A QUICK SPARRING

...

We all greeted each other, but Suho, still excited, began bombarding me with questions. I responded casually, keeping up with his pace, as we walked across the training field. However, something caught my attention: Yeonha was walking silently beside us.

Or rather... silent in words. Her eyes, on the other hand, said more than she probably intended.

I felt her furtive glances landing on me, analyzing me discreetly but constantly. It was a thorough evaluation, focusing mainly on my torso and up. My physique wasn't exactly weak, but her critical gaze made me wonder...

'What's with that look? Is there something wrong with my body?'

When her purple eyes met mine again, I noticed her freeze for a moment. Her body stiffened, and for a brief second, she held her breath, as if caught in the act. Then, she quickly averted her gaze, trying to act as if nothing had happened. But it was too late. I had already noticed.

A small smile played on my lips, but I decided not to comment. Teasing her now wouldn't be productive... not yet.

"Yeah... I came to help her with training."

Hiding the real reason I had come here with Nayun, I casually replied to Suho.

As we chatted, I spotted Nayun standing nearby, wiping the sweat from her forehead with her forearm. She looked exhausted but satisfied with the training. Without much thought, I tossed the water bottle I had fetched in her direction.

"Here!"

With quick reflexes, Nayun caught the bottle mid-air and unscrewed the cap in one fluid motion. She took a long sip before letting out a relieved sigh.

"Thanks, Theo. You're the best!"

She said, flashing me a genuine smile.

Her eyes sparkled for a moment, and I simply shook my head. When Nayun wanted to, she could be straightforward and sincere, something I found refreshing, unlike her usual "tsundere" moments when she struggled to express herself properly.

However, my attention was diverted when I noticed Yeonha pressing her lips together slightly, averting her gaze once again, clearly irritated by something.

A subtle reaction, but one that didn't escape my notice, especially when I saw her eyes lingering on Nayun.

'Hoh? I had forgotten, but at this point in the story, Yeonha saw Nayun as both a romantic rival and a potential recruit for her guild. They couldn't exactly be called friends yet.'

During this period, she only wanted to be on good terms with the girl who was now my girlfriend. Truly cunning, that fox from Seoul.

Before I could delve deeper into that thought, Suho lightly tapped my shoulder, grabbing my attention.

"So, Theo, are you going to train too, or just here to watch?"

He asked with an eager smile, clearly hoping I'd accept a challenge.

I glanced at Nayun, who was still drinking her water and chatting with Yeonha...

"How about a quick spar, just to warm up?"

Suho suggested, taking a step back and stretching his shoulders.

"After all, it doesn't hurt to test your skills every now and then."

I thought for a moment.

"Sure..."

Suho looked genuinely surprised, clearly not expecting me to agree.

And honestly, there was no real reason to accept, but you know how it is—when your girlfriend is around, it's good to show a more manly side every now and then.

Cough

Just kidding. I'm only doing this to make people think I've awakened some special "TALENT." It's a good way to avoid too many explanations when they see me using a bit of my powers in the future.

I'm only doing this because I have the means to protect myself. If I were weak, something like this wouldn't even cross my mind. After all, 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered,' attracting as much positive attention as negative.

"...A spar using swords. What do you say?"

"Fine by me, let's go."

Yeonha and Nayun, who had been chatting, seemed to notice me bending down near them to pick up a training sword...

The wooden hilt fit comfortably in my hand, and I gave it a quick spin to test its weight. It was a standard practice sword, nothing special, but enough for what I had in mind.

"I hope you're ready."

Suho smiled, gripping his own training weapon.

"I should be saying that to you."

The circle around us began to grow as the few cadets in the training area started to gather.

Yeonha crossed her arms and watched intently, while Nayun tilted her head slightly, curious.

"Don't go too hard on each other, and remember, no magic powers here."

Nayun casually reminded us, concerned that we might use our magical abilities and break Cube's rules.

Yeonha took a few steps back with Nayun.

"Just get it over with."

Her words feigned disinterest, but her mind was already set on analyzing every detail of this little confrontation.

Suho took his combat stance, and I calmly gripped the hilt of the training sword, wondering how I should end this fight.

Should I hold back enough to make it an even match, or hold back just enough to still show superior strength?

"Come on!"

The moment for the little display had arrived.

"Here I come!"

He declared, and without hesitation, he charged.

Suho moved with speed, his feet gliding across the ground with precision. His eyes were locked on me, filled with determination. The training sword in his hand was steady, and his face exuded confidence as he sought an opening in my defense.

I raised my sword calmly, letting the wooden blade rest lightly on my shoulder. My eyes followed him, but my body remained relaxed. He didn't notice, but I had already read all his movements before he even made them.

The first strike came quickly, a horizontal slash aimed at my side. A single step back was enough to avoid it, the wood passing inches from my body. He didn't stop, spinning the sword for a downward strike. This time, I raised my blade, blocking the attack with a short, efficient motion.

The impact reverberated through the hilt, but my hand didn't even budge.

Suho frowned, sensing the disparity in strength, but he didn't let it discourage him. He retreated, adjusting his stance.

"Not bad."

My voice came out neutral, without provocation. Just an observation. If it were someone else, they'd likely attack without reevaluating the situation.

Suho took a deep breath and charged again. He was fast for a cadet, his technique refined through diligent training. His movements were clean, with no wasted effort—it was almost like he was dancing.

But even so, to me... it was almost too slow.

I blocked, dodged, retreated, and occasionally counterattacked.

Suho began to sweat, his breathing growing heavier with each failed attack. I could see doubt creeping into his eyes.

Finally, as he prepared another strike, I took a single step forward. My movement was quick, almost imperceptible. My sword slid past his, deflecting his attack before his blade could reach me. The tip of my sword stopped just a few millimeters from his throat.

A heavy silence fell over the training field.

"That was a good exchange."

I said, lowering the sword.

"I look forward to fighting you for real during the end-of-semester test."

Suho blinked, still catching his breath. His eyes moved from the tip of the sword to my face, a mix of surprise and competitiveness shining in them.

I knew I had made the right choice in defeating him quickly. If it were anyone else, they'd be completely frustrated and upset at being outmatched like this.

But Suho couldn't stay like that, could he?

It was hard to imagine, almost impossible, considering we're talking about the perfect protagonist.

The effect was the opposite. What I did only fueled his competitive spirit.

'This way, he'll grow stronger faster compared to the original timeline and help me deal with some minor pests without me needing to step in.'

"Again."

He said, tightening his grip on the sword.

"Alright..."

...