Chapter 322: Bold Request

Advancing to a Peak Grandmaster, Michael’s attributes soared by 1,500 points.

Formidable increase, that was for sure. Yet, it also highlighted just how valuable the 4,000 Skill Points would be once he completed the quest by winning the tournament.

Eager to test his new limits, Michael headed towards the training ground. By then, night was beginning to fall, and most of the members in the base had settled in for the night. Of course, they didn’t need to sleep often, but it was a valuable way to clear one’s mind.

So, Michael wasn’t surprised when the only person he spotted was Ava.

“Michael?! You became a Peak Grandmaster?!” She exclaimed, her eyes narrowing to the size of needles.

By her tone alone it was made apparent she was impressed, yet there was a tingle of regret.

’I only just entered the Grandmaster realm myself, and by the speed he’s going, he’ll soon leave me behind.’

Ava was a realist. While Michael’s progress was so rapid that he was bound to become a Lord eventually, it would take her a significant amount of time to reach that level.

Many considered the Lord realm to be the pinnacle of cultivation, after all. With what lay beyond it being unreachable by the vast majority.

At this point, she wouldn’t be surprised if Michael were to attain enlightenment in the literal blink of an eye.

When that inevitable moment arrived, the gap between them, which had started to close, would widen even further.

Essentially, Ava had to act now or never.

“It’s nothing to write home about.” Michael said, downplaying the significance of his own achievement.

He was about to perform a few basic exercises when Ava’s words echoed.

“If that’s the case, duel me!” She said, puffing out her chest.

Michael chuckled.

“Sure.”

Usually, the regular training area would have been sufficient. However, Ava insisted that they move to the soundproof training ground, located underground. Her reasoning was that she didn’t want to disturb those who were resting. Michael agreed with her assessment, and they descended.

Typically, during those hours, Devil and Scarlett used the place for lessons, but managing to notice Michael’s presence in time, they chose to take the day off to avoid their cover being blown.

“Here I come!” Ava proclaimed, immediately reaching her top speed.

’I didn’t plan to challenge him so soon, but at this point, I’m at my wits’ end. Might as well go all out!’

Since they didn’t want to seriously injure each other, they fought hand-to-hand.

“Let’s see how much you’ve progressed.” Michael mused. Steeling his core, he chose to take Ava’s punch head-on.

Boom!

His abdominal muscles strained under the pressure, and his feet slid back a couple of centimeters. By the expression on his face, it was clear he wasn’t hurt… Or at least, he hid it masterfully.

“That stung a little.” He chuckled.

“It’s not like I expected a different result!” Ava exclaimed, her petite figure blurring as she attacked from every conceivable angle.

“One blow might not faze you, but what about a dozen? A hundred? A thousand?”

Rather than trying to overpower him, she focused on overwhelming him.

“Not a bad strategy.” Michael admitted. “But easily countered.”

Ava smirked. “Then why don’t you show me?”

“Gladly.” As per her request, Michael’s gaze locked onto her right arm. Just as she threw another punch, he grabbed it firmly.

Before she could react, he pulled her toward him. His free hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her in tightly from behind. Although the pressure he applied wasn’t painful, Ava quickly realized with horror that she was completely immobile. One of her arms was pinned by his embrace, while the other was trapped in his firm grip.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” She muttered. From the very beginning, she had prepared to take blows… Only to be rendered powerless by his embrace!

“This… is not the end!” Attempting to wiggle her way out of this was pointless. Michael’s hold was like iron.

“If this were a real battle, I would’ve just squashed you, you know…” Michael chuckled, watching her struggle. That gave Ava the window of opportunity she needed.

Her feet wrapped around one of his legs, and with a burst of force, she shifted his center of gravity, allowing her to slip free.

With flushed cheeks, she backed away, her lungs burning.

“Getting close… is dangerous.” She panted.

Since she looked far from satisfied, Michael prompted her to try again. This wasn’t just for her benefit but also served to help him get used to his new limits as well.

Several hours passed in a flash. Initially, Ava’s attempts didn’t end much differently from the first. Unsurprising, given there was almost an entire realm separating them, not to mention Michael’s extensive experience in all forms of combat.

But due to Ava’s unwavering determination, she didn’t pause regardless of how many times she failed. Eventually she began to craft counters to Michael’s movements.

Being of shorter stature proved beneficial. Michael had a harder time grabbing her, while she had a larger area to land blows on in return.

Ultimately, she capitalized on a window of opportunity. Grabbing his extended arm while her feet tripped his two legs simultaneously, she skillfully managed to make him fall for the first time.

Though, because of the adrenaline coursing through her veins, she didn’t realize he would come crashing down on top of her as a consequence…

Thud!

“…”

Ava took shallow gasps. Michael’s face was so close to hers that she could feel the lingering heat of his breath.

“S—See! It took me a lot of time, but I beat you once!” She said, trying to calm herself down.

Michael chuckled.

“Good job. It only took you… a few hundred tries? Not to mention I was going easy on you.” He teased.

Ava pouted adorably, remaining unamused.

Hmph!

“You aren’t the only one going easy! G—Given my stature, there’s a sensitive area that would leave most men reeling if struck, yet I didn’t land a blow there even once!”

Due to her nervousness, Ava realized too late what nonsense she had blurted out, making her face turn an even deeper shade of red.

“Now that you mention it.” Michael flashed her a warm smile. “You could have, but didn’t. I guess I owe you one.”

“It’s only given.” Ava whispered shyly.

Though the duel had proven both helpful and entertaining, there were other matters to attend to. Michael was about to get up when he noticed Ava’s grip on his collar.

“Is something wrong?” He raised an eyebrow.

She nodded slightly.

“Yes… During our fight, it became clear that since I can’t rely on my strength, I have to rely on my agility. But…”

Ava paused briefly.

“My stamina seems to be seriously lacking, and speed without endurance is nothing.”

Although her face was red and her heart was beating so fast it felt like it might explode, she refused to avert her gaze from his eyes.

“The chamber is soundproof, and the entrance is locked. Given that you said you owe me one and we are in this position already… Do you think the two of us can work together to improve my stamina?”

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