Chapter 168: Ch168: One Strike
*Sigh~*
*BOOM!*
The lightning struck the wooden dummy and shattered it into pieces, revealing the metal rod inside. Marco’s eyes widened for a moment. Yet there was no sign of cheating.
Queena met Marco’s gaze and gave a small nod.
The spell she had cast on Daniel was a cleansing spell that removed all temporary effects from a user.
’This kid has the potential to become a warrior,’ Marco thought as he stared at Daniel.
"I can’t believe it," Zushio whispered in a low tone.
Bernard gritted his teeth, his expression darkening.
"Is that enough, Master?" Daniel asked with a neutral expression.
Marco gave a slow nod.
"Alright, everyone. I hope that settles it. Molex, Brad, the rest of you, continue your training. You won’t be having breakfast until you shatter your targets," Marco announced.
With that, Daniel was directed to the shade, where he took a seat beside Queena.
As he chewed on his breakfast, his eyes narrowed as they settled on the emblem pinned to Queena’s chest.
Three breasts?
"Status," Daniel whispered under his breath.
——————
Name: Queena Quinn
Age: 29
HP: 2200/2200
Mana: 800/900
Essence: 100%
Quality: Outstanding (0%)
Description: A hardworking woman who supports her family of four despite having a jobless, alcoholic husband. Though burdened by endless responsibilities, she remains resilient, hiding her frustration, sexual hunger and exhaustion behind a calm smile that never quite reaches her eyes.
——————
"Where are you looking?" Queena asked, narrowing her eyes.
Daniel quickly looked away and met her gaze. "Nothing, nothing. I was... looking at Master."
Queena let out a soft chuckle. "Don’t lie. It’s alright. Yes, I have three breasts," she said with a teasing grin, briefly cupping one to emphasize her point.
His little brother gave the faintest twitch.
’Damn it... Why did she have to do that?’ Daniel thought, forcing his eyes anywhere but her.
He failed.
Queena possessed a soft, curvy round figure shaped like an orange. Black pearl eyes, long black hair that tumbled down her back and brushed her ass.
Dark lips stood out against her pale skin, giving her an effortlessly gothic vibe, and a small silver nose ring added a touch of boldness to her appearance.
Daniel crossed his legs and forced himself to turn his gaze away from her.
Not because she wasn’t attractive, but because if he stared any longer, his perverse thoughts would get the better of him.
...
Soon, Marco called the shamans to a stop and dismissed them for breakfast.
Although none of them had managed to destroy the wooden dummy, the atmosphere around Daniel had noticeably changed.
"Daniel, how did you manage to destroy that thing in a single strike? I’m curious," Tridon asked, his expression filled with curiosity.
"Me too," Pise chimed in, leaning forward.
"Yeah, tell us, Daniel," Molex added, unable to hide his interest.
Daniel remained silent, slowly chewing on his apple. ’Damn... What should I say to them?’ he wondered. ’Should I tell them, I’ve been fucking milfs to pump up my strength? Heh... that would be one hell of a conversa—.
"Students, you shouldn’t ask your comrades to reveal their techniques," Marco said, his tone firm. "As for Daniel destroying the wooden dummy in a single strike, it’s clear proof that he has put in more hours than the rest of you. So if you want the same results, put in more hours. Understand?"
"Yes, Master."
...
Hours blurred as their training continued.
The sun hung low in the western sky as the shamans returned from the river near the training grounds after washing themselves.
"Hey, remember master said we can do whatever we want as long as we’re back before sunset. How about we explore the town?"
"Sounds good. You coming with us, Zushio?"
"Let’s go," Zushio replied.
The shamans chatted among themselves as they left the training grounds.
’I should get some snac—’
Before Daniel could finish the thought, Zushio called out to him. "Are you coming with us, Daniel?"
Daniel paused for a moment before giving a nod. "Okay."
Brad looked around at the group. "I guess everyone’s going."
Bernard turned away. "You guys go. I’ve got some work to do."
With that, the nine shamans, dressed in white tunics and black trousers provided by the authorities, left the training grounds and made their way toward the marketplace.
"Watermelons! Juicy watermelons! One silver each! Buy three for two silvers!"
"Rare frinto fish! Only five silvers! You heard me right! One bite, and you’ll never forget the taste!"
Daniel scanned the surroundings as he walked through the bustling marketplace with his comrades.
The frinto fish had shimmering fins that reflected every color of the rainbow, while its sleek body was covered in glistening silver scales.
Before long, the group split up. Some formed groups of three, while others paired off, each heading in a different direction to browse the marketplace.
Daniel and Brad made their way to a bakery to buy some snacks.
But as Daniel pushed the door open, he nearly collided with a familiar man and stopped in his tracks.
His killer instinct flared.
’Klaus!?’
"Status," he whispered.
——————
Name: Zane Marrow
Age: 43
HP: 10700/10700
Mana: 8700/8700
Description: A calm yet intimidating man who has worked as an investigator in Exil for over a decade and holds a high reputation within the organization.
——————
"Daniel, what are you doing here?" Zane asked, a hint of surprise crossing his face.
"Brad, you go on. I’ll be there in a second," Daniel said before turning to Zane.
"I’m training here."
"What? Seriously?" Zane blinked.
Daniel tilted his head. "Yes. By the way, how’s the investigation going? Did you find Klaus?"
Zane crossed his arms. "Not yet. Zero and Helen are following a few leads. We’re still searching." He gave Daniel a small nod. "Well, I’ve got to go now. Good luck with your training."
With that, Zane turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Just as Daniel was about to turn away, he spotted Queena weaving through the crowd with a woven basket in her hands.
"Heh... it would be a crime if I don’t make a doll out of you, Lady Queena," Daniel muttered, his lips curling into a wicked grin.
