Damovotsk, Molkovia, Earth.
Demian's P.O.V.
The next two weeks went by faster than what the young man expected. Each day started with a workout session before breakfast, followed by a sparring/training session with Brynhild until lunch. After two hours of rest, Demian focused on learning Chinese until his mental strength was completely empty. Fortunately for him, not only did his strength increase help him grow his mental and physical endurance but it also helped him improve the speed with which his energy regenerated. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to end his day with an hour of guitar practice after dinner.
'God! I feel like I'm going nuts. Today, I’m doing nothing! It’s either that or I’ll become insane.' Feeling mentally worn out, Demian lazed around on his bed for the first time in a while, fiddling with his phone in the hope of entertaining himself. Unfortunately, 20 minutes of meaningless scrolling was all it took for him to grow bored. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he dropped the phone on his bed while mumbling. “Why is so hard to do something not productive...? It’s like I’m turning into a freaking machine...” Shaking his head, he then left his bed and thought. ‘Since I’m awake, I might as well see if anyone else is.’ As his gaze fell on the alarm clock on his bedside table, he added. ‘Although I doubt that since it’s only 5 A.M.”
While subconsciously scratching his cheek in thought, his gaze moved from the clock to the full-length mirror hung on his bedroom wall. With a smile on his face, he went to stand in front of it and started examining himself. His reflection displayed in his eyes the massive changes his body underwent during those last four weeks. Gone was the relatively short, feeble, and often brooding teenager. Instead, a relatively tall, muscular, and handsome young man replaced him, his face a mask of confidence. ‘I should be slightly below 6ft tall... Or I guess 1m80. As for my muscle gains... Four weeks to reach a similar or even better level than I was in my previous life... Granted, I wasn’t training too seriously then, but still!’ He analyzed before his eyes turned to his face. ‘I did notice it before, but the effects weren’t as obvious... I’ve truly become more handsome!’
Indeed, not only was his features sharper, but every aspect of his body had improved. His skin looked softer with his scars having faded slightly, his frame was more symmetrical, his irises’ and hair colors gained more depth, etc. Every feature of his that was previously ordinary slowly transformed into something extraordinary. Naturally, he was not one of those perfect-looking men he read about in the past, at least not yet. However, he still found himself handsome, something that was previously unthinkable. ‘It may be accessory, but I do appreciate the Perk’s effect on my looks. Especially when it comes to my hair.’ He exclaimed inwardly as he recalled his previous life’s balding situation with some fright. ‘I finally have a full head of hair, so, I might as well try the shoulder-length look. If I keep it longer it’ll definitely get in the way when I need to fight.’
While imagining himself with hair as long as those male Chinese Cultivators, a few chuckles escaped his lips. “So impractical.” He muttered while grabbing a random pair of sports shorts and a casual shirt from his dresser and swiftly wearing them. Once fully clothed, he thought with some satisfaction. ‘I’m glad I thought about ordering some bigger-sized clothes when I noticed myself growing taller. Otherwise, that would’ve been problematic.’ Pondering for a second, he then added. “I wonder how much I'll keep growing though...” Sighing lightly, he simply decided to leave it to the future. 'As Mom said: It's better to focus on doing the things you can rather than wasting time on something you can’t.'
Now ready, he left his bedroom for the living room downstairs, while subconsciously noting the fact that Bryn’s bedroom door was open. “I guess I’m not the only early riser.” He muttered with a grin on his face. A few moments later, he was standing in the kitchen, preparing his own breakfast while chatting with the tall redhead who commented with a small smile on her face. “I almost thought you'd stay in bed today.” While grabbing everything and setting them on the dinner table, he sat down in front of her and responded in a wry tone. “Believe me, I tried! I just got bored and decided I might as well get up and do something that would actually be interesting.”
Nodding her head, she replied with more seriousness. “I’m not surprised. You’ve been pushing your mind and body for a month, creating some programmed habits. But now, you’re going against those habits.” Pausing for a second, she added. “And that’s without taking into account the fact that you enjoyed doing all that heavy training.” Cocking his brow, he took a bit of his food before stating. “Sounds like something you experienced.” His words seemed to bring some old memories to her mind as she replied. “It was when I started my MMA training. My coach at the time threw me into some intense training during my summer vacation...” Moving her gaze to his face, she continued. “Nothing like yours, though. I don’t have your Power and at that time, I was much younger than you.”
Feeling interested, he was about to ask for more details, but she cut him short with her next words. “Anyway, those are old memories. But about your problem: just keep in mind that both your body and mind have wear and tear and rest is the best remedy for that. Even if it makes you feel like you’re wasting your time.” Nodding his head, he exclaimed. “That makes sense. I did think that my Superpower would take care of that, but I guess I was too greedy.” Shaking her head, she retorted. “Actually, you’ve already held on far longer than normal people could. Most would have given up on the first week, if not sooner.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Scratching his cheek in thought, he mumbled. “Am I too harsh on myself, then?” His question elicited an amused grin on her face before the two went back to eating in silence. Once their plates were empty, they put everything away before going to the balcony where they each sat on one of the deckchairs lying around. In front of them was the Baltic Sea glittering golden from the sunlight shining on the water. The majestic view struck him silent, his heart awed by the beauty of Nature. However, his contemplation stopped short when his ears caught the sound of snickering coming from his side. Turning his head in that direction, he noticed the amused grin plastered on the redhead's face, the latter swiftly evading his gaze as soon as he looked at her.
“The view never gets old, does it?” She commented with her grin turning warm from its previous playfulness. Following her gaze, the previous magnificent sight met his eyes, prompting him to nod and reply. “It never does. Although I don't usually take the time to appreciate it.” “Mmhh... I used to be like that too.” Pausing for a brief moment, she then continued. “Remember what I told you earlier about taking the time to rest?” He nodded without a sound, not wanting to interrupt her. “Those brief and peaceful moments... I've learned to enjoy them... When you put aside all your worries and responsibilities, and only focus on appreciating what’s in front of you... It feels very... Relaxing...” Her last words became as soft as a whisper, while her breath turned almost imperceptible to his senses.
Influenced by the relaxed atmosphere, an unexpected feeling of peace engulfed his mind, removing all of his distracting thoughts, from the most benign worry to the heaviest fear, leaving only a calm appreciation for the wonderful environment. While his ears caught the sound of wind ruffling the leaves around him, his skin felt its gentle caress on his skin. The more time passed, the better his mind and body felt. However, his meditative state was destined to end eventually. Before that, it grew fainter, and only then did it disappear completely. Letting out a wistful sigh, he suddenly asked her. “So... Today's your big fight, right?” She answered while shaking her head in disapproval. “Mmmhh! 'The great clash between the two strongest Eastern and Western female warriors on the European Continent' as they put it.”
Cocking his eyebrow, Demian asked in confusion. “Isn't it the truth, though?” She turned her head briefly in his direction before moving her gaze back to the scenery. “You of all people should know how stupidly wrong that is.” Still puzzled, he retorted. “What do you mean?” A helpless sigh escaped her lips before she answered with a question. “Have you forgotten about the 'Crimson Patriot' and the 'Freedom League'?” At the mention of those two ‘Superhero’ groups, the young man clenched his fists tightly as a surge of anger erupted in his heart. Thankfully, the previous session’s benefits did not disappear, allowing him to swiftly rein in the strong emotion after taking a deep breath.
Unclenching his fists, he then replied calmly but with some coldness hidden in his tone. “I remember. But they can’t be considered warriors. At most, they’re random people who were lucky enough to receive superpowers making them stronger than normal humans.” Chuckling at his description, she said. “I do agree that most of them are that way... But does it even matter? Skills are only useful against people around your general level of strength. Against someone who can destroy a house with a punch, create fire with their hands, or control your mind with a thought, my skills amount to nothing. It’s like a baby going against an adult: Completely hopeless...”
Despite her calm tone, her words clearly displayed her frustration, prompting him to deny. “You’re wrong, sis. It's definitely not hopeless. Technique does matter and in my eyes, you're one of the best warriors if not the best on Earth. So what if they have powers? That just means we’ve got to find a way to get some for ourselves. To be honest, I’ve got a feeling that there might be someone or something behind those people getting powers. Some things are too incidental after all. If that’s the case, we’ll definitely find a way to each get one. So don’t dismiss your years of efforts, alright?”
As his words reached her ears, he noticed her facial expression changing, turning from the earlier hopelessness to gratitude. For a brief moment, he even believed he saw fondness in her eyes, but he chalked it up to his vivid imagination. While snickering, Brynhild then replied with a slightly playful tone. “I'll be relying on you then, 'Lil Bro'.” Feeling amused, he replied. “It's been a while since you called me that way, Sis.” Tilting her head, she explained. “Do you want me to call you Lil Bro?” Thinking about it for a second, he realized that having his beautiful cousin calling him like that would trigger some strange thoughts in his mind. It was safer for her to call him Dem instead. Shaking his head, he said. “No. Just call me Dem as usual. It’d be weird otherwise.”
A strange glint appeared in the woman’s eyes before vanishing instantly. The redhead, however, kept silent until she heard his following question. “So, at what time do you want to leave for the airport?” With a thoughtful look on her face, she replied. “After lunch. I’m planning on doing a light training session in Molvograd before the fight.” Nodding his head, he asked. “What about your opponent? Where's she from?” To which she responded. “She's French and her name's Jeanne. I've actually fought her in the past and she’s far from weak. It’s not for nothing that the media put us on the same Level. I still believe I’ll win though.”
The smile of confidence on her face brought a similar one to his face as he exclaimed. “Of course, you will. My cousin is the most powerful warrior in the world after all.” Chortling at his compliment, she then declared. “I can’t disappoint your expectations then.” She then paused for a second before her face turned serious and she added. “With what happened recently, I don’t really like the idea of leaving the three of you alone here. Maybe you guys should come with me, or...” Despite her words, he knew that they would not be safer if they came with her. He thus interrupted her by saying. “We’ll be fine, Sis. Unless someone with superstrength attacks us, the reinforced door will stop anyone trying to enter the penthouse. And that’s if they could even reach our floor in the first place. And let’s say for the sake of the argument that they do go through those. I’ll be there to stop them and protect Aunty and Sera. I’m not weak anymore!”
His voice was filled with both conviction and relief, bringing a soft smile to his cousin’s face before she replied. “I trust you, Dem.” Her words and gentle tone touched something inside him, with a warm feeling appearing in his heart. The two were silent for a few seconds before the redhead moved her gaze away with a slight tinge of red on her cheeks. In what seemed to be an effort to distract his attention, she stated. “I recently did some investigation on the man. And I couldn’t find any indication of Supes among his subordinates or even fighters on my Level. So, as long as you’re careful, you should be fine. Just don’t open the door to anyone.”
Chuckling at her concerned words, he teased her. “That sounds like what a mother said to her kid.” Looking amused, she quipped back. “That’s because I’m not used to you acting like an adult yet, ‘Lil Bro’.” After a few back-and-forth banter, the conversation moved to lighter subjects. It lasted for a while before they heard the sounds of footsteps coming from inside the apartment. “So you two were hiding there!” A sleepy voice exclaimed with curiosity.