Edge Routine

I drew my blade with a soundless slide across the leather desk mat. Beside a metal pen holder lay a folded microfiber cloth. Clamping the soft fabric between two fingers, I guided the steel edge through it in three measured strokes, stripping away invisible flecks of dust until the silver line caught a clean gleam. Beside an open notebook, I executed a series of slow, deliberate balance transitions along the spine of a wooden ruler, testing my foot placement before sheathing the weapon in complete silence.