Chapter 54 - Sweetheart

For the following weekends, Yume visited Valeria’s place, leaving a certain person devastated each time she left.

It wasn’t because she was sadistic; it was just the most efficient method she knew for strengthening the body.

Break and repair, break and repair. As crazy as it sounded, it was truly effective. After each meeting, Fang’s body seemed to toughen up tremendously.

Each element provided a different fighting style, suited to the strengths and weaknesses of the energy. However, finding training partners proficient in their element was rare. Luckily for Fang, there were two who alternated: Valeria, with her mastery over the dark element, and Yume, with the spatial element. They constantly tested Fang and pushed him to his limits, even facing both at once. Though he was extremely sore by the end of each day, the practical experience he gained in subsequent fights was quite frightening.

In a flash, a month had passed. The evening was like any other, except Yume hadn’t immediately left after the harsh bout. “Fang, I won’t be able to come next week.”

Tired, Fang didn’t show much surprise. “What’s happening next week?”

A smile appeared on her face. “Well, not just next week, but probably for several months, even half a year. If the tasks are anything like last year, our next meeting should be right after the country entrance examinations.”

Fang was startled. “At least half a year…”

“Right!”

He fell silent, feeling slightly sad. Although the training was immensely brutal, it was all for his benefit. She must have been incredibly busy, given who she was, but every weekend, she came to train him. This opportunity was something no one else could get, and he was grateful for it.

Seeing the downcast expression on Fang’s face, Yume teased, “So, are you feeling a bit relieved? After all, I’ll be leaving, and you won’t end up so bruised after training on weekends.”

“No, I think this training method is really effective,” Fang replied truthfully.

“Oh? I never expected you to have a bit of a masochistic streak.” Yume sighed. “It won’t be too long, and when I return to Minuet City next time, I expect to see some progress. Don’t complain though.”

Fang faintly blushed; her comment was a bit bold.

“Listen carefully, Fang. There are some important things I need to clarify with you before I leave.” A serious expression appeared on her face.

“I know it might seem selfish for Valeria to train you for her own purposes. However, she doesn’t see you as just a tool; she has expressed her genuine feelings for you. If for any reason you sever the ties between you and her, there won’t be anything left between us. In fact, I won’t even recognize you.”

Solemnly, Fang looked at her. “Yume, there’s no need to worry. I know how important Valeria is to me, and I would pledge my life for her goal—”

The words didn’t get to leave his mouth as Yume’s white hands covered it. “You don’t need to pledge your life for it. I don’t doubt your values, but many people change over time. Richard, in the past, actually regarded Valeria’s father as his close brother. Yet, when faced with immense wealth, he became blinded by greed and caused all that happened. I hope you won’t follow the same path.”

“I absolutely won’t be like that!”

He had grown up pitifully, experiencing suffering for most of his life. One person, however, had provided the support that shaped him into who he was today.

Between him and Valeria, it was no longer a simple transaction. Fang regarded her as family, given the care he had received from her. Therefore, if he could, he would certainly take revenge for her without a second thought.

“That’s good; I believe you.” Yume’s expression softened into a beaming smile. “Well, although we haven’t known each other for long, I’ll look forward to seeing you again in six months!”

As always, she left the room carefree and walked out.

Like a storm, she had come into his life and left. Fang hoped she wouldn’t leave, but everyone had their own matters to deal with.

Goodbye, Yume!

---

Before he knew it, the next semester started at Garden College.

At the college, Fang had just finished attending a meeting with Blue and was currently looking at the courses offered on the board.

“Have you heard? Scarlett still hasn’t chosen to attend an institution this semester.”

“Yeah, it seems she really plans not to go to any college.”

“There aren’t many people as talented as her, and with her prominent family background, she probably doesn’t see any purpose in attending anywhere.”

“Well, don’t you want to see her? I heard she’s not just an ordinary beauty but beautiful enough to drive people mad with desire.”

“So? What qualifications would you have to go after her?”

“Who said I’d go after her? Is it a crime to look at a beautiful woman?”

“…”

Hearing the chatter around him, Fang noticed a name that came up frequently—Scarlett.

It kept appearing in the bits of conversation around him, and he couldn’t help but get curious.

However, he had no idea who she was, so he turned to his roommate. “Blue, who is Scarlett?”

Blue shot him a disdainful look. “You haven’t heard of Scarlett? Aren’t you too ignorant of what goes on?”

Actually, Blue wanted to say that in Minuet City, there was hardly anyone who didn’t know who she was!