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You were in no mood to have this conversation. You knew it was coming, and you dreaded every second of it. It was the exact same argument that you’ve been having with your brother and your parents for years now. Vicky never gave you too much shit over it, so maybe that’s why you got along better with her.
You shrugged. <span class="mu-r">“If you say so. The way I see it, I owe you guys a favor for saving Silvermane. If you ever need anything, all you’ve got to do is ask.”</span>
Matt seemed conflicted for a while, but he eventually nodded and let a small grin tease the corner of his lips. <span class="mu-r">“Thanks. We’ll keep that in mind.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“You know, if you’re really trying to put me on a better path…”</span> you began, sounding hopeful. <span class="mu-r">“Maybe you’d be willing to teach me how to fight without killing? It’d really help to even up the odds for the next match.”</span> you suggested.
Matt grunted and rose from his web hammock. It was easy for him, because he never truly got comfortable in it. Before now, he’d been sitting in the middle and slouching. Angela was in much the same position, but instead of slouching, her back was straight, and her legs were crossed. Understandably, she was worried about her hair getting caught in the webbing.
<span class="mu-r">“There’s simply too much for me to correct for me to prepare you in time for our rematch.”</span> he replied easily. <span class="mu-r">“But…if I’ve got the time, I might be willing to show you a thing or two.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Seriously!?”</span> you shouted, practically jumping out of your hammock.
<span class="mu-r">“I can’t say for sure how much good it’ll do you. If you feel like putting your mind and body through the wringer, then you can come to the address that I’ll text to you later.”</span> Matt said.
<span class="mu-g">“You should get out while you can. Matt doesn’t go easy on his students.”</span> Angela said, clearly speaking from experience.
<span class="mu-r">“Nonsense.”</span> Matt said. <span class="mu-r">“Your ability to heal cuts your training time in half. You wouldn’t have improved nearly this fast if you had to rest in between training sessions.”</span>
Angela frowned at him. <span class="mu-g">“Just because I can heal doesn’t mean you can slug me with haymakers. They still hurt!”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Consider it a compliment. I’d never hit you that hard if I didn’t think you could take it.”</span> Matt argued.
Their back and forth continued for a while, until both your friends finished off their drinks.
<span class="mu-r">“We should get going.”</span> Matt said abruptly.
<span class="mu-g">“Thanks for the drinks, Benny.”</span> Angela said as she got up with a wave.
You nodded and accepted their empty bottles from them, before placing them in a black plastic bag.
<span class="mu-r">“There’s one last thing, Benny.”</span> Matt said, now standing on the edge of the rooftop with Tiger. <span class="mu-r">“I know you’re aiming for the bigwigs, but don’t become like them.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“And try not to become <span class="mu-s">worse</span> than them.”</span> Angela added.
(Cont.)
