Leon spent the afternoon at the hotel gym since it was already too late in the day to run outside. He hopped on the treadmill, setting the speed to a decent pace, while his eyes drifted to the TV mounted on the wall. A news segment about Immortal Legacy was playing.
Leon found himself somewhat intrigued. It wasn’t often that he watched shows like this-he usually spent most of his time immersed in games.
“Today, I’m reporting from Slumdon Town,” a female reporter announced.
Slumdon Town?
“It’s been a major topic of discussion lately, causing quite a stir-two key players from the Ass Guild and Shadow Wolves have dropped levels! Yes, this happened to Charmelyn and Marlene at the exact same time,” the reporter continued.
Leon nodded as he picked up the pace on the treadmill. So, even top players losing a level was enough to become hot news, huh?
A player being interviewed from Slumdon chimed in. “It’s really strange, because I clearly saw Charmelyn here in Slumdon, guarding the farming fields. Sure, she stepped away a few times, but she’s been around most of the time recently.”
The reporter carried on with her coverage, but suddenly-
“Hi, handsome.”
Leon was startled by the voice next to him. He turned to see Marlene-no, Olivia with her black hair tied back, running on the treadmill right beside him.
“Olivia?” Leon slowed his pace, glancing over at her.
“Up for a running challenge?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, I’ve already been at it for ten minutes longer than you.”
“Oh… I thought you were tougher than that. Giving up before I even throw down a challenge?” she smirked.
“Well… I don’t take on challenges without a prize. What’s the bet?”
“A cup of coffee?” she said with a playful giggle.
“Not bad!” Leon grinned, cranking up the treadmill’s speed.
A few minutes later, both of them were gasping for air, drenched in sweat. Leon was the first to tap out, and Olivia followed suit right after.
Panting, Leon managed a breathless, “Not bad, Olivia.”
“Haha… yeah, I almost passed out. You’re a beast, Leon,” she laughed, still catching her breath.
After a short break, they moved on to the next part of their routine. Leon headed to the weightlifting area, and Olivia followed him over.
Leon quickly set himself up and started his set, lifting with steady focus. Olivia stood nearby, watching him intently. When he finished, dropping the weights with a sweat-soaked grin, she gave him a thumbs up.
“That’s impressive. You’re so controlled and strong,” she said with a smile.
Leon chuckled and shook his head. “I only started three months ago.”
“Three months? But your body’s already in great shape?”
“I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m used to lifting heavy stuff at the shop. Carrying heavy loads is kind of normal for me,” he said with a casual shrug, smiling.
Leon then took a moment to help Olivia with her weightlifting, correcting her form and suggesting more effective movements.
“This move is new for me,” Olivia said, concentrating. “Did you come up with this on your own?”
“No, I got it from my trainer. Do I look like someone who comes up with all this stuff?” he laughed.
“That’s kind of the impression I get from knowing you,” she replied with a teasing smile.
After finishing their weightlifting session, they headed to the pool. Once they changed into their swim outfits, they met up by the water.
“Another race?” Olivia grinned.
“What’s the prize if I win?” Leon asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Hmm… movie tickets?” she giggled.
“That’s actually a pretty good idea. Alright, I’m not losing this one,” he said confidently.
They got into position, counting down. But Olivia jumped in a second earlier, splashing ahead of him. Leon quickly dove in to catch up, but to his surprise, Olivia was a much better swimmer than he expected. She reached the finish first.
“Hahaha, see? You should never underestimate someone. You lost-big time,” she teased, laughing.
They climbed out of the pool and sat down at the edge, catching their breath.
“Yeah, you won by cheating-suits your whole villain vibe perfectly,” Leon teased.
Olivia splashed water right at his face. Leon blocked it with his hand, laughing.
“Watch your mouth when you’re talking to a lady, okay?” she warned playfully.
“Sorry…” he grinned.
“Even if we started fair, I’d still win. How about another race? This time, let’s raise the stakes.”
“Alright, got any ideas? I’m not interested in a challenge without a good bet.”
“Hmm… how about… treating me to dinner?” she suggested, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Leon nodded slowly. “That actually sounds like a win-win date, no matter who loses or
wins.”
“Nope, it’s a bet. And you’re paying for everything,” she shot back.
“Alright, bring it on! You’re not winning this time!”
“Save the big talk for after you actually win,” she replied with a smirk.
They dove in together, but despite Leon’s best efforts, Olivia’s swimming skills were undeniable. Her strokes were smooth and efficient, almost like she’d had serious training- maybe she was a professional swimmer, he thought. Meanwhile, Leon’s swimming was more casual; he’d never really focused on technique.
In the end, Leon lost again.
After wrapping up their workout, they both left the gym together.
“You should be thanking me,” Olivia said with a grin, “I helped you clear your head after that crushing defeat.”
Leon glanced at her and nodded. “Yeah… I just realized. By the way, thanks. I finally got over my teammate who spent more time fighting with each other than focusing on the actual
enemy.”
“You should scold her-treat that person more firmly. Maybe you’re hesitating because you don’t fully trust your team,” Olivia sighed. “I think it’s a common syndrome for people who
always feel superior.”
Am I? Leon wondered.
“Yeah… I need to go all-out and trust my team more.” he responded.
“Good,” Olivia replied. “I’m sure your team is actually really professional, especially that
girl, Marlene, from Shadow Wolves.”
“Yeah, she’s ruthless, cold-hearted, and super suspicious… but I think I can give her another
chance.”
Olivia playfully bumped her shoulder against Leon’s. “We can do it, right?”
“Yes, we can,” he replied, taking a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Now, he was ready to head back to his room and review the data and analysis prepared by
Maylock, Freya, and the others.
Damn! Despite how overwhelming it felt, he knew, they knew, giving up wasn’t an option.
“I’ll do my best too,” Olivia said as she started to walk away. “You’ll see the real power of Marlene soon. You’re going to be amazed,” she added with a teasing smile before leaving.
Wait… was she saying she hadn’t gone all-out in the last two battles?
Leon was heading to his room when a message from Laura popped up.
“Leon… I’ve made my decision. I’m going to call my other copy to join us in the next battle.”
Other copy? Leon’s mind raced. Did that mean two Charmelyns would be fighting at the same time in their next attempt?
“Wait, how does she control two bodies at once?” His brain scrambled to imagine how that
could even be possible.
But then again, it seemed both Marlene and Charmelyn still had a few tricks up their sleeves. Maybe their level drop had forced them to finally go all-out.
“Now,” Leon thought, “What kind of upgrade can I make to increase our chances of
winning?”