28 28. What challenge have you taken up?!

(At home)

"Jurion must at least be in the world's top 100," Kayden explained. "Although he hasn't made his debut yet, being the grandson of Veramonte definitely gives it away."

"If he's in the world's top 100... He's really strong, right?", Jiwoo asked worriedly.

"Of course. It means his combat ability is in the top 100 among all the awakened ones worldwide. For your info, not even the Klein brothers that you and your friends fought against are one of the top 100. The same goes for Amyeong. Now you kinda get who you agreed to fight with?"

"Totally..."

"Ugh, you fool... Why won't you assess the situation before accepting to fight? Be glad Eunwoo that you refused to fight with Jurion", Kartein ended by glaring in my direction and I tried my best to avoid eye contact.

"Agreed. It would've ended badly if you accepted considering that you have near zero experience", Kayden said with a sigh.

"But... I couldn't refuse his challenge." Jiwoo expressed, "I did not want to refuse."

"Things will be more intense for you because you're Kayden's apprentice. At times it'll be the young ones wanting to prove they're stronger than you, and other times will be those that hold grudges against Kayden. All thanks to this Pikachu going around the world picking fights with everyone", Kartein told.

"Who knew I'd get an apprentice..."

"Tsk! Anyway, what do you know Eunwoo?", Kartein asked and looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"In normal conditions, I would have expected you to panic a little before coming up with a strategy but you're rather calm right now."

"Right, what did you see, kid?", Kayden asked and I sweated nervously.

I glanced at Jiwoo who was waiting for my answer before sighing. "I don't think I should tell much about this but Mr. Kayden, maybe provocating Jurion before the spar begins is our best option." He looked at me as if telling me to continue. "Ones coming from a big background have too much pride to let go, just like Dale. So if you provoke Jurion into taking a handicap by himself. With Jiwoo's speed, there are some chances of him winning."

"You think I stand a chance against Jurion?", Jiwoo asked.

"Yeah but take this chance as a stepping stone to get stronger."

"That might work", Kayden said. "If you knew about this already, why didn't you accept the challenge?"

"Just like I said earlier, I have no reason to accept it", I answered with a shrug.

"Are you sure you're twins? Well, I'm not complaining...", Kartein said feeling somewhat relieved. Jiwoo and I let out a nervous laugh at his statement before the elder continued, "Just because you refused the spar doesn't mean you're off the hook, Eunwoo. You need to strengthen up in this one month."

I'd be glad to because I'm still lacking compared to everyone else. I can't even make use of the techniques I know because this body isn't strong enough.

DING DONG~

"I'll get it", saying I went to open the door. It was the three idiots.

"I'm so worried", Subin expressed. "The instructor said he'd be super strong. After all, he's evaluated as someone who'd easily make it to the world ranking."

"That's what I heard too. But since it can't be undone, I plan to try my best." Jiwoo said. Wooin was playing with the three cats while Kayden and Kartein sat near the kids.

After a moment of silence, Jisuk spoke up, "Bhahaha... Show him how you lose but still pack a punch. That douchebag dared to hit on my sis."

"Give him a pretty double nosebleed, left and right, you know. Kekeke." Subin said matching Jisuk's vibe. I swear to god, these two are either siblings or made for each other.

"Don't be so sure that hyung will lose. He is full of surprises", I said petting the brown cat.

The three of them blinked in surprise at my statement before Jisuk said, "Well, sleeping beauty is not wrong. Jiwoo does surprise us with every spar."

"Since when did I become a sleeping beauty?", I asked in confusion.

Subin looked at me before bursting out laughing along with Jisuk while Jiwoo rubbed his nape, slightly giggling.

The five of us chatted about Jiwoo's upcoming spar until the bell rang again. "Oh, I ordered food on my way here. I was gonna get something else, but Wooin craved Jajangmyeon. And there's sweet and sour chicken for Eunwoo."

My mouth nearly watered but I was glad they remembered something like that. We joked around and enjoyed our meal. Kartein seems like this chicken as well because he sat beside me munching on some of it.

_____

(Next day)

I want in the living room with Kartein after watching Kayden train Jiwoo.

"They're training like crazy...", I said in awe.

"Yeah. And we need to begin as well. Let's start with your chain first because it consumes too much energy and we'll work on strengthening your shield." The blond went to explain today's schedule which ended with physical combat. Not gonna lie, I'm tired of just listening to this.

By the time it was evening Kartein finally allowed me to have a break. I told him that was going out to get some groceries for dinner. It was cloudy outside and I didn't bother taking an umbrella knowing that I would be back in not more than 20 minutes.

On my way back home after getting the groceries it started to drizzle so I picked up the pace until I saw sometime near the street which made me freeze and my hands suddenly got cold.