A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5248

Jared blinked, caught off guard by the offer. “I appreciate the kindness, sir, but vengeance is all I can see right now—my feet wouldn’t stay in a practice hall.”

Corin stroked his snow-flecked beard; the smile held, but his eyes sharpened. “You fear being dragged into the feud between Sword Sect and Sacred Sword Manor. Yet every cut you make bears our lineage, and I refuse to watch that gift wither unread.”

He stepped aside, clearing the courtyard’s heart. Somewhere along the way, a plain wooden sword had appeared in his hand—its battered grain spoke of years of battles and lessons whispered in splinters. “Come. Just a light spar. Survive a hundred moves or score a single touch, and I’ll never mention recruitment again. The gate will open for you that very moment.”

Jared’s brow knitted; the last thing he wanted was to cross blades with the former sect leader, yet Corin’s stance said the debate was over. He glanced at Flaxseed, found only helpless resignation in the older man’s eyes, and sighed. “Sir, my strength is meager; I fear it will disappoint.”

“Do your best—nothing more.” Corin flicked his wrist, the wooden tip tracing a lazy arc toward the flagstones. “Begin.”

Jared drew the Dragonslayer Sword; the blade hummed like a caged dragon, spilling rivulets of gold light across the dusk. No retreat now. Only forward. He centered his breath, then burst forward in a cascade of footwork. The sword energy flowed like spring water, merging strike after strike into an unbroken river aimed at Corin.

Corin’s eyes brightened high above his calm smile. “Good.” The old master lifted the wooden sword. The motion seemed unhurried, yet every time Jared’s blade darted in, the timber barrier was already there, filling the gap a heartbeat before impact.

Steel rang against wood in an unending rhythm. No matter how fast the Dragonslayer Sword danced, it never slipped past that living shield.

In Corin’s grip, the weathered stick became many things: now the gnarled roots of an ancient oak, immovable; now a silver serpent lashing out with startling speed.

After dozens of exchanges, sweat beaded on Jared’s brow, and astonishment pounded in his chest like an extra heartbeat.

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