Unmade Chapter 47: chapter 47: Late Night Talk(8)

Read chapter 47 of Unmade by churro on NovelPedia.

Vale stepped toward the white door of the locker room, adjusting the new black compression shirt that clung tightly to his frame. The short sleeves left the maze of scars along his left arm exposed and his mechanical right arm gleamed openly in the bright light, its metal plates shifting almost like living muscle. He exhaled once, wondering if the sight might unsettle people… then straightened, eyes sharpening with resolve. With a single smooth motion, he pushed open the door and stepped into the gymnasium. Dozens of students still lingered across the spacious hall, and the instant Vale appeared, the room became heavy with whispers. Their eyes locked onto him, some filled with jealousy, others with fear or irritation. But mixed among them shone admiration, curiosity, even awe. Vale ignored all of it. His steps were calm, even, as he walked toward the center of the gym where Julian, Nym, and Korin were waiting. Nym had changed clothes as well. Her previous outfit was gone, replaced by white training shorts and a matching compression shirt. The athletic fit revealed her toned build and made her green eyes seem even sharper. She stood tall, arms crossed, a faint smirk curling her lips as Vale approached. Vale allowed himself the smallest of smiles in return. To his mild surprise, none of the students seemed shocked by his strange features, at least, not enough to speak up about it. That alone eased a tension in him that he hadn’t even realized he’d been carrying. He stopped beside the trio just as Julian, the short, stern-faced instructor, took a pair of cloth ribbons from his pocket, one red, one blue. “So,” Vale said, keeping his tone respectful, “Sir Julian. What rules will this duel follow?” Julian held out the ribbons. “Tie these around your arms. Whoever removes the opponent’s ribbon first wins. No abilities of any kind are allowed. Pure technique only.” Vale accepted the ribbon and nodded. Nym grabbed the other one with a cocky grin, quickly tying it above her elbow with practiced ease. Vale did the same. Nym leaned forward slightly, grin widening. “So,” she teased, “are you ready to give it your all?” Vale mirrored her expression. “Only if you prove to be enough of a challenge.” Julian raised one hand between them, his voice ringing across the gym. “Combatants, are you ready?” Both Vale and Nym dropped into matching squared stances, muscles coiled, eyes fixed sharply on each other. “Yes,” they answered in unison. Julian’s hand sliced downward. “Begin!” The air changed instantly. The world seemed to shrink, silence folding around them as the two locked into a state of absolute focus. Neither rushed. Instead, they approached each other with slow, deliberate footwork, testing, watching and waiting. Students leaned forward in anticipation. Korin’s massive frame tensed; he was completely absorbed in the moment. Finally, Vale and Nym reached each other, and their hands met in a firm grip. Everything erupted at once. Nym tightened her hold with surprising force and immediately attempted to pull Vale forward. Vale responded by twisting his hips, trying to flip her over his shoulder. But she didn’t move, she was rooted solid, like a fortress. Vale’s eyes narrowed. She pulled him in closer, her free hand snapping toward his face in a sharp strike. Vale turned his body, letting the blow slide past his cheek by mere centimeters. Dropping his weight low, he dipped under her center of gravity and surged upward, lifting her clean off the floor. Nym released him mid-air and flipped, landing lightly on both feet. She rose slowly, green eyes burning with challenge and vigor. Vale wiped the corner of his mouth where her knuckles had grazed him, though the grin on his face never faltered. Their playful expressions were gone. What replaced them was intent, Determination and hunger. They circled each other. Vale lunged first, low and fast, aiming directly for the ribbon tied around Nym’s right arm. At the last second Nym spun, her movement tig