Once they changed into their training suits, which not only fit comfortably but also helped them, both Rosa and Aegon made their way toward the running track.
The stadium had practically everything a Knight could ask for in training, so they weren’t surprised to see such a long and well-maintained track stretching before them.
Both took their positions, smiling at each other after adjusting the gravity weights attached to their bodies.
"Ready to lose, Ms. Black Star?" Aegon asked with a grin.
"Ready to spend a whole day with , Future Hubby?" Rosa shot back, flashing a dazzling smile, her feet firmly planted on the ground.
"Heh!"
Aegon scoffed and then closed his eyes, feeling his blood boil, not just from excitent but also because of the Rune Formations beneath his feet that ran all over the stadium.
"Want to help?"
Instructor Han approached, noticing their stance and intentions.
"Thank you, Sir," Aegon replied politely.
"Not a problem. I also want to see the matchup between you two," Instructor Han chuckled, positioning himself in the center. "On my mark!"
Their eyes lost all traces of playfulness, replaced by focus and determination. Every muscle in their body tensed, ready to spring forward at the signal.
By then, other students had stopped training and gathered to watch. Everyone was eager to see who was stronger between the two and who truly deserved the title of Black Star.
Since they weren’t dueling, this race would have to do.
Instructor Han raised his hand. "3... 2... 1...!"
SNAP
"GO!"
The instant his fingers snapped, both competitors kicked off the ground, shooting forward like Blackwind Panthers. Their feet struck the track with rapid precision, the sound of impact rging with the wind as they dashed at terrifying speed.
Every second, they accelerated further, pushing their bodies closer to their limits. Yet their forms remained perfect, smooth, balanced, almost gliding across the ground instead of pounding it.
One mont, Aegon was slightly ahead. The next, Rosa surged forward. They didn’t even glance at each other, yet their speeds matched almost identically.
The audience composed mainly of First and Second Years was dumbfounded even though they already knew these two were ridiculousm. Their eyes remained glued to the track.
"Wow! Just wow! Their speed is insane!"
"For Rank 1s, they don’t even look like it! I can understand Aegon, but where did this girl even co from?"
"She’s actually matching him so closely! My eyes must be cheating on !"
"With who? Soone else’s eyes or your mind?"
"Shut up!"
"Want to bet?"
As the two top rankers continued their laps, loud voices spread among the enthusiastic audience.
So started betting on who would win, especially since the two seed evenly matched. Many who had previously been beaten black and blue by Rosa were rooting for Aegon out of petty revenge.
Instructor Han watched silently, his expression shifting to one of awe. "We really got monsters this year."
Considering the extra weight they carried, their pace was great for their rank. Every lap exhausted their bodies further, but neither slowed down. Both maintained their top speed relentlessly, lap after lap, refusing to yield even for a second.
Before long, the final lap arrived. Aegon’s eyes narrowed, his muscles spasming under the intense strain, especially since he had already run once that morning, which had left residual fatigue in his body.
After all, Cali had exhausted him too.
’It’s so much fun!’
Despite the exhaustion, a grin crept across his face as he pushed harder. He didn’t need to look sideways as he could feel Rosa’s presence right beside him.
’She’s impressive, to say the least,’ he thought. ’Maybe she really could beco my training partner.’
The finish line ca into view. His smile widened. Feeling the wind rush into his mouth, he shouted, "One last push, Rosa!"
"One last push!" she echoed, her voice full of fire as both of them accelerated again, their legs blurring, the ground trembling beneath their force.
’Just a bit more!’
The spectators held their breath, eyes locked on the finish line, hearts pounding as each step grew heavier, faster, louder.
And then—
"I won..."
Rosa’s voice barely escaped her lips before her legs gave out, sending her tumbling forward. She rolled several tis before managing to stop herself just short of slamming into the wall.
Still, when she stood up, a triumphant grin was plastered across her face. She raised her hand and shouted proudly, "I won!!"
On his knees, Aegon panted heavily, his heart pounding like a drum inside his chest. He could hear her voice faintly, along with the cries of the crowd but it all felt distant, drowned by the thundering of his heartbeat.
’These fuckers. Did they bet one ? Stop shouting at for your loss, you gambling addicts.’
[Boss, why did you let her win?]
Aegon chuckled lightly despite his exhaustion. ’I really can’t hide anything from you, huh.’
[It’s clear you only used your base physical strength. Not a single type of boost or spell you usually use, so I’m really confused.]
Aegon sat down on the track, catching his breath before replying, ’Even if I had won, she would’ve told twisted truth sohow. She wants to keep playing her little ga, and I can tell she’s planning sothing long-term. Spending a day with her will help learn more about her anyway so that’s a win for too.’
[That’s true, but then why not just agree to it directly?]
’Because then she wouldn’t have felt the weight of this victory against . Letting her win this way makes the day she got more worthy.’
[...You really overthink things sotis, Boss. But it’s a good strategy.]
’Then tell , what would you have done in my place?’
[Just kidnap her and ask her peacefully until she gives in. I have many thods.]
’Should’ve expected that,’ Aegon sighed, shaking his head as he looked up to find Instructor Han offering him a hand.
"It was a good match, but you need more practice now," the instructor said.
"Yes, sir," Aegon replied, taking his hand and standing.
In the distance, Rosa watched him, a small smirk tugging at her lips.
"He actually let win," she muttered softly. "He’s gotten more perceptive."
Then, she sighed and stretched her arms lazily. "Whatever! A victory is a victory. That other useless one never managed to beat him once, so I’m clearly ahead."
Licking her lips, she murmured under her breath, "Now then... how should I use this day I earned with him?"
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