It was early morning, and Varek, Dicio, and Vikas were making their way back from training when they heard a voice coming from the garden behind their house. A voice that sounded… strangely charming.
"Ah, my lady, your beauty rivals the morning sun. Your silence only adds to your mystique."
The three of them froze.
Vikas narrowed his eyes. "What… was that?"
Dicio whispered, "Did Knox find someone?"
Curious—and slightly concerned—they carefully peeked around the corner.
And there he was. Knox Cthul.
Standing in front of a wooden mannequin. Holding its hand. Speaking sweetly.
Varek blinked. "No. No. He's not."
Dicio stifled a laugh. "Oh, he absolutely is."
Knox gently touched the mannequin's chin. "I can tell you're a woman of great wisdom. A warrior's heart, hidden behind that elegant form." He paused, nodding to himself. "Truly admirable."
Vikas rubbed his temples. "I can't believe what I'm witnessing."
Dicio, unable to resist, cleared his throat loudly. "Knox."
Knox froze.
Slowly, painfully slowly, he turned his head toward them. His expression was stone cold, absolutely unreadable.
Varek crossed his arms. "Care to explain?"
Knox let out a deep breath. "You wouldn't understand."
Dicio grinned. "Oh, but we need to understand."
Knox straightened up, keeping his dignity intact. "A warrior must prepare for all aspects of life. Including proper courtship." He gestured to the mannequin. "This is… training."
Vikas stared. "You're practicing how to speak to a woman… on a mannequin?"
Knox nodded seriously. "I need to ensure I don't fumble when the time comes."
Dicio lost it. He doubled over, laughing so hard he could barely breathe. "This—this is the greatest thing I've ever seen."
Varek sighed. "You really are dedicated to this, huh?"
Knox didn't even look embarrassed. "Of course. A warrior must always be prepared."
Dicio wiped away a tear. "Knox… you're one of a kind."
Knox turned back to the mannequin and gently patted its wooden hand. "Fear not, my lady. You are more than just training. You are a symbol of my future success."
Vikas shook his head. "I give up."
And as they walked away, leaving Knox whispering sweet nothings to his mannequin, they all silently agreed—Knox Cthul was truly built different.