Ha-rin was in the middle of her self-defense training, practicing various moves against a wooden dummy. Her focus was intense, her movements sharp and precise. She didn’t notice Dong-hyun approaching until he was standing right beside her.
"You're working hard," he remarked, watching her with interest.
Ha-rin paused, slightly startled. "Dong-hyun. What do you want?"
He smiled, his demeanor much friendlier than Joon-young’s. "Just checking in. Your form is looking good, but you could use a bit more power in your strikes."
Ha-rin wiped the sweat from her brow and took a deep breath. "Thanks. I’ve been practicing a lot."
Dong-hyun picked up a training staff and demonstrated a move. "Here, try it like this. Put more of your weight into it."
Ha-rin watched closely, then mimicked his movements. Her strike was noticeably stronger this time.
"Better," Dong-hyun said, nodding approvingly. "Remember, it's not just about speed and precision. Strength matters too."
She nodded, appreciating his constructive feedback. "I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks."
As they continued to train, Dong-hyun offered more tips and pointers, helping Ha-rin refine her technique. Despite her initial reluctance to accept help, she found his guidance useful and effective.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked after a while, genuinely curious.
Dong-hyun shrugged. "Because I believe in you. Despite everything that’s happened, I think you have the potential to achieve great things. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll realize that not everyone here is your enemy."
Ha-rin looked at him, searching his face for any hint of deceit, but found none. She gave a small nod, still wary but slightly more open to his words.
"Thanks," she said again, more sincerely this time. "I appreciate it."
Dong-hyun smiled. "Anytime. Now, let's see that new move again. And this time, give it everything you've got."
As they continued to train, Dong-hyun suggested, "Why don't we test your self-defense skills in a sparring match?"
Ha-rin nodded, eager to see how far she had come. "Sure, let's do it."
They took their positions, and Dong-hyun began with a simple attack. Ha-rin blocked it smoothly, countering with a move she had practiced. The sparring quickly intensified, with Dong-hyun testing her at every turn.
Ha-rin managed to hold her own for a while, her training evident in her swift movements and solid defense. However, Dong-hyun's experience and strength soon became apparent. He was faster, stronger, and more precise.
Ha-rin launched a series of quick attacks, but Dong-hyun dodged and parried effortlessly. He then countered with a flurry of strikes that pushed her back. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to keep up.
In a final move, Dong-hyun swept her legs out from under her and pinned her to the ground. Ha-rin panted heavily, staring up at him in frustration.
"Not bad," Dong-hyun said, helping her up. "You've improved a lot, but you still have a long way to go."
Ha-rin brushed the dirt off her clothes, her pride stinging more than her body. "I know. I’ll keep training harder."
Dong-hyun smiled encouragingly. "Good. Remember, every defeat is just another lesson. You'll get stronger."
Ha-rin nodded, determined not to let this loss discourage her. She would use it as motivation to push herself even harder, knowing that each challenge she faced brought her one step closer to her goal.
As Dong-hyun continued to train Ha-rin, Joon-young watched them from a distance, his expression unreadable. He observed their sparring and training for a few minutes before a servant called his name, interrupting his thoughts. With one last glance at Ha-rin and Dong-hyun, he turned and left.
As Joon-young walked away, he couldn’t shake the image of Ha-rin’s determined expression from his mind. He had seen her struggle, but there was something about her perseverance that caught his attention, even if he wouldn’t admit it openly.
Back at the training grounds, Ha-rin was still catching her breath. Dong-hyun clapped her on the shoulder. "You did well today. Keep practicing, and you'll get there."
Ha-rin nodded, though she was still frustrated by her defeat. "Thanks. I won’t give up."
Dong-hyun watched her leave, his mind drifting to the potential that Ha-rin seemed to have. He knew that her journey was far from over, but he believed she had the drive to make significant progress.
Later, as Ha-rin was walking back to her quarters, she noticed a small group of Lee Clan members whispering and casting glances in her direction. Their eyes were filled with a mix of curiosity and disdain. She stiffened, remembering the hostility she had faced since arriving.
Ignoring them, she continued on her path, determined to focus on her training and her mission. She was aware that the road ahead would be challenging, but she had no intention of letting anyone or anything deter her from her goals.
TO BE CONTINUE (・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(・∀・)(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞
YOU ARE READING
HA-RIN'S ODYSSEY
Adventure--- When Park Ha-rin's father is accused of murdering the king and vanishes, leaving her in the care of her aunt Soo-jin, her life is torn apart. Growing up in isolation and scorned by society, Ha-rin becomes a skilled archer and swordswoman, driven...
