Chapter 232: Training (2)

Chapter 232: Training (2)

Training (2)

1.

Well review what youve learned so far. Squeeze out all of your energy and charge at me.

It had been another tough twelve-hour training session for Siwoo.

Unlike before when he only relied on his spirit body for training, his physical strength had been significantly increased due to the body enhancement, making such a long training session possible.

Despite that, the relentless training still took its toll on Siwoo, leaving him all drained.

It left him breathless, drenched in sweat with aching muscles.

But, this was the final stretch.

Deep down, he knew that it was merely a dream for him to win against her.

Still, he couldnt help but hope to see the slightest hint of surprise on the Duchess face after he had endured such hardship.

He let out a deep breath.

The hot breath he let out instantly cleared his head.

His body, which had been unnecessarily tense, started to relax, but at the same time, it was ready to spring like a taut bowstring.

-Smack!

He visualized the image in his mind.

Of how he narrowed the gap between himself and his opponent, just like a released arrow or a sudden gust of wind.

His mana-enhanced body moved in perfect harmony with his mental image as he charged ahead.

In an instant, Eloa stood before him as he focused all his attention on her.

This allowed him to take in every detail of Eloas appearance, as if he were snapping a picture of her.

As usual, she wore training pants and a loose windbreaker. With the zipper undone, it revealed a white sports bra.

But what he was focusing on was her overall movement.

Even someone as skilled as her needed to perform certain movements beforehand to make her techniques work.

These movements included simple actions like pulling back her hind leg or extending her arms.

He planned to use those subtle cues to anticipate all her next moves.

Hap!

Siwoo threw his fist forward with all his strength.

It was already infused with Fa Jin as it shot out in a straight line.

Even Eloa would suffer a serious injury if this blow hit her in the stomach.

But that wasnt a reason for him to hold back.

This wasnt the first time he had tried out this kind of move. In fact, he had done even riskier moves prior to this.

Because he was sure that Eloa would block it anyway.

As he had expected, she thrusted her petite body into his arms, as if trying to push herself on him.

Her hands wrapped around his outstretched arm like a snake coiling around its prey.

Then she rotated his arm slightly and before he knew it, his legs, which were running towards her, were kicked by her, causing him to lose his balance as his center of gravity shifted forward.

Ugh!

Normally, hed have hit the ground.

But he didnt let himself fall. Instead, he grabbed Eloas shoulders and shifted his weight back.

The sudden change in direction put a lot of strain on his waist.

But with that, he managed to hold his ground, albeit barely.

Oho?

Eloa chuckled, clearly impressed with his move.

This was the first time he had managed to resist her this much ever since they started their spar.

Though he was mostly using brute force, he still managed to anticipate her moves.

Ultimately, Siwoo found himself in a situation where it appeared as though Eloa was attempting to lift him and he had his arms wrapped around her from behind.

They continued to struggle in this position.

In fact, Eloa knew a lot of ways for her to get out of this situation.

But, since this was the first time he had gotten this far, it roused her curiosity to find out what his next move would be.

Now that were stuck here, what are you going to do?

Siwoo, who had been focused on overpowering Eloa, snapped back to reality after hearing her words.

That was when he realized something.

The fact that they were literally stuck together.

But, since she still had a grip on his arm, he couldnt just push her away.

Both of them were still clinging onto each other tightly.

Um Duchess?

It isnt over yet. Even if were stuck here, I know that you have your way to get out of this situation. Also, this is the first time youve caught me off guard like this, so show me something good.

That isnt important! those words almost slipped off his tongue.

His situation was dire, freakishly so.

Because Eloas head, with her pink hair swaying, was right below his chin.

There was no time for him to stop her or say something else to her.

He could only watch her walk away, feeling helpless and lost.

2.

Youre back already? Sorry, I was doing my work, I didnt notice you.

When he opened the door, Sharon was there, sitting at her desk with a computer on one side and a notebook on the other. She was writing something on the latter.

Lately, she had been studying stocks and real estate to boost her savings.

It turned out that she had quite the knack for making money.

Then again, witches were all geniuses, so if they were to put all their mind on making money, it wasnt a strange thing for them to strike rich.

The only reason why she had been struggling with poverty for so long was because everytime she could get any money at all, they were all taken away before she could even invest them.

Come over here, you mustve worked so hard, no? Ill give you a hug~

Sharon stood up to hug him, who had just finished a tough training session, and was surprised by his exhausted expression.

W-Whats up? Did something happen?

No, its just

Tell me.

He glanced at her face.

Back when she was suffering from embarrassment because the Duchess saw her half-naked that one time, he had found her pitiable and cute.

But now, he regretted what he had done back then.

Sharon.

Yes?

You know, when the Duchess caught you doingthings Sorry, I didnt really understand what you were going through back then.

W-Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?! Did she say something?!

Almost panicky, Sharon jumped up.

Though quite some time had passed, the emotional scar in her heart still remained.

And it seemed like it wouldnt heal anytime soon.

Siwoo felt a dull ache in his solar plexus.

Now he understood the gut-wrenching feeling Sharon had told him before.

No, it just popped into my head suddenly.

He wasnt sure how to face Eloa tomorrow.

While he could explain the situation to her, bringing up the topic in the first place was a different matter altogether.

I should consider taking a break for a few days

What do you mean by that?! Seriously, whats going on?!

On the verge of tears now, Sharon trembled nervously as she watched Siwoo lost in his thoughts.

Nothing, really. She hasnt brought it up since then. Doesnt seem like its on her mind either.

Are you sure? Really, really sure? Cross your heart?

And hope to die. But does my swear even mean anything?

Youre not a liar, so I can believe it! Anyway, thank God! It felt like I was losing ten years of my life! Seriously!

Sharon hugged him tightly, nuzzling her cheek against his chest.

No matter how often he warned her about him being all sweaty after training, she never listened.

It had been a really exhausting day for him.

While humans could adapt well even to tough training routines, he was still mentally strained by everything, so he needed a breather.

Right, what if we take a break today, Siwoo?

Take a break?

You know, todays our hunting day, so Anyway, I booked a place through the app!

Sharons voice trailed off, her eyes flickering nervously towards him.

That was when he realized what he had been forgotten about.

Today was their scheduled Homunculus hunt.

Despite the Dagons Flute incident, they still regularly went to hunt more Homunculi in Hongdae and Sinchon after a brief break.

Not only that they didnt want anyone falling victim to those Homunculi, the hunt also contributed to Sharons income.

Although they hadnt encountered a single one since their last one, the Mother Dog.

Anyway, when she mentioned reservation, it meant she had already booked a hotel for them to stay in after the hunt.

Eloa was staying downstairs and unfortunately for them, the music box couldnt completely block the mana wave.

Because of that, if they were to have sex at home, the Duchess would pretty much know about it, so they decided to spend a night together at a nearby hotel to do it instead.

Mm

Originally, Siwoo was feeling like taking a break today.

But, seeing Sharon buzzing with excitement as she shook her phone, he couldnt help but get caught up in it instead.

Get ready, Ill get changed first.

Got it!

After they were done getting ready, both of them set off for a night out, something they hadnt done in a while.