Combat Training

Breakfast was silent as the group was incomplete. Grace hadn't awoken yet, Guy figured that she was probably exhausted after unveiling her darkest secrets. Revisiting trauma was never pleasant, and oftentimes physically draining.

A dismal ambience lingered around the dining table, even the usually upbeat Dora kept mum the entire time. She didn't even pester Kano to elaborate on his trip to the city. Markus ate his food mechanically, the same as Marie. Jean wore her usual impassive expression, yet her body language screamed discomfort. She could read the room and had no idea why such a dreary atmosphere pervaded it.

Guy finished his food and placed his wooden spoon into his bowl.

"Markus, from today onwards we will add combat as part of our regular lesson rotation," Guy declared.

The eyes of his two students darted his way in disbelief. His disciple was also thoroughly floored by Guy's sudden announcement.

"Master? I'm not sure that I understand..."