Seojun stood still, his eyes calm and voice steady, as he watched Areum's back. "The academy's way," he said, "is to help students grow in a slow pace, but in a stable and effective way. Not everyone can take shortcuts. Not everyone should."
Areum didn't stop walking. She passed by him, almost bumping into his shoulder, but at the last second, she turned her body to the side and dodged him smoothly, her steps sharp with emotion. "Slow pace is for the weak," she said without looking at him.
Her voice was cold, not loud, but filled with something heavy. As she walked past, she looked at the broken sword handle still in her hand. She clicked her tongue in annoyance and threw it to the ground.
Seojun's voice followed her. "Then come back with me."
