You Take the Dawn, I Take Your Foundation

Wei Shan stopped Lu in the corridor. “That weight release looked like mine from twenty years ago.” Lu expected an accusation, but the old man patted his shoulder. “The resemblance is one thing. Knowing when to let go makes you better than I was.” [Muscle Echo produced through high-quality understanding. Axis Control retention: 2.1%.] Before Lu could smile, his right side spasmed. He caught the wall as cold sweat soaked his back. Beneath his shirt, the bruising had turned nearly black. “Round two is in forty-eight hours,” Su said. “Borrow beyond your limits again, and you may never reach round three.” Lu stared at the illuminated advancement board. For the first time, he understood that dawn was not the hardest thing to seize. Tomorrow was.