Chapter 11: The Bathroom Ambush

After returning to the dorm and bidding farewell to Alice, Liya finally breathed a sigh of relief. Removing the blindfold that covered his eyes made him feel entirely at ease, but the spirit of a martial artist didn’t allow him to fully relax.

“Phew… Good! Now it’s time to sweat!”

As a professional martial artist, this was the perfect moment to train his body. Unlike magicians who primarily studied magic, martial artists also relied on mana to fight, but they used it more as a supplementary means to enhance their physical abilities. For instance, Liya’s own rune magic was essentially a method to utilize mana more efficiently to amplify his bodily capabilities.

However, physical prowess couldn’t rely solely on mana enhancement. What a martial artist prided themselves on most was their body. Even in the absence of mana, they should cultivate an indestructible physique. That was what made a qualified martial artist.

“I was too young before, and my organs weren’t fully developed, so I couldn’t undergo high-intensity training… But now it’s fine! Alright! First, two hundred push-ups to warm up, and within a year, I’ll regain my eight-pack abs from my previous life! Let’s go!”

Although the body was female, Liya firmly believed the soul was what mattered. As a true man, even in a girl’s body, he had to exhibit masculine spirit. Abs were the first step! Then, every action should reflect a manly demeanor, so others would recognize him as a real man!

With this grand masculine goal in mind, Liya began doing push-ups while sealing all his mana. He absolutely couldn’t use mana to assist his training; otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of strengthening his body…

“One hundred eleven, one hundred twelve…”

After two hundred push-ups came five hundred sit-ups, followed by an hour of horse stance. This kind of training felt great. Soon, the familiar sensation of sweat soaking his clothes returned. Liya casually took off his student blazer and tied it around his waist, then continued practicing his punches…

After a full two hours, Liya’s training was interrupted by a knock on the door. He stopped and was about to answer it, but suddenly realized something.

“…No.”

He couldn’t open the door casually. The knocker was surely a girl, and girls visiting each other would be very relaxed. What if he was too scantily clad and accidentally saw everything? How would that affect the girl’s honor?! No! He had to be cautious!

Liya put the blindfold back on. Though it plunged his vision into darkness again, it brought him considerable satisfaction. Yes, this was how a gentleman behaved! Smiling to himself, Liya opened the door.

“Hello, I’m…?! You—?!”

“Ah, sorry, it’s just a bit inconvenient.” Liya said casually with a smile.

“I see… My name is Cecilia. I’m sorry.”

Strange. Why was this girl apologizing? Liya didn’t understand, but out of politeness, he remained composed.

“I’m Liya. So, what can I do for you? I’m quite busy, as you can probably see.”

“You’re… training?” Cecilia looked at the girl before her in surprise.

The student blazer was tied around her waist; her undershirt was soaked with sweat, faintly outlining her figure. The blindfold, however, ruined the aesthetic, covering most of her face. Cecilia couldn’t help but feel pity. Such a cute girl, but she was blind…

She must have accidentally hurt the girl just now. When she said it was inconvenient, she must have been heartbroken! It was all her fault! She had to take responsibility! Cecilia resolved firmly in her heart.

“Yeah, if I don’t train, life would be really inconvenient.” Liya stated bluntly. As a martial artist, what was the point of living without proper training?

“R-right… Yeah, I understand.” Cecilia wiped the corner of her eye. Yes, if she didn’t work hard, how could a blind child talk to her so normally? She’s trying so hard! Even though she’s blind, she’s trying so hard!

“O-oh, Liya! I came to invite you. Would you like to go take a bath together?”

“B-b-b-b-bath?!?!”

Liya was shocked. What was happening?! What kind of development was this?! Why did it suddenly turn into bathing?

“Y-yeah, don’t feel inferior! No one will laugh at you!” Cecilia said confidently. She thought Liya’s strong reaction was because she didn’t want to reveal her blindness to others. I understand! Big sis understands!

“I-I-I-I-I! I’m not going! No need!”

“Don’t say that. Look, you’re drenched in sweat, Liya. It’s the perfect time for a bath.”

“What?!” Liya almost shouted, and inwardly he was furious. A miscalculation! This training was a miscalculation! She’d found a weakness!

“B-b-but I…”

“No buts! Don’t worry, big sis will protect you!” Cecilia declared, then grabbed Liya’s arm. Regardless, she couldn’t be antisocial!

“But this, this is improper! I absolutely can’t go! I! I am—!”

“What’s going on? Cecilia? Liya?”

Suddenly, Liya heard a voice like a lifesaver. That’s right, it was her! His first true friend in this new life, his reliable companion! Liya immediately shook off Cecilia and rushed to Alice, shouting:

“Alice! This person is trying to drag me to take a bath! I…”

—How could I ever do such a thing! Liya wanted to finish the sentence, but before he could:

“What a coincidence? I came to invite Liya too! Count me in.”

“Great.” Cecilia smiled sweetly.

“What…” Liya stared at Alice in disbelief. Though a bit confused, Alice gently smiled back at him. Ah, that smile was so kind, so dazzling, but! But!

I see through it!

“Alice, you traitor!!!!”

My first friend, and you’ve betrayed me and joined the enemy! That’s too much!!!!

“Alright, alright, don’t be so resistant. Trust me, nothing will go wrong! Big sis promises! Come, into big sis’s arms…” Cecilia spread her arms and approached. Though he couldn’t see, Liya reflexively jumped back several steps.

“D-don’t come closer!”

Demon! Don’t think you can corrupt me! I’m not only a martial artist, but also a gentlemanly man!

“Be good, Liya. Teacher Christine specifically told me and Senior Cecilia to take good care of you. Don’t be willful!”

“What?!”

Liya felt a sudden epiphany.

“Heh heh heh heh heh… So that’s how it is… That’s what’s going on…”

So it was you! The culprit! Teacher Christine!! And I thought of you as an elder! You set me up!!!

“You, both of you! I’m warning you! Don’t come any closer!”

Maybe because he was too small, or nervous, tears of frustration welled up in his eyes. Facing two girls, Liya couldn’t resort to lethal magic. So, the only option left was…

With tears streaming, Liya raised his fists, ready to fight these two female demons to the death, dying to preserve his honor.

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