Would be funny if I did. [ As if. ] Crushing you isn't a far-off prospect now.

[ A victory like that would prove so worthless, though. None too bothered with the odd inflection of his voice, Tartaglia's just walking now, taking the lead with his temper, contrary and strung-out. ]

Assuming it went the same way as it did last time for me, it's only temporary. [ So that isn't particularly his issue here. Is that a note of self-loathing he detects, He Xuan? ] Why make yourself so difficult to find?

[ In front of him, the path is congested with leaves. He's kicking at them. For an adult, well-used to causing destruction and havoc everywhere he goes, Tartaglia's being awfully difficult right now. ]