#Chapter 305 – New Games

Blaze lashes a back-handed fist at me so fast that I barely have time to dodge, stumbling back and raising my right arm to block the blow I know is coming next. But my teacher outwits me, as he so often does. Constantly, if we’re being honest. His left foot lashes out, hooking deftly behind my knee and tugging me forward. His right hand comes next, but it’s already too late – I’m off balance and out of options. He hits me hard with the palm of his hand against my turning shoulder blade, sending me flat to the floor, which I hit with an oof. “Slow today, little bird,” Blaze says, standing above me. I groan, rolling over and staring up at him, an apologetic grimace on my face. “You need more sleep.” I sigh, and nod, agreeing as he holds out a hand to pull me to my feet. “I know, I’m sorry,” I say. “I’m…distracted too.” “Life is full of distractions,” he says, quite kind. “As is war. You must learn to put them out of your mind and concentrate on the moment. Or else…” “Yeah,