Butler Die Co.

Chapter 6: Secrets in the Shadows**

Leon had spent months training, honing his skills, and becoming more integrated into the world of Butler Die Co. Yet, despite his progress, one question continued to gnaw at the back of his mind: Who were Thaddeus and Bertram really?

One restless night, unable to sleep, Leon decided to take a walk to clear his mind. The corridors were dimly lit and silent, offering a stark contrast to the bustling activity of the day. As he wandered, he heard heavy, intense thuds echoing through the halls—sounds that were too powerful to be a typical sparring session.

His curiosity piqued, Leon hurried towards the source of the noise. As he approached the training room, he saw a sight that took his breath away. Bertram and Thaddeus were sparring, but this was unlike any fight he had ever witnessed. Their movements were a blur of precision and power, each strike and counter executed with flawless technique. It was an amazing spectacle, well beyond his understanding.

Leon watched in awe as they maintained perfect decorum, their expressions calm and focused despite the intensity of their combat. Thaddeus moved with a natural grace, his attacks and defenses seamless. Bertram, though powerful, seemed to be just a step behind.

Bertram launched a series of powerful strikes, his muscles rippling with each blow. Thaddeus countered with fluid, almost dance-like movements, sidestepping and redirecting Bertram's attacks with minimal effort. The room echoed with the sound of their clashes, each impact resonating like a thunderclap.

Thaddeus executed a sweeping kick aimed at Bertram's legs. Bertram leapt into the air, evading the attack, and came down with a crushing elbow strike. Thaddeus caught the blow on his forearm, deflecting it smoothly and following up with a rapid combination of punches that Bertram barely managed to block. As they fought, Thaddeus would occasionally adjust Bertram's clothing, ensuring he remained presentable even in the heat of battle.

Bertram retaliated with a series of rapid strikes, his fists moving like pistons. Thaddeus dodged and weaved, his movements almost too fast to follow. He countered with a spinning back kick that connected with Bertram's midsection, sending him stumbling back.

Recovering quickly, Bertram charged forward with renewed intensity. He aimed a powerful roundhouse kick at Thaddeus's head, but Thaddeus ducked under the attack, using the momentum to deliver a swift uppercut that snapped Bertram's head back. Again, Thaddeus took a moment to fix Bertram's tie, his actions precise and deliberate.

Leon could hardly keep up with the speed and complexity of their movements. It was as if they were engaged in a deadly ballet, every motion precise and purposeful. Thaddeus's natural grace contrasted with Bertram's raw power, creating a mesmerizing dance of skill and strength.

The fight took on a new intensity as Bertram attempted a grapple, trying to overpower Thaddeus with sheer strength. Thaddeus slipped out of his grasp with a fluidity that seemed almost supernatural, countering with a series of rapid strikes to Bertram's ribs. The eerie silence of Thaddeus's strikes only added to the otherworldly nature of the combat, each hit landing with a muted but devastating impact.

Bertram roared in frustration and launched a powerful knee strike, but Thaddeus twisted his body, deflecting the blow and using Bertram's momentum against him. Thaddeus seized the opportunity to deliver a spinning elbow strike that connected with Bertram's temple, dazing him momentarily. Once again, Thaddeus adjusted Bertram's collar, maintaining his impeccable appearance.

As the fight reached its climax, Thaddeus gained the upper hand through sheer skill and natural talent. He spun low, sweeping Bertram's legs out from under him, then sprang up and delivered a series of lightning-fast strikes. Bertram struggled to regain his footing, each attack pushing him further back.

Just as Thaddeus was about to strike a decisive blow, he stopped abruptly and called out, "Master Leon, it is improper to spy on individuals when they are engaged in personal matters."

Leon froze, his heart pounding. How had Thaddeus known he was there? Bertram looked at Thaddeus, surprise evident in his eyes—he hadn't realized they were being watched either.

Leon stepped into the room, his mind racing with questions. "How... how long did you know I was there?"

Thaddeus turned to him with an unreadable expression. "I've been aware of your presence since the moment you entered the corridor. Specifically, around the time I executed the shadow strike."

Leon was taken aback. The shadow strike had been one of the most fluid and precise moves he had ever seen. Thaddeus had known he was watching the entire time. The realization sent a shiver down his spine.

Bertram straightened, his demeanor as stern as ever. "Leon, there are many things you have yet to learn. What you witnessed tonight is just a glimpse of what it means to be a true butler in this organization."

Thaddeus nodded, his gaze intense. "Discretion and observation are key. Remember that. Now, return to your quarters. You have training in the morning."

Leon nodded, still processing what he had seen. As he turned to leave, Thaddeus's voice stopped him. "Unless, of course, you would like to test your mettle in a spar."

Leon felt like he was being stared down by a hungry beast intent on devouring its prey. Thaddeus's aura was more oppressive than Bertram's, almost suffocating. The challenge hung in the air, and Leon could feel the weight of Thaddeus's presence bearing down on him.

"Thank you, sir, but I think I should return to my quarters," Leon managed to say, feeling both relief and trepidation.

Thaddeus nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Very well. Rest well, Leon. Tomorrow is another day of training."

Leon left the training room, his mind a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. After witnessing the spectacle, he couldn't sleep for the remainder of the night, trying to piece together the battle he had seen and the intensity of what was just a regular spar between two who seemed only a step away from being gods. Who were Thaddeus and Bertram? What experiences had shaped them into the formidable figures they were today? The questions lingered in Leon's mind, fueling his determination to learn more. He knew that his journey was far from over and that the answers he sought would only be found through perseverance and dedication.