasonable—"
"What was that?"
"...Nothing, sir."
'Tch.' I clicked my tongue internally.
Even though he knows I already understand the mechanics—knows that I've absorbed the fundamentals from my past lives—he still refuses to let anything count unless it's at utter perfection.
