Drizzle fell steadily yet gently. Old Mr. Bane relished in tea while staring at Matthew, still standing on the lawn. He articulated the question in his head aloud, "Say, do you think he will understand what it truly means?"
Albert shook his head. "You're putting me in a difficult spot, Old Master Bane. I know nothing about martial arts. "
Old Mr. Bane gave Albert's excuse an eye roll. "How can you be as shameless as you were back then? You're getting better at lying."
"I'm innocent, Old Master Bane—" Albert was halfway through his explanation when he sensed the change in the atmosphere.
Old Mr. Bane set down his teacup, casting his gaze toward the lawn. Under the shade of drizzle, Matthew slowly opened his eyes as the nimbus boiled in him. Suddenly, he struck a fist forward, forming a void in the middle of the rain.
After a momentary pause, he took a step forward. A shudder ran through the droplets around him before he moved exactly like how Old Mr. Bane did. Those postures and aura were almost shadows of Old Mr. Bane! Not even a drop of rainwater soaked his clothes when Matthew imitated the moves!
"What?"
Unbelievable!
Old Mr. Bane was astonished by how Matthew discovered the profound meaning of the Banes' mixed martial arts. Back then, it took Old Mr. Bane two weeks to understand the profound meaning that crowned him a martial art prodigy. Yet, Matthew grasped it within an hour after watching his demonstration!
"We are old chaps, aren't we? The youngsters are unpredictable nowadays."
Matthew did not respond to that, for he knew Old Mr. Bane had his reasons to do so. As he had expected, Old Mr. Bane continued after a brief silence, "It is our signature martial art, or you can say that it's our heirloom. According to our family rules, it can only be passed down to men. Though I've only taught you the first twelve techniques, you're considered my disciple, a part of the Bane Family. Got it?"
Matthew nodded and bent over to pour Old Mr. Bane tea without a second thought. "Master Bane."
That was a way for disciples to express their gratitude to their masters.
By then, Matthew completely understood Old Mr. Bane's words. It was a valuable family heirloom, so it should not be taught to outsiders. The twelve techniques of mixed martial arts were merely a means to teach him the profound meaning in it, as well as a bond between him and the old man.
Now that they were a disciple and master, Old Mr. Bane had a reason to protect Matthew. That was the true meaning behind the teaching; it was a return to Matthew's favor for saving his life.
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