After I said that, he went completely silent.
He looked like he wanted to argue, but whatever words had been forming in his head seemed to disappear before they could actually leave his mouth.
That was fine with me.
I wasn't looking for his approval.
I wasn't trying to make him like me either.
If he hated my methods, then so be it.
As long as he understood why I was doing this, that was enough for now.
"You're next," I told him after a moment. "Grab your sword and fight me, and don't even think about hesitating when you finally decide to move."
After hearing that, he reached for his sword and pulled it into his hand.
His weapon was a broad sword that looked like something designed for a massive knight rather than an ordinary person. The blade was large enough to look intimidating even from where I stood, and its overall size made it seem like carrying it around would be a hassle.
However, once he actually held it, that impression disappeared.
