Beat You Until You Cry

The 153rd Branch Training Field buzzed with anticipation.

Under the watchful eyes of all the Marines, Ensign Isca, a whirlwind of energy, was swiftly defeated by Roya in a mere two exchanges.

"What just happened?" a Marine whispered, bewildered.

Ensign Isca's attacks had been lightning-fast, her swordplay a dazzling display of skill. Her final thrust felt like a brutal stab, creating the chilling illusion of being impaled.

Yet, Ensign Roya had casually brushed aside Ensign Isca's furious assault.

"Slient Step!" Rhodes exclaimed, his eyes wide with horror.

Having clashed with Kuro repeatedly, he knew that move. Roya's evasive maneuver was unmistakably Silent Step.

How did he learn that? he wondered, his mind racing. Could it be that true geniuses really exist, capable of grasping an enemy's unique skill after a single glance?

Impossible, utterly impossible!

Logic screamed at Rhodes that it was simply not possible. Roya had only fought Kuro once.

And yet, Roya had done it!

"I was being delusional," Rhodes muttered, a bitter smile twisting his lips.

He had envisioned grooming Roya as his successor. In two years, after his retirement, he would hand the reins of the 153rd Branch to Roya.

He had seen Roya as smart and dedicated, but ultimately ordinary. Leading the 153rd Branch would be the peak of his achievements.

Now, he realized that the small 153rd Branch couldn't contain Roya. Roya was destined for a grander stage, perhaps even making a name for himself at Marine Headquarters.

And there was another thing.

Roya was a member of the 153rd Branch, and that was unchangeable. The higher Roya soared, the greater the benefits for the 153rd Branch.

He had to find a way to prevent the 153rd Branch from squandering Roya's incredible talent!

----

In the heart of the Training Field, Isca was flushed with frustration, her attacks relentless but futile. She couldn't escape Roya's grip.

Roya's hand was like a steel shackle, locking her wrist in place. Her awkward position made a counterattack impossible.

Damn it!

"Let go of me!" she demanded, her voice tight with anger.

"You really want me to let go?" Roya asked, a strange glint in his eyes.

Isca's cheeks burned crimson again.

The man was taking advantage of her!

"Let go!" she snapped.

"Alright," Roya said, smacking his lips and releasing her hand.

Isca was overjoyed, eager to create distance and regroup. With preparation, she wouldn't be caught off guard again.

But she had forgotten her precarious stance.

Her body was leaning forward, poised for a thrust, but she had lost her momentum. When Roya released her, she lost her balance.

Watching the ground rush towards her, Isca screamed, "Ah!!!"

"Thump!"

The girl landed face-first in the dirt, a clean and decisive faceplant.

"Caw... caw..."

A crow seemed to mock her from above.

Looking at the girl sprawled on the ground, the Training Field fell silent.

"Pfft--"

Someone couldn't contain their laughter.

"Pfft----"

Like a chain reaction, the Marines turned their heads or covered their mouths, desperately trying to stifle their mirth.

Isca lay on the ground, listening to the suppressed laughter around her. Her face was now a fiery red.

In all her life, she had never felt so humiliated. Her mind blanked, and she didn't know what to do.

Roya squatted down and poked her head, saying sincerely, "Actually, I was going to help you stand steady."

No way!

Damn it, don't pity me!

I'm not some weak woman!

Isca bit her lip, drawing blood. She pushed herself up, staring at Roya with bloodshot eyes.

"Fight me again!" she challenged.

"Sure," Roya shrugged.

The two stood five meters apart, facing each other once more.

Roya looked relaxed, smiling as he asked, "Are you ready?"

"Ready," Isca said, gripping her sword tightly, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. At this distance, her sword wouldn't miss!

Seeing the girl's tension, Roya smiled again and asked, "Why don't you relax a bit first?"

"Don't underestimate me!" she snapped.

"Oh, do you need a countdown?" Roya teased.

"No need, start immediately!" Isca's emotions were spiraling out of control.

"Clang!"

A flash of sword light. The man's sword zipped past her ear, the sharp blade leaving a fine scratch on her cheek.

Strands of hair fell, and bright red blood trickled out.

Isca's body froze, her back instantly soaked with sweat. If the sword had been aimed at her head, she would be dead.

In the next second, Roya instantly closed the five-meter distance, appearing before her. She had lost to that unbelievable speed in their previous duel.

Looking at the man so close, and his clenched fist, she wanted to block, but her body wouldn't respond.

"Bang!"

The fist slammed into her abdomen, the pain sweeping through her body, forcing her to bend over uncontrollably.

Isca knelt on the ground, clutching her stomach. Her cheeks puffed out, and a mouthful of stomach acid mixed with blood splattered onto the ground.

"Cough... cough cough cough..."

Choking on the acid, the girl coughed violently, tears streaming down her face, her body limp and broken.

She had lost!

This time, there were no excuses.

The opponent had defeated her head-on.

Looking at Isca curled up in pain, the surrounding Marines couldn't bear to watch.

"Ensign Roya is too ruthless," someone muttered.

"She's a girl, after all," another added.

"Quick, get Ensign Isca to the medical room!" someone shouted.

Ignoring the fearful gazes around him, Roya pulled his sword from the ground and left the Training Field with a flourish.

Beating a girl to tears and all...

It's really exhilarating!

Of course, he didn't enjoy hitting girls. He was being ruthless to ensure a smoother operation.

Rather than lecturing like an old woman, a demonstration of strength was more effective, especially in the military where power reigned supreme.

Without turning his head, Roya ordered, "Fullbody, tell that Ensign Isca that we're meeting at the Port at six o'clock tomorrow morning!"

"Understood," Fullbody swallowed.

"Ensign Roya, Ensign Isca seems to be seriously injured. Shouldn't she get a couple days' rest?" he asked.

"She can rest on the Warship," Roya responded indifferently.

If she wanted special treatment, she had to earn it. Not necessarily by fighting bravely, but at least by being obedient and compliant.

In truth, Roya was quite ruthless.

----

The next morning, at the Port, before dawn, Isca led twenty elite Marines from the 32nd Branch, lined up neatly, waiting.

When Roya arrived with his team, Isca immediately stepped forward and saluted.

"Ensign Isca, reporting for duty!"

"Alright," Roya nodded slightly.

Compared to her flamboyance yesterday, the girl was noticeably subdued. Though there was still a hint of defiance in her eyes, as if she wanted a rematch, the hostility and rejection had vanished.

"Set sail!" Roya commanded.