Chapter 54: Sweetheart

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

It wasn’t because she was sadistic though; 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, as after each meeting, Fang’s body seemed to toughen up tremendously.

Each element provided a different fighting style, suited for the strengths and weakness of the energy. However, finding training partners who were proficient in their element were rare to find, but luckily for Fang, there were two that alternated. Valeria, with her mastery over the dark element, and Yume with the spatial element constantly tested Fang and pushed him to his limits, even facing both at once. Though at the end of the day, he was extremely sore, the amount of practical experience he had gained and picked up on in the following 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 can’t 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 several months, even half a year I don’t have the free time. 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 became silent immediately, and felt slightly sad. Although the training was immensely brutal, it was all for his best interests. She had to been definitely busy, being the person she was, but every weekend, she came to train Fang. Without a doubt, this opportunity was something that no one could get, and he was grateful for it.

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

“No, I think this training method is really good,” said Fang truthfully.

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

Fang faintly blushed, what she was saying was a bit bold.

“Listen carefully, Fang, there’s some important things I need to clear up with you before I leave.” A serious expression appeared on her face.

“I know that it may appear selfish for Valeria to train you for her purposes. However, she doesn’t think of you as a tool; she’s expressed her genuine feelings to you. For some reason, if you cut off those bridges tying you and her down, there won’t be anything between us, in fact, I won’t even recognize you.”

Solemnly, Fang looked at her. “Yume, there’s no need to worry, I clearly 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 white hands covered it. “You don’t need to pledge your life for it. I don’t doubt your values, but many people change with time. Richard, in the past, actually regarded Valeria’s father as his close brother. When faced with immense wealth though, he became blinded by the opportunity of greed and caused all that to happen. I hope that you won’t take the same road that he did.”

“I absolutely won’t be like that!”

He grew up pitifully, and experienced suffering for the majority of his life. A single person, however, provided the support that shaped him to become the person he was today.

Between him and Valeria, it wasn’t a simple transaction any longer. Fang regarded her as family, with the amount of care that he had received from her. Therefore, if he was able, he would certainly take revenge for her without a second thought.

“That’s good, I believe you.” Yume’s expression changed into a beaming smile. “Well, although we haven’t met for very 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 came into his life and left. Fang hoped she wouldn’t leave, but everyone had their own matters to deal with.

Goodbye, Yume!

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

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

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

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

“There’s not been a lot of 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 though? I heard she didn’t appear to be an ordinary beauty, but was beautiful enough that she could send people mad with desire.”

“So? With what qualifications would you go after her then?”

“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 occurred ever so often – 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 a spiteful look at his eyes. “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 had to be no one that didn’t know who she was!