19 - The Opponent

As soon as I opened my eyes—

Fwip—

I grabbed my short sword.

And with it firmly in my hands—

"..."

Creak—

Thud!

I stepped out of my room.

...

...

"Ah, kid!"

Brock greeted me the moment I emerged from my room.

"Hello, kid."

"Yo!"

Khan and Jin were with him.

"Hello."

I replied to them simply, bowing slightly in greeting.

"It's finally your day, huh!"

Brock exclaimed with a grin.

"Yeah."

I responded quietly, my voice low.

Then—

"Are you nervous?"

He asked, studying me with a raised brow.

And at his question—

"Hmm?"

I glanced down at my hands.

And in that moment, I asked myself—

Am I nervous?

Am I scared?

I thought about it.

"..."

I was silent.

Then, after a brief pause...

Fwish—

I looked at Brock, meeting his gaze.

And parting my lips—

"No, I don't think so."