Back at the academy hospitals, a conversation between a young greater grandmaster who hides his power and a an old martial master who is just too smart, the Head master.
"You're quicker-witted than I anticipated," Kaidën replied in a hoarse but even tone.
"I'm the Headmaster of the best school in the continent," said Alaric, an eyebrow arching. "If I couldn't determine a faked knockout, I'd be in the kitchen boiling potatoes."
Kaidën smiled dryly. "Could've fooled the rest of us, though."
You did, Alaric admitted. Even a few of the professors. You almost got me. But I've fought in a couple real battles to understand when a person's hurling a swing… and when a person's laying the groundwork.
He pulled a chair next to Kaidën's bedside and sat.