Chapter 173: Homework

Practical lesson number one was finished somewhere within the later hours of the night. Turns out my first twenty minutes also happen to end up being my last as well. 

More break times were offered. Both by the gentle reminders of Ash, and the blunt insistence of Irene. In both cases I refused, I didn't need them… not anymore.

I ran out of tennis balls for myself, after all.

And when they disappeared one after the other from the tips of my fingers, I could feel them disappear. I felt myself make them disappear. I guess that's just how magic felt like. Like throwing a ball with all your might.

With all your hate.

Finally understood just what focus meant, what determination I sought for, and what intent I needed.

It wasn't perfect. Ash herself stated I still needed much for fine-tuning, more refinement, the way I was, I was still expending much more than what was deemed necessary.

But for now, it'll have to do.