Chapter 97: Trembling All Over

“Alright, it’s the end with the next match.”

Although Gulf and the others had been giving their all in every match, hearing that it would end with the next one… still filled them with motivation.

“Whew… I got lucky in that last one.”

“…Embarrassingly, I have to agree.”

“Good job, both of you.”

Phillip and Ibuki had won their previous match, deliberately missed by Ishudo.

“So, how was it handling weapons you don’t usually use?”

“…Feels like indulging in some masochistic play? I guess that’s what they mean by it.”

“Hahaha!!! ‘Masochistic play’… Well, Philip, we’re both using weapons we’re not used to, so it might be a bit different, don’t you think?”

“Yeah… You might be right.”

Normally, they would be more animated with silly banter, but Phillip was nearing maximum fatigue, leaving him with no room for thought.

“Besides, our win rate among the eight of us is pretty high.”

“But that’s a whole different story. The tension is way higher than in our usual mock battles.”

“I agree with that sentiment.”

As Ishud pointed out, the two of them indeed had higher win rates compared to the other members.

However, every match was still a challenge.

“Well, the most troublesome match for me was with Ibuki… and Gulf.”

“Same here. The match with Phillip and Gulf was particularly tough for me. Especially… Gulf seems to have improved in activating his fighting spirit for just a moment, compared to before.”

“Yeah… It’s like he’s distributing it well not just in one match, but throughout all the matches during training.”

(Phillip really pays attention, huh? But technically, not all matches have required it.)

Gulf was well aware of the strength of his weapon, the fighting spirit, and his desire to use it at the right moment only grew stronger day by day.

Although every match was still a training session where they couldn’t afford to let their guard down, there was no absolute need to win.

(In terms of handling power… Gulf is probably the one who improves the most.)

Although his win rate was lower than Phillip’s and Ibuki’s, he had a very good match with Dustin, whom he hadn’t faced earlier.

(While Dustin-senpai may have superior overall physical ability, using the fighting spirit can cover that. Considering they’re using unfamiliar weapons, he’ll probably win.)

As Ishud predicted, Gulf secured victory right at the five-minute mark, the regulation time for the match.

“Good job, everyone. Well then, let’s grab a bite… but before that. Just like during the day, let’s take a quick shower.”

Despite taking breaks in between, everyone was still sweaty.

While Christille and Phillip possessed the versatility to fight while conserving energy, the cycle of fighting for hours, resting, then fighting again inevitably led to sweat soaking into their training clothes.

By the way… the one sweating the most among them was Ishud, who kept doing some form of muscle training even during breaks.

If any girls were to see, they’d definitely internally exclaim, “Ew, sweaty!!!!”

However, the women present were also covered in sweat. 

If anyone dared to make a “sweaty” comment, it would surely come back to bite them.

And if it were a guy with as little tact as Ishud or Phillip, they’d definitely tease back.

“…Hey, Ishud, is it okay if I just crash like this?”

“Shouldn’t you take a bath? Your body will get all clammy. Plus, if you push yourself to the dining hall, you can enjoy some delicious food.”

Phillip had been cleverly fighting and improving his win rate, but in reality… he was exhausted to the brink.

Among those who have accepted Ishud’s invitation this time, there is no one who does not have the desire to become stronger than they are now.

Therefore, they approach every battle with a strong determination to win, even if it means training with unfamiliar weapons, something they wouldn’t normally consider.

As a result, Phillip was trembling like a newborn fawn.

“You need to provide proper nutrition to a tired body.”

“I understand what Ishudo is saying, but… I feel the same as Phillip.”

“Yeah, me too. I know sleeping in a hot bath is bad, but right now, it feels like the best bed ever.”

Of course, the legs of both Gulf and Dustin, who continued to fight with the intention of winning every match, were trembling like slimes.

“Hahaha!! Don’t worry. I know that feeling too. But the meal after all that movement is exceptional. So keep pushing, keep pushing.”

While saying this, Ishud calmly washes his body with an indifferent expression.

(Though I get it, seriously, he’s got insane stamina that makes you want to comment, “Are you crazy?”)

Although they were the same age, they knew there was a clear difference between adults and children.

He seemed to excel in every aspect… but the three of them couldn’t help but wonder how he could continue intense workouts and not show any signs of fatigue on his face.

“Alright! Delicious food is waiting for us!!!”

Ishud, now in his room clothes, heads to the dining hall, loudly announcing.

By the way, during this shower time, Michela and the others were also trembling like newborn fawns, making even their ample busts tremble together.

“Ahh, that hit the spot. Seriously, no matter how much I eat, I never get tired of it.”

“Really, Phillip was right… the training was tough, but I’m so happy now.”

“The dishes made by the school chef are delicious, but the dishes made by the Regula family chefs are… I’m worried I won’t be satisfied with the daily meals when we return to the academy.”

After dinner, the three of them lay back on the bed Ishud had brought to his room, reveling in the feeling of fullness.

Meanwhile, Ishud began to change out of his room clothes.

“Hmm? Ishud, what are you doing?”

“Well, I was thinking of going to the forest for a bit.”

“…Just to clarify, what do you plan to do there?”

“Just gonna hunt for about three hours.”

““”……….”””

All three of them were left speechless.

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