Kai lunged forward, using his weight and momentum to his advantage. He wasn’t planning to strike Eliana, but he aimed to overpower her and wrestle her to the ground.

Eliana watched his approach calmly, as if she had anticipated it. She didn’t dodge or even move her feet. Instead, she simply smiled, her expression almost amused. Kai’s confidence grew as his arms closed in on her wrists.

Got her, he thought, his smile widening.

But then her wrist slipped through his grasp as if it wasn’t even there. Kai blinked in disbelief— Eliana hadn’t moved much, yet her body shifted in an instant, almost imperceptibly, to dodge his grip. She was still standing in the same spot, but now his entire side was exposed to her.

Eliana’s smile widened. Kai had done most of the work for her. With his momentum and poor positioning, all she needed was a well-placed push to send him to the ground.

Kai’s eyes widened as he realized he’d miscalculated. He felt a familiar burning sensation in his arms and legs, the same odd energy that had coursed through him when piloting the ship. His body responded before his mind caught up. Twisting at the last moment, he redirected his momentum and managed to wrap around Eliana’s waist, pulling her down with him as they fell to the floor.

Eliana let out a short, surprised yelp as they landed. She had been certain Kai would hit the ground first, yet somehow, he had reversed his trajectory in a way that seemed almost impossible. The reflexes and sheer core strength required to pull off such a move were extraordinary, and it didn’t add up.

She stared at him, momentarily stunned. Kai didn’t look like someone who had spent years training for moments like this. There was something about him, something she couldn’t quite place.

Eliana searched Kai’s eyes, looking for some hint of smugness or triumph. But there was none. If anything, he looked just as surprised as she was.

She scrambled to sit up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “How the hell did you manage to do that?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and frustration.

Kai remained on the ground, staring up at her. “To be honest, I’m not sure. My body just reacted. I guess I got lucky.”

“Again,” Eliana demanded, narrowing her eyes. She didn’t believe for a second that it was just luck. Kai was hiding something, and Eliana was determined to figure out what it was.

She got back on her feet, adjusting her stance. This time, she decided to go on the offensive. She was sure she was faster, more precise. There was no way he could rely on luck twice.

Kai rose as well, rolling his shoulders as he readied himself. The burning energy coursed through his body again. He took a few deep breaths, calming his mind and focused.

Eliana made the first move, closing the distance between them in a blur of motion. She launched a quick kick aimed at his midsection. Kai sidestepped it effortlessly, his movements fluid. She followed up with another kick, snapping it toward his legs, but he dodged again, this time even smoother.

Maybe he recognizes my fighting style, Eliana thought. If that’s the case, I’ll just switch it up.

She pivoted back, switching her stance mid-step. Her body language shifted subtly as she transitioned into a different technique, one of several she’d mastered over the years. This time, she intended to keep him guessing, to find the gaps in his defenses and exploit them.

Kai’s focus didn’t waver. He could feel the rhythm of her movements, the ebb and flow of her attacks. He didn’t recognize her techniques outright, but his body seemed to anticipate them as if guided by an unseen instinct. Whatever was happening to him, it wasn’t just luck—it was something far deeper, something he was only beginning to understand.

Eliana smirked, launching a feint to test him before moving in with her new approach. Let’s see how you handle this.

Kai saw Eliana raise her arm, feigning an attack. His instinct told him to dodge, but then he noticed something unusual— a faint, almost imperceptible aura radiating from her opposite leg — the one she wasn’t actively using. It was subtle, like a ripple in the air, but it told him everything he needed to know.

In that moment, Kai understood her true intention. The raised arm was a distraction, and the real attack was coming from her leg.

Without hesitation, his body moved on its own. He raised his leg swiftly, intercepting Eliana’s kick with the side of his shin. The impact echoed through the dojo.

Eliana’s eyes widened, her carefully planned attack thwarted. “How…?” she muttered under her breath, momentarily thrown off balance. Kai remained steady, his leg holding firm against hers.

From Eliana’s perspective, it was as if Kai had read her mind. The way he raised his leg just slightly before her kick connected wasn’t a reaction—it was a prediction. He had anticipated her move with a precision that unnerved her.

Eliana paused, her breathing steady but her confidence shaken. There was no point in continuing. She had been bested, and she knew it. Sparring further wouldn’t change the outcome.

Taking a step back, Eliana lowered her head in a deep bow, acknowledging her defeat. Kai returned the gesture respectfully.

As Eliana straightened, she noticed something for the first time. Kai’s forehead glistened with sweat, his face slightly flushed from the exertion. He loosened the top of his sparring cloth to let in some air. It was then that Claire’s eyes caught the definition of his physique. The company-issued suit, tailored for elegance and utility, had concealed his strength. Beneath his composed demeanor, Kai was far more formidable than she had imagined.

For a moment, she stood there, observing him in a new light.

Kai noticed Eliana staring at him, her gaze lingering longer than he was comfortable with. Embarrassment crept up on him, and he shifted slightly, adjusting his loosened cloth. He had won the match, and that meant his prize was going to be time spent with Eliana—whatever she had in mind. Yet, at the back of his mind, a flicker of guilt surfaced. How much of that fight was truly me, and how much was because of the strange liquid inside me?

The thought gnawed at him as he stood there, unsure of what to say. He didn’t want to come across as cocky, nor did he want to downplay her effort. But words failed him as he watched her, seemingly lost in a trance, her expression unreadable.

For a moment, silence filled the space between them, tension mingling with curiosity and the unspoken questions they both carried.

Eliana broke the silence, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Guess I have to fulfill my promise,” she said, her tone teasing. “But don’t let your dirty mind get all excited. The prize was to spend time with me, not sleep with me. I hope you didn’t misunderstand.”

Kai smirked, deciding to play along. “Yeah, that’s exactly what I thought you meant when you said I could get to know you better.”

Eliana chuckled, shaking her head. “Sure thing, Kai.”

Her grin widened, but behind her teasing tone, there was a flicker of intrigue in her eyes.

---

Mr. Draco read through the report, then set it aside with little interest. His company had reached a point where it could thrive even without his constant management. Soon, his daughter would take over the family business, as had been planned by him and her mom.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

His thoughts drifted to the legend passed down through his lineage, a tale of immense danger and responsibility. He had carried the burden of that knowledge for years, and now it was time to pass it on to her.

“Where is my daughter?” he asked aloud, his voice firm.

From just outside the door, his secretary responded promptly, “She said she wasn’t feeling well and took the rest of the day off, sir.”

Kevin frowned, his annoyance surfacing. “How many times has she done that this week?”

“This is the third time already, sir,” the secretary replied.

“And what did she really do? I don’t believe she simply went home to rest,” Kevin said, irritation creeping into his tone. He suspected his daughter’s priorities were far from the business he was grooming her to lead.

The secretary hesitated for a moment before answering, “Well, sir, she had a meal at the cantina and... um... booked a room at the dojo.”

Kevin’s eyes narrowed. “The dojo? Who was she training with?”

There was a brief pause. “You’ll find this interesting, sir. Your daughter was training with the miner who came in this morning. I believe his name was Kai.”

---

Kai sneezed in the shower, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. He chuckled to himself, wondering if someone was talking about him behind his back. Eliana, maybe? he thought with amusement. She might still be stewing over her loss.

After drying himself off, he slipped back into the suit, adjusting it to make sure it sat properly. Once ready, he headed out and made his way to the entrance of the dojo, where he leaned casually against the wall, waiting for Eliana.

He didn’t have to wait long before Eliana stepped out. She was dressed in casual, cropped black hoodie and fitted joggers with sleek lines, paired with simple sneakers. Her Auburn hair was tied back in a practical ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her face, giving her a relaxed appearance.

Ever since the sparring match with Eliana, Kai felt a growing sense of trust in her. There was something about that physical exchange, the unspoken communication through movement and instinct, that bridged a gap no words could. The Eliana standing before him now felt like a completely different person than the one he had met at the front desk.

Eliana caught him staring and flushed slightly. She puffed her cheeks and pretended to be annoyed. “What are you staring at?” she asked.

Kai snapped out of his thoughts and quickly apologized. “Sorry, I was just thinking about how different you are now compared to when I first saw you at the front desk.”

Her eyes lit with curiosity, and she leaned in slightly. “Oh? What was your first impression of me?” She added with a teasing grin, “Don’t hold back—just say it.”

Kai hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully. “Well… I thought you were a materialistic girl and wasn’t exactly fond of you.”

Eliana blinked, her blush deepening, but her expression shifted into a mix of amusement and indignation. “Materialistic?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Wow, Kai. Way to sweep a girl off her feet.”

Kai raised his hands in defense. “Hey, I didn’t know how things worked in the city. I guess it wasn’t that I had something against you personally, but more about my dislike for the lifestyle here. People seem so wasteful. Like the shower towel I used—I only used it once but still had to toss it in the laundry basket.”

Eliana burst out laughing, finding his complaints surprisingly endearing. “No, silly,” she said with a chuckle. “That’s because you’re a personal guest of Mr. Draco. Most people here don’t live in that kind of luxury. And my makeup? That’s just something all the women here use for work.”

She paused thoughtfully before continuing, “Makeup to us is like the mining suit you wear in the mines. It’s a layer of protection. It gives confidence and makes conversations more pleasant for clients.”

Kai nodded slowly, considering her words. “That makes sense,” he admitted. Then, with a slight blush, he added, “But honestly, I find you without makeup more attractive.”

His face grew hotter as the words left his mouth, and he quickly looked away.

Eliana’s cheeks turned pink as well, and she fidgeted with her hair. After a moment, she spoke softly, almost shyly. “Alright... if that’s what you find pleasant, I won’t wear makeup when I’m with you.”

Her words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, neither of them knew what to say.

Eliana’s stomach rumbled loudly, and she quickly covered it with her hands, her face flushing with embarrassment.

Kai couldn’t help but laugh. “I knew those tiny portions you ate weren’t going to fill you,” he teased with a grin.

Eliana chuckled, brushing off her embarrassment. “I was just trying to be polite. I didn’t want to scare you with how much I can actually eat.”

Kai smirked, shaking his head. “You don’t have to hold back around me. I’m not that easy to scare.”

Eliana had picked a spot in the city for dinner, a cozy, casual place that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The city truly came alive at night. From their vantage point, Kai could see towering skyscrapers glittering with lights, their reflections shimmering in the glassy surface of a nearby river. Cars zipped through the air in orderly streams, their lights streaking like fireflies. Neon signs from various establishments painted the streets below in vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold. The hustle and bustle felt more subdued, almost serene, under the blanket of city lights.

They both ordered hearty meals, the portions making Eliana’s earlier lunch seem like an appetizer. As the plates arrived, the aroma made Kai’s stomach growl. He glanced at Eliana and couldn’t help but laugh again. “I think this is more your style.”

“I have an image to maintain at the company, alright?” Eliana said, rolling her eyes with a playful grin. “Let’s just eat. The food here is really awesome.”

With that, they dug in, and Kai quickly realized she wasn’t exaggerating. His meat stew was rich and hearty, packed with flavor. The tender chunks of meat, perfectly seasoned broth, and fresh vegetables created a symphony of tastes that was a far cry from the bland energy bars he was used to in the mine. Those bars, with their cardboard-like texture, had been his staple for far too long that he would liked, making this meal feel like a feast.

He paused briefly, savoring the moment. “You weren’t kidding. This is amazing,” he said, glancing at Eliana, who was equally engrossed in her meal.

After dinner, Kai and Eliana walked along the river that glimmered with reflections of the city lights. The hum of the city was distant, replaced by the soft lapping of water against the banks. Neither spoke at first, letting the serene night wash over them.

“It’s nice to step away,” Eliana said softly, glancing at the water. “To just breathe.”

Kai nodded. “Yeah. Makes things feel clearer.”

She turned to him with a small smile. “You’re not what I expected.”

“Neither are you,” Kai admitted.

In that quiet moment, they shared an unspoken understanding, a connection that needed no words. The world seemed simpler here, just for a little while.

It was a nice moment between the two of them, quiet and unforced. But for some reason, Kai couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. He subtly glanced around, scanning his surroundings from the corner of his eye. The riverside was lively, filled with people enjoying the night—mostly couples strolling hand in hand, just like them. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, yet the unease in his chest remained.

Maybe it was just his looks. His white hair and sharp jawline made him stand out, giving him the appearance of someone who had just stepped off a movie set.

“What’s wrong?” Eliana asked, noticing his distracted expression.

Kai shook his head slightly. “No, sorry,” he said. “I just can’t help but feel like we’re being watched.”

Eliana glanced around, her expression growing cautious. Apparently, she felt it too. “Perhaps we should head back,” she whispered.

Kai nodded in agreement, and the two made their way back to the Draco building. Despite the unsettling feeling, the moment didn’t ruin their night. The warmth of their earlier connection lingered, and they walked together in quiet understanding.

Kai hated to admit it, but he felt a pang of sadness that the evening had ended so abruptly. Still, he was grateful for the time he had spent with Eliana and for the chance to see her true self. He had learned something important—that people adapt to their environments, and first impressions often hide much more beneath the surface. Never judge a book by its cover, he reminded himself.

Eliana didn’t say anything at first; she simply leaned in and wrapped her arms around Kai.

“Thank you for the date,” she said softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint rose.

Kai returned the hug, his voice sincere. “I enjoyed our time together, Eliana. I hope I see you soon.”

Eliana smiled, stepping back. “I’m sure we will,” she replied, giving him a small wave as she turned toward the elevator.

Kai stood there for a moment, charmed, watching as she stepped into the elevator. Just before the doors closed, she waved one last time with a warm smile. He found himself smiling back, even as the elevator carried her out of sight.

Little did Kai know, Eliana was smiling long after the elevator doors closed. She leaned against the wall, her thoughts swirling. She had never opened her heart to anyone the way she had with Kai. Though they had only just begun to know each other, there was something undeniably special about him.

Eliana knew her cards well. She was the center of attention for many men at the company—some drawn to her because of her connection to Mr. Draco, others purely for her looks. But none of that mattered to her. What she craved was someone she could talk to, someone she could spar with and feel at ease around. Kai was perfect.

He had come out of nowhere, completely unaware of her background. He treated her with respect, not as someone to impress or curry favor with, but as an equal. Handsome, fit, and genuinely kind, he had shown her a side of himself that felt real. And on top of that, he was an incredible fighter. His raw skill, quick reactions, and strength intrigued her, even if his technique lacked polish.

Thinking about him made her heart race, so much so that she had called it a night earlier than she’d wanted to. She didn’t want to fall too hard, too fast—not yet.

As she rode the elevator alone, a small smile lingered on her lips. Soon she will be able to see him again.