At St. Freya, the Valkyrie training grounds had always held a reputation for being as high-risk as the Equipment Department.
The reason for the danger was, naturally, the Valkyries themselves. With physical abilities comparable to mini-Supermen, they always managed to pull off some crazy stunts during every training session.
Sometimes, an unsuspecting student from another major just passing by could be hit by a stray attack, resulting in anything from a three-month hospital stay to full-body paralysis, with their entire village waiting to attend their funeral.
Due to various bizarre incidents, Theresa and Himeko had strictly forbidden the Valkyries from using weapons during training, especially during sparring.
They also strictly controlled access for students from non-combat majors, preventing them from wandering near the training grounds during sessions.
"Mei, Bronya, are you two already okay?"
Kiana, who was warming up on the training grounds, asked with surprise as she saw Mei and Bronya walking towards her.
"Mei, why aren't you resting for a few more days? You were just injured yesterday."
Kiana quickly stood up and walked over to Mei, concerned.
"I'm fine," Mei said, smiling as she patted Kiana's head. "The doctor said I wasn't actually injured, just that I overused my power."
"Bronya, on the other hand, is a bit of a different story. She said her head still hurts, but she insisted on coming here to train."
When Mei spoke of Bronya, her face showed a mix of frustration and resignation.
"Your... head hurts?"
Kiana subconsciously glanced at Bronya's head, with its two drill-like twintails.
The sight immediately brought back memories of Mo Wang's two bat strikes from yesterday.
"Mei-neesama, you promised you wouldn't say anything," Bronya complained with a deadpan expression. "I just feel a little uncomfortable. It won't affect The Bronya's training."
"You still need to rest properly," Mei sighed, but didn't press the issue, clearly knowing she couldn't persuade Bronya otherwise.
"S-so it's just a headache. That should be fine, then. Just... just remember to protect your head next time."
Kiana awkwardly averted her gaze, her heart in turmoil.
"Protect my head? Why?" Bronya looked at Kiana in confusion. It was obvious that Bronya's memories of being controlled were fuzzy; she didn't remember Mo Wang bonking her on the head, let alone twice.
"N-nothing..."
"I get the feeling Kiana is hiding something from The Bronya."
Bronya looked at Kiana with surprise. Since when could this idiot Kiana hide her thoughts?
"Alright, alright, you two, stop bickering. By the way, isn't that Mo Wang? Why is he at the training grounds again today?" Mei patted both their heads and pointed to the other side of the training field.
"Huh? Mo Wang?"
Hearing Mei mention Mo Wang's name, Kiana's attention immediately shifted.
Following Mei's finger, Kiana quickly spotted Mo Wang, dressed in training gear and doing warm-up exercises.
"Looking at him, he must be here to train. It's a rare sight... The Bronya has never seen Mo Wang be so diligent. I seriously suspect his mind is being controlled by someone," Bronya said to Mei with a grave expression, looking as if she were about to go and eliminate this imposter Mo Wang.
"Don't be ridiculous. Maybe Mo Wang just feels a sense of responsibility now that he's a captain," Mei guessed. Perhaps Mo Wang had been spurred on by something that happened yesterday?
After all, don't people always say that some people change after experiencing something important?
Maybe Mo Wang was one of them?
"If Mo Wang was going to change because of what happened yesterday, I feel like he would have changed a long time ago," Kiana grumbled.
Others might not know, but how could she not?
If that guy could change, she would, on the spot, eat Bronya's lunch!
Just then, Mo Wang, having finished his warm-up, fixed his gaze on the immortal Fu Hua, who was currently training other Valkyries.
BOOM!
With a fierce impact, Fu Hua's fist accurately struck the Valkyrie in front of her.
The Valkyrie was sent flying back over three meters, as if she had been hit head-on by a speeding car, and landed heavily on the ground.
"Are you okay?" After the Valkyrie landed, Fu Hua quickly walked over to her, her face full of concern.
"I'm... I'm fine!" The Valkyrie clutched her stomach, and despite the pain, she managed to force a smile, her eyes filled with adoration for Fu Hua. "As expected of Lady Fu Hua! I'm no match for you at all."
"I'm glad you're okay." Fu Hua breathed a sigh of relief and then said to the Valkyrie, "You've made great progress this time, but the old problems still exist. Remember, don't put all your strength into your punches. You need to hold back some power to better control it."
Fu Hua patiently explained the problems that had arisen during their spar, her tone both professional and gentle.
Her fingers gestured lightly, helping the other girl understand how to adjust her posture.
The surrounding Valkyries couldn't help but listen in, their admiration for Fu Hua growing even stronger.
"As expected of Lady Fu Hua. She's as strong as ever," one Valkyrie sighed, her gaze full of longing.
"Yeah, after all, Lady Fu Hua is an A-rank Valkyrie. She's not someone we, who haven't even reached B-rank, can compare to," another Valkyrie added, little stars of adoration appearing in her eyes.
"And Lady Fu Hua is so gentle. For an A-rank Valkyrie to personally guide us..."
Fu Hua showed no reaction to the adoring words of the Valkyries around her.
In all of St. Freya, if Theresa was the academy idol, then Fu Hua was the most popular person in the entire school.
Many Valkyries saw Fu Hua as the prince of their dreams.
If Fu Hua were to just nod, these Valkyries would probably flock to her like crazy.
For the few male students in the school, they had thought they were coming to St. Freya to build a harem.
But they never expected to have absolutely no chance.
Their biggest love rival was actually another girl.
Many had confessed their feelings, only to learn this truth and nearly cough up blood and die on the spot.
However, no one was actually angry about it.
Because even among the "male" students, Fu Hua was still the most popular.
"Hm? Mo Wang? You're actually at the training grounds today?"
Having finished her guidance, Fu Hua was about to take a break when she saw Mo Wang walking over.
"Heh, of course, I'm here to ask for some pointers from the immortal."
Mo Wang smiled at Fu Hua and then made a provocative gesture.
"If you don't mind, Immortal, how about a spar with me?"
Hearing Mo Wang's words, all the surrounding Valkyries looked at him in astonishment