An intense fight had broken out again, away from the training grounds, far from the eyes of the other students and knights. Bluebird had chosen this secluded place deliberately. He didnt want spectators. He wanted to see how much the three of them had progressed since their week of training… and perhaps, though he didnt say it, he had another secret reason as well.

But for Kai, Gary, and Lupus, that reason didnt matter at the moment. Because within minutes of the fight starting, all three of them found themselves on their backs, staring up at the pale sky.

Gary groaned, clutching his war hammer as if it might anchor him back to his dignity. Man, what the heck… what even is this? After everything weve learned, after using Qi with our weapons, we still cant beat him. We cant even land a single hit. And thats all three of us together!

Bluebirds shadow crossed over them as he sheathed his blade. Dont be disappointed, he said calmly. To be honest, you did really well. I know it probably looks like I was holding back, but believe me, I wasnt.

He looked down at them with a small, approving smile. Your use of Qi has made your attacks stronger. Your control over your weapons has improved, and your strikes are more dangerous than before. Youve made progress in one week that most knights wouldnt make in a year. You should be more than happy with that. Youre all… very talented.

Kai sat up slowly, brushing dirt from his clothes as he watched Bluebird. His chest still ached from the last blow. Despite the praise, frustration burned quietly inside him.

He knew theyd been improving quickly, especially after learning to harness Qi. Their control had become second nature, and their movements sharper. At one point, hed even started to worry about how strong Lupus was becoming, since they werent exactly allies by nature. But this fight… this short, humiliating defeat, showed just how large the gap still was between them and Bluebird.

Even though the Altered Hunters were able to use Qi, Kai thought, staring at the ground, the difference in how its used here, in the strength, the precision, its night and day.

How were you able to do that? Kai finally asked, lifting his gaze. To fight like that?

Bluebird tilted his head, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. It depends what youre asking about, he replied.

He raised his sword, giving it a gentle swing. Instantly, Kais heart jumped. It felt like a strike was about to slice through him, so real, so sharp, that his body tensed in reflex. But nothing came. The attack never left the blade.

It was the same trick Bluebird had used the first time theyd met him, the illusionary strike that seemed to appear from nowhere, and even now, they still couldnt figure out what it was.

Or, Bluebird continued, resting the blade against his shoulder, do you mean how I was able to block and counter nearly every hit the three of you tried to throw at me?

Kai gave a dry laugh. I didnt think there was an explanation for that one. I figured it was just because youve got a lifetime of experience and skill.

Bluebird chuckled softly. Somewhat. He slid his sword from his shoulder and pointed the tip toward the ground. Let me answer the first question, then.

He took a step closer, his tone turning more thoughtful. Youve all learned how to use Qi, to channel it through your body, to strengthen your limbs, to coat your weapons. But what Im using is another form of that same energy. Ive learned how to project Qi outward through my strikes.

He swung his sword lightly again, and though the blade didnt touch the ground, the air seemed to vibrate around it.

This isnt something everyone can do, he continued. Only a few have figured it out, and even now, I havent discovered how to teach it properly. Its a form of control most never reach.

Kais eyes narrowed. Projecting Qi out of the weapon itself… so thats what created the illusion of his invisible strikes.

Bluebird looked at them each in turn, then smiled faintly. But the real reason youre reacting the way you do, the flinching, the hesitation, thats your own fault.

Gary frowned. Ours? What do you mean?

Yes, Bluebird said simply. Some people are more sensitive to Qi than others. Usually, thats a good thing, as long as youre aware of it and know how to control it. In your case, all three of you have a high sensitivity to Qi.

He pointed his sword at them again, the air humming faintly around the edge. So when I coat my weapon in Qi and prepare to strike, the energy moves before I do. And thats what your bodies are reacting to. You sense the movement of Qi itself seconds before the actual attack. Your instincts read it as danger, and you move, sometimes before anything even happens.

Kai blinked, realization slowly dawning.

Bluebird went on, voice calm and deliberate. Beasts and animals have a similar sense. They can feel danger approaching before its visible. Some call it a sixth sense, its what keeps them alive. What youre doing is the same, except your sensitivity is to Qi rather than instinct alone.

He lowered his sword, his expression thoughtful. When I first fought you, I noticed your reactions. I could tell you were all sensitive to Qi, but you didnt understand what was happening. So, I started to use it against you.

Bluebirds lips curved slightly as he explained. By projecting my Qi and throwing feints, I could make your instincts react to an attack that wasnt coming. Your bodies moved to defend against a strike that didnt exist, leaving you open for the real one. Or, sometimes, you ignored your instincts, and thats when I followed through.

Gary whistled softly. So you were basically tricking our senses the whole time…

Bluebird nodded. Exactly. Your greatest advantage, your sensitivity, can also be your greatest weakness if you dont control it.

Kai thought deeply about that. The way Bluebird had described Qi feints, it wasnt just a technique, it was a way to manipulate opponents on a level deeper than sight or sound. Against creatures with heightened senses, like werewolves or perhaps even vampires, it could become a deadly tool.

He clenched his fists, feeling a spark of determination build within him. If they could learn to do what Bluebird did, if they could master that kind of control, theyd stand a chance against anyone.

Gary tilted his head. And the second thing? he asked. What about that? You said youd explain two.

Bluebird smiled knowingly, his eyes glinting with amusement. Ah. The second thing, he said, his tone teasing. Well… thats a bit harder to explain.

****

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