Dimensional Descent

Old Hutch threw Leonel out when they reached the training ground. A normal person might have fallen and rolled a couple times, but Leonel was able to regain his bearing and land on his feet, a helpless expression in his eyes.

The old man walked to the side toward a rack of weapons. Well, one might call it a rack of weapons, but it was more accurate to call it a rack of machetes. This old man apparently didn't allow any other weapons to enter his sight.

The training ground was old and dilapidated. It was located in the basement of a place Leonel could only assume was Old Hutch's home. The ground was built of broken concrete, the ceilings were covered in half shattered light bulbs that probably hadn't appeared in a home since the 20th century, and there was a faint musty smell of sweat that hung in the air.

"Old Hutch, I've told you again and again that I have no interest in using a machete as my weapon. I use spears."

"Hmph, the machete is a man's weapon. I'll be damned if you're going to waste your talent." The old man snorted but then smiled. "That said, if you show me a bit of your skill, I might change my mind."

Leonel was exasperated. This back and forth conversation sounded like it was the first time they were having it, but the truth was that this had happened two times before already. However, Leonel was really reaching the end of his rope this time.

The more time he spent with this old man, the less adorable he thought he was and the more pissed off he got. The first few times, it might have been a funny story to tell in the future, but now it was becoming an annoyance that was ruining his future plans.

Aina was in who knows how much danger right now. Miles and Simeon were still sucking air and Leonel had no idea what plot the latter was potentially laying down. After all, he didn't believe that that gorilla-man had popped up out of thin air. And, Leonel still had no idea where his father was.

"Fine."

Leonel's furious gaze calmed to the point of lacking ripples. His abrupt change caused Old Hutch to raise his brows. He had expected Leonel to react just the same as he had the previous two days, disdaining to fall for his taunts.

Over the past two days, Leonel had completely ignored the old man, only casually brandishing a machete to get him off his back. But now, Leonel had reached the limit of his patience.

palm, a silver rod appeared in his hand. He stood

the rod in

to kill an old man just

before bursting into an uproarious

knew it. You really are an

already moved. His body was lithe and flexible. Somehow,

of Old Hutch was suddenly

stepped forward, swinging his machete down. It seemed like a casual movement, but Leonel could

same as he was just a few days ago. He had always felt that he was missing something when

primitive woman especially seemed to move as though her bones were made of water and her flesh was carved

years of consistency to reach such a point. And, even those who could boast great flexibility would show decline in their abilities if they slacked

everything beside his size and strength, he was practically like

to break through to the Advanced Grade One designation, but

BANG!

rod perfectly met the old man's blade edge. However, instead of rebounding off of each other, they seemed to become stuck, causing Leonel's

pulled his rod back, deftly dodging Old Hutch's follow up

brow furrowed, his gaze becoming more serious.

from all sides. Leonel's speed was inconceivable, fluttering

like droplets of rain, blurring shadows of silver streaking across the room as

matter what he did, his rod always seemed to become stuck to Old Hutch's machete as though they were two parts destined to

of this old man. Even relying on the skills of the primitive man and woman, he