Edgy Tendencies and a Pure-Hearted Smile

The illusion of Cardinal Ver Dilen faded as the real Cardinal Ver Dilen's fist impacted against Wilhelm's shield. Wilhelm slid back, his boots struggling to find purchase on the smooth stone, but he maintained his stance, if barely. "What kind of War Monk uses illusions?" he blurted out.

"You aren't going to be fighting War Monks! You aren't going to be sparring! Show me what you got!" Cardinal Ver Dilen laughed and reeled back another fist.

Wilhelm braced.

"Fight, damn it!" The Cardinal shifted his stance a split second, his fist expanding into an open palm strike, hitting at a precise angle, and nearly knocking Wilhelm's shield away. Wilhelm faltered and caught himself against the stalagmites, much to his opponent's increasing disappointment.

'I could say the same to you.' Wilhelm thought as he reoriented himself.

If before Ver Dilen was scornful, now he looked at Wilhelm worse than something he'd stepped in.