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>>5865876Well… this is something you’ll probably need the full story from Maple when you’re back home. “All right, as long as they’re okay.” You then cross your arms and squint at Merus a bit. “By the way. How’d you do that?”
He gives an oblivious stare. “Er, do what, exactly?”
“You like, were able to move out of the way of me with not just ease, but make it look like child’s play. I might not be QUITE the same martial artist my cousins or dad or uncle, but I’m not a slouch either.” you state firmly. “I can at least recognize when someone’s got some skill. So how’d you do that?”
Merus looks at you curiously. He then smiles, a little bashfully, even, admitting, “In truth, it’s only that. Skill. Being able to hone one’s body to be able to react quickly and with minimal wasted movement. It’s why some patrollers who might not be as physically powerful as their foes can still move quick enough to take them down.”
“Hmn.” Piccolo verbalizes, clearly thinking over Merus’ words.
“Can you teach me?” you ask, giving a sweet smile.
“Sadly no, I’m… not much an instructor, myself.” Merus admits, rubbing the back of his neck. You aren’t quite sure if that’s the whole truth, but it’s close enough that you’re likely not gonna get much more of him. “I can give you the basics, though. It does lie in the martial arts, honing one’s body to be able to react as easily as one breathes, as if… on instinct.”
Instinct, huh…? “All right, I guess that’s a good enough starting point.” you say. “So, before we go, anything else you wanna add? Maybe something about Majin Ozotto? You were able to get a look at what he could do from up here, playin’ all eye in the sky, guardian angel and whatnot. Messenger from heaven.” You give a grin because you think this is clever. It is. You’re not EXACTLY sure why it’s clever, but absolutely has to be.
Merus chuckles a little, confirming that it was, indeed, a clever pun like you predicted. “From what I could see, he seems to work fast, but is willing to hold his cards close to his chest. However, it also seems he has a bit of an ego, and willingness to gloat. You and your allies took the right opportunity, in my read of the situation, he was just quicker on the draw this time.”
“Next time, we will be ready.” Basilea states assuredly.
You nod. “Yeah. Thank you, Officer Merus.”
“Best of luck and safe travels.” he replies with a salute.
(cont.)
