Third Wish: volume Two

Episode 43: patience

The dimly lit basement of March's house was filled with the faint sound of grunts and the thuds of impact. Leon was engrossed in his martial arts training. Sweating profusely, he practiced his moves with precision, attacking a sturdy wooden dummy that stood in the center of the room.

Unbeknownst to Leon, March silently descended the creaking wooden stairs, his eyes fixed on Leon's every move. March, an eccentric inventor with a penchant for the mystical, had been experimenting with the magical golden pocket watch these last few days. He needed someone skilled like Leon to put his theories to the test.

As Leon delivered a powerful roundhouse kick, March cleared his throat, announcing his presence. Startled, Leon paused mid-kick and turned to face his unexpected visitor. Sweat dripped from his brow as he glanced at March, his expression a mix of curiosity and annoyance.

"What you want March?l." Leon demanded, his voice laced with arrogance. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of training?"

March chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Ah, Leon, my friend," he replied, stepping closer. "I've been observing your impressive skills from the shadows. But I have a proposition for you."

Leon's curiosity piqued, and he lowered his guard slightly, giving March his full attention. "Alright, I'm listening," he said, his tone still tinged with arrogance.

March pulled out a golden pocket watch from his coat pocket, his fingers tracing the intricate engravings on its surface. "This pocket watch," March began, "I believe they possess a unique ability to enhance one's physical prowess. But I need a skilled fighter like you to help me test my theories. I mean unless you're scared"

Leon's eyes widened, disbelief etched on his face. "You want me to fight you while you use that freaky pocket watch? Are you serious?"

March nodded, his enthusiasm unwavering. "Absolutely, Leon. Imagine the power we could unlock together, the potential for greatness. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Leon's arrogance swelled within him, and a smug smile formed on his lips. "Fine," he said, his tone challenging. "But don't expect me to hold back."

March's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Oh, I wouldn't have it any other way," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Prepare yourself, Leon. We're about to embark on a journey into the unknown."

With that, March stepped back, pocket watch in hand, ready to put his theories to the test. Leon resumed his fighting stance, his confidence radiating. The basement seemed to hold its breath as the two men prepared to clash, the magical pocket watch casting an otherworldly glow in the dimness.

Leon, fueled by his martial arts skills, launched a lightning-fast punch at March, only to find himself striking empty air. A bewildered expression crossed Leon's face as he searched the room for any sign of his opponent.

March's voice echoed through the space, taunting Leon. "Having trouble keeping up, Leon? It's not teleportation, my friend. It's the power of the magical pocket watch. It enhances my speed to such an extent that it appears as if I'm teleporting."

Leon's frustration grew with each failed attempt to land a blow. He could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead, his muscles tensing with annoyance. The basement became a blur of missed strikes and unanswered attacks, with March effortlessly evading them all.

Breathing heavily, Leon finally paused, his hands dropping to his sides. "Enough!" he yelled, his voice filled with irritation. "This is pointless! How can I fight someone who's practically untouchable?"

Leon scowled, his frustration mingling with confusion. "I thought I was already at my best," he muttered. "But it seems there's always someone better, someone with an edge I never knew existed."