"Phew…" Adrian exhaled, tossing the last goon to the ground with a thud that completed the small, groaning pile at his feet.
All those training sessions with Ariana—and his steadily growing mana reserves—had paid off. He was getting stronger fast.
And thanks to that, these thugs hadn't even been enough to scratch him.
"Nice work. You've impressed your date," Ariana said, handing him one of the cakes. "Eat it. It's still warm."
She had watched the fight with keen eyes, noting every move. His combat skill and battlefield awareness had improved drastically since the first day they'd started training.
Back then, he was little more than a wild mess, swinging his staff and hoping for a lucky hit.
But now? He had matured. His strikes had intent. His movements had purpose.
Adrian smiled faintly and took a bite—only for his face to twist at the overwhelming sweetness.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Too sweet," he muttered through a chew. "Can't finish it." He held out the rest to her.
