Legacy of the Shadow of the Jedi | REMAKE |

13. Perseverance

|| Location: Corusca Sector, Coruscant system , Coruscant||

|| Timeline: 93 BBY ||

The training hall was quiet but for the rhythmic hum of lightsabers and the soft shuffles of our movements. It had been a year since the mission on Nar Shaddaa, and the routine of practice had become a familiar rhythm. Jedi Master Tholme and I had been engaging in regular duels, each one a test of skill, endurance, and strategy. His dedication to honing my abilities was unwavering, as was my own commitment to improvement.

Tonight, the hall was lit by the soft glow of the overhead lights, casting long shadows across the polished floor. I stood opposite Master Tholme, my blue lightsaber held in a firm grip, my stance steady. The familiar crackle of our blades meeting was a comforting sound, a reminder of the countless hours we had spent in training.

Master Tholme's expression was a mix of concentration and faint amusement. He had been my mentor for many years, his teachings guiding me through the intricacies of Form 3 Soresu and Form 5 Djem So. His movements were fluid and precise, but tonight, something felt different. The duels had become more intense, and for the first time, I could sense a subtle shift in the balance of power.

We circled each other, our sabers weaving a dance of blue light. My mind was clear, focused solely on the movements and patterns of the fight. I had learned to channel the intensity of the battle into a controlled, calculated force. It was a skill that came from countless duels and hours of practice, and it was paying off.

"Impressive, Kodo," Master Tholme said, his voice calm yet carrying a note of surprise. "Your technique has improved significantly."

I didn't respond verbally, but internally, a surge of satisfaction coursed through me. The training had been grueling, each session pushing me to my limits, but it was yielding results. The techniques I had honed were now becoming part of my reflexes, and I could feel my confidence growing with each match.

As we engaged, I focused on luring Master Tholme into overconfidence. He was a master, and his skill was unparalleled, but tonight, I intended to push him to his limits. I feigned a slight hesitation, allowing him to press the attack. His movements were deliberate, and I could see the moment he sensed an opening.

"Careful," Tholme said, a hint of challenge in his voice. "You might find yourself outmatched if you're not careful."

I smiled inwardly. It was a typical taunt, meant to gauge my reaction, but I knew better. I shifted my stance, allowing a seemingly vulnerable position. Tholme took the bait, launching a series of calculated strikes. Each blow was expertly executed, but I was prepared. I used my mastery of Form 3 Soresu to deflect and redirect his attacks, biding my time.

The duel stretched on, and I could feel the sweat forming on my brow. Time seemed to stretch, each moment a blend of anticipation and focus. The hall's ambient noise faded away, leaving only the hum of our lightsabers and the rhythm of our footfalls.

Then, as if sensing the moment was right, I made my move. With a sudden burst of energy, I transitioned from defense to offense, leveraging Form 5 Djem So's aggressive counter-attacks. My blade sliced through the air with a newfound precision, catching Master Tholme off guard. The practiced ease with which he had been moving was disrupted, and I pressed the advantage.

Tholme's eyes widened slightly, but his experience allowed him to recover quickly. He countered with a series of defensive maneuvers, but the surprise of my initial strike had unsettled him. I pressed forward, pushing the attack with a series of powerful, controlled blows.