"Hu… Hu…" Jay panted a few times while running on a treadmill. It was already night and he had to go back soon.
The only thing he did when going out was find this place and just work out.
There was one thing that piqued his mind. A young man had joined him in his workout for the last couple of hours.
His technique and stamina were good, but his muscle was somehow much weaker than he expected. He looked like someone who had done this for years, so it was quite surprising to find his muscles hadn’t developed.
The man looked like he was around twenty years old, but the problem was that he was petite, and his face was actually cute like a girl.
If he wore a dress, he might be mistaken as a woman.
More importantly, Jay noticed that this man looked troubled.
When Jay finished with his workout and sent a message to others that he would be returning soon, the guy suddenly approached him while extending his hand. "Hello."
Jay was confused and looked at this guy. "Can I help you?"
"I just want to say that I am amazed. You must have started working out hours before me, yet your stamina can still keep up with those intense workouts. I can’t do that… So I wonder if you have any tricks or tips. I’m just asking casually, so if you don’t want to answer, it’s perfectly fine." The man smiled.
Jay tilted his head in confusion. He actually answered it with another question. "I’m more confused about you. Your technique looks like someone who has been working out for years, but somehow your muscles aren’t developed according to that effort. It’s not like your training is light and from those eyes, I realize that you are someone who trains every day."
"Ah? Is that so? It’s amazing that you are able to figure that out." He scratched the back of his head. "Well, it’s a kind of body’s condition of mine that doesn’t allow me to develop my muscles."
"Sorry." Jay apologized, knowing how hard it was to have such a deficiency.
"Ah, you don’t have to worry. It’s just a body’s condition, not a disability or sufficiency. I do get something out of it as well."
"Mhmm." Jay nodded and finally answered his questions. "I don’t understand your body’s condition, so I can’t really give you tips. From the looks of it, you’re very determined. You don’t seem to be weak as well… No, maybe you are stronger than me."
"I am Tier 2, yes. It’s embarrassing, but I’m not that strong as a Tier 2 human. In my previous group, I did little to nothing and kept messing up. If we fight, I might not be able to defeat you… My instinct is telling me that you’re stronger than me."
"Still, it’s quite surprising that you’re able to reach Tier 2 at that age." Jay shook his head helplessly.
"I think you misunderstand something. Even though I look like this, I am already 19 years old, you know."
"Wha—" Jay blinked a few times in disbelief. "I’m sorry."
"No, no. It’s fine. I’m used to it." He pointed at himself. "I am Ragna."
"I’m Jay." Jay extended his hand with a smile.
"Nice to meet you, Jay." Ragna shook his hand firmly.
"Still… your previous group, huh? Why does it sound like you don’t have a group anymore?"
"Yes. They kicked me out a few hours ago, so I just tried to throw away my stress here." Ragna shook his head helplessly.
"Is that so? I feel like I have to keep apologizing to you." Jay scratched the back of his head. He had been talking about sensitive topics this whole time.
"It’s fine. It doesn’t seem like you’re a regular here since this is the first time I’ve seen you."
"Oh. I’m not from this city."
"Really?"
Jay nodded with a serious expression.
"In that case, welcome to the Stellar City. If you have any questions, you can ask me."
"Then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask if there is any place that allow me to swing my sword. Like a private room or something."
"Oh. If you’re talking about that, this gym has one. Do you want to check it?" Ragna asked while pointing at the staff in the corner.
Seeing Jay standing up, Ragna led him to the staff and borrowed their room. He thought that this was just a normal gym, but when Ragna showed his membership, the staff immediately led him to the third floor.
There seemed to be two rooms that took up the entire floor. Each room was spacious enough for sparring.
"This is a sparring room. You’re able to rent it for a cheap price." Ragna opened the room.
It was just a simple room. There was some equipment from a sword to armor. In this place, he could swing his sword to his heart’s content or even spar with Clovis.
When Jay entered the room to take a look, he couldn’t help but pick up a saber. It was wood, but it was heavier than he imagined.
Jay was fired up, wanting to test it.
"It looks like you want to move a bit more. How about having me as your sparring partner? I’ll pay for the room."
"Really? But if it’s for the room, I will pay for it! You’re already kind enough to show me around."
"It’s fine. Besides, the only way to rent this room is to get the membership."
"Ah." Jay scratched the back of his head. "In that case, let us grab some food after this. I’ll pay."
"Sure." Ragna smiled and hurriedly paid for the room.
Jay was already swinging his saber around, getting used to the sensation.
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Meanwhile, Ragna grabbed a spear and a huge shield. When he turned around, he found Jay’s shocked face. "Is there something wrong?"
Jay looked at this petite man holding a shield as big as his body. It was rather surprising. "Sorry, I didn’t expect you to be a guardian."
"Ahahaha." Ragna let out a hollow laugh. "Let’s test it out, shall we?"
"Thank you very much."