Fireheart

"Interesting information?"

Upon hearing Mother Malevolence's assumptions, Ariana's slim and shapely eyebrows noticeably furrowed.

"Ah! You mean his..."

"I know, our investigations have pointed out that the demon he hunted was said to be a weakling. Yet Kayne informed me that that was not the case, and so a golden bag was given for his invited status and his potential worth."

Ariana lowered her head and closed her eyes. She did this out of habit whenever she need to reorganize her thoughts.

"To have another unique demon when Varidis and Caria are still missing? Don't you think it's all a bit strange?"

"..."

"Of course, nothing's certain. It really doesn't matter unless he can realize his potential."

Ariana raised her head. Unfitting for her usual taciturn expression, there was a glint of a strange light in her eyes.

"In that case-"

"I've already made the necessary adjustments ahead of time. You can do as you please."

"Will it really be fine for me to get involved? With my personality, I will undoubtedly go all out once I start."

"Veteran Ariana Fireheart..."

Mother Malevolence's face turned sinister to convey how serious she is.

"...show him the meaning of the surname you have chosen, give it your all. Or else..."

Ariana gulped at her oppressing demeanor. Sometimes she forgets that the woman next to her was a Shivarra, one of the deadliest and highest-ranking species amongst the Burning Legion. It's a wonder as to her how they were able to have her as an ally. The only information she gathered was from rumors as to why she allied herself to hunt her kind.

The answer? They said she'd thought it'd be fun.

Mother Malevolence reverted her demeanor back to its natural state and continued to stare at the magical devices before she continued, "Varidis and Caria were labeled as Irregulars because of the unique demons. His conditions, the results of the trials, and now the actions he's taken at the Basic Realm are seemingly the same. But if there is one thing different from them to him, then it'd be the trainers involved. Isn't that right? Ah, I guess they were previously trained by 'him' so I guess there would some differences."

Mother Malevolence didn't miss the bright flash of admiration rising up in Ariana's eyes.

"If you think you can do it, then go for it. Show me the Illidari's infamous demonic instructor, the conqueror of Shadowmoon Valley, has to offer.

"In the event that man becomes your powerful adversary, please do not blame me."

Ariana bowed her head in a respectful manner and quietly made her exit from the room.

Mother Malevolence chuckled to herself as she continue to monitor the events at the Basic Realm. One device, in particular, was the man of the topic.

***

"Huff, puff, huff, puff…"

Zevrad was running on the track with a completely empty mind while utilizing the breathing method to get used to his new physiology. By now, he had long gotten rid of the habit of keeping count the number of laps he'd done. He simply did as his goal required him to run until collapsing from exhaustion.

After a certain point, he stopped noticing his body improving. There was only one reason why he continued to train like a madman and that was to win the competition against himself, like now. He maintained the highest speed he could muster and lapped the track dozens of times; yet, as if he was trying to run around the endless ocean, he saw no signs of the finish line.

It was obvious that Zevrad's stamina wouldn't be infinite. No matter how hard he struggled, he would eventually reach his limit. When that happened, temptations would quickly flood in whispering, 'You've done enough. Take a short break. It'll be fine to walk for a bit, why don't you slow down a little?'

When Zevrad was so short of breaths that he felt like he'd die at any second, everything around him seemed to fade away. Even taking one step forward became difficult. It was as if a giant wall was blocking his progress. It was telling him that this was as far as he could go.

Suddenly, a drop of tear leaked out from the corner of his eye. He wanted to cry.

Zevrad wanted to cry because it was so hard. He knew it was pathetic, but he still wanted to collapse on the floor and cry his eyes out. Then, maybe, just maybe, he'd feel a lot better. Other people were too busy fulfilling their lives, yet why was he here, doing this thankless work all by himself? It wasn't as if anyone would acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice he had put in. No, he began to regret the fact that he entered this place in the first place.

"Kkheuck!"

Zevrad resolutely held back his tears. He gritted his teeth and endured. Whenever he was on the brink of falling to those whispers, he felt an unpleasant sense of deja vu. For some reason, he felt like he would fall into his old slothful ways if he couldn't overcome this here. He'd rather die than fall back into that hateful state ever again.

Zevrad thought that wishing for a change when he couldn't even win against himself was an unfunny joke not worth repeating. This desire, this drive to 'not admit defeat' became the motivating force that ensured he would never falter. Just recalling the days when he once had a life boiled his blood and enraged him.

Remembering back to how badly Zevrad will end up disappointing his family and how he made them cry, he gritted his teeth. He hated himself so much that he could even start harming his own body. His rage transformed into the whip of stubbornness that mercilessly pounded on his legs.

"Kuaaaaaak!"

Zevrad reached out with his hands; his feet powerfully kicked the ground as if he was trying to jump over a wall. Unbelievably, his outstretched leg didn't falter, and it stepped on the ground with strength and stability. Right at that moment, a strange feeling wrapped around his senses. The wall that had been resolutely prohibiting his approach until now, became a trusty and secure foothold as he jumped over it and landed on top.

Zevrad moved his leg one last time, before finally faltering to the ground and rolling ungainly along the track's surface. Even then, he tried to run again and his arms and legs flailed about, only to feel vomit rushing up his throat.

"Ueeeeeck!"

Zevrad continued to puke while tears fell down his face nonstop. The retching eventually ended, and he powerlessly rolled onto his back. He closed his eyes, wanting to enjoy the remaining traces of ecstasy that overwhelmed his senses just now for a bit longer.

"First has been successfully completed!" someone shouted.

Meanwhile, Zevrad's body fell from exhaustion, face first.

Time passes.

Zevrad had magically teleported away from the track and field and onto a platform near the entrance and exit. Darkness obscured his vision, making him shift his body to have his back lay against the floor as he slightly raises his head.

"???"

The first thing he notices was as his vision focuses was a pair of shapely and toned legs. Then, he even got to see the ends of the garter belt crossing her inner thighs, just hidden beneath a robe. And when his sights dug in just a little bit higher, a piece of frilly pink fabric with a design shaped into a rose's face sewn-in, right in front of the most secretive and important area known to man.

'A rose?!?!'

"Kuk!" With a grunt, a pair of legs hurriedly backtracked.

Zevrad nodded his head, thinking that was one very cute flower. Then, after spotting her cold glare, he began to panic.

'But how was that possible?'

The person in question was Ariana.

After all, she looked like one of those strict demon hunters with a sadistic personality and rough exterior, with jagged horns longer than others and a blindfold covering her demonic-lit eyes. Her hair was long and beautiful, blue in color, and pulled back into a ponytail. One can tell that she was a seasoned veteran based on her outward appearance but not many of them would cater to a cute design like that, right?!

"I beg your pardon. I did not expect you to be teleported back while lying on the ground."

Ariana coughed to clear her throat and quite abruptly presented Zevrad with a cup with some kind of liquid in it.

"Sit up, this will help recover your stamina."

He was feeling thirsty anyway, so he gladly accepted it and smiled. Soon, the cool and refreshing liquid slid down his throat. It felt as if a little bit of his energy had returned immediately. He pushed off the ground and stood up.

"Thank you. I was actually-"

"It's 10 silver."

'It wasn't free?!'

Zevrad was about to argue that he was being forced into buying something he didn't really need but swallowed his words right back down as soon as he felt the changes taking place within his body.

"Oh."

The cold liquid sliding down his throat suddenly felt warm and gentle once it arrived in his stomach. A truly refreshing sensation spread throughout every corner of his body and gently massaged all the accumulated fatigue away. Instead of topping up his spent energy, the liquid seemed to enhance his own surging vitality.

"This is...?"

"It's nothing much. If you rest for a little longer, you should be able to move as usual."

Ariana stopped there for a second and stared at Zevrad.

"And also, although I fully understand your intentions, it'd be for the best that you no longer repeat the same routine."

"Why?"

Zevrad was surprised with the question in his mind, 'Why shouldn't I?'

"But, if I want to increase my training time-"

"I never thought I, as a trainer, would say this, but..."

Ariana frowned as he inspected him up and down. He was like an open book to her as if with one glance, she could tell his strengths and weaknesses.

"You need to decrease the length of your training time."

"You're telling me to train less...?"

"Yes."

Ariana readily agreed with his answer as if she was waiting for it.

"It may sound presumptuous of me, but through my observation of the past two weeks, I have come to the conclusion that your training routine has gone beyond the realm of simple fitness training and is now harming your body instead. Your body needs time to cool down properly through regularly scheduled breaks. However, you're punishing it even before it can get adequately ready. It is almost to the point of cruelty."

Her cold and correct analysis left Zevrad speechless.

"You have been using recovery potions to forcibly regain your stamina. Although it's fine to use it every once in a while, continuous intake over a prolonged period of time will not help you at all. Resting well is also part of a proper training routine. The more your fatigued body repeats recovering stamina through natural means, the faster your natural recovery rate will get. Now is the time you let your body get used to recovering naturally."

"I… I see."

"From here onwards, rather than relying on recovery potions that instantly replenish your stamina, I strongly advise you to use various items that aid you in natural recovery. For example, there are refreshments, special scented oils for bathing, plants or scented candles to place near your pillow, and others."

Ariana also added that such items would also have positive effects on Zevrad's endurance, strength, and agility. Zevrad could only nod his head in a daze. He was currently lost among the influx of information, not knowing what to make of it. He knew she wanted to give him important advice, but right now, his fatigued mentally drained his brain and he couldn't concentrate properly.

"If it's not too inconvenient for you..."

Completely unaware that Zevrad was in a daze, she quietly continued on with her words.

"...can I inquire about something?"

Zevrad had no reason to refuse, so he didn't.

"There is one thing that I'm curious about."

As they climbed up the staircase and departed from the track and field, she asked him.

"Why do you not eat anything nutritious, and instead, choose to consume food conjured by magic? You can utilize the services of fresh meals for free."

Her voice sounded like she was admonishing him somewhat. Zevrad sheepishly scratched his cheek.

"Well... uh... I thought I didn't have a lot of time to waste, so..."

"That will not do!"

She reprimanded Zevrad's behavior and subconsciously continued as if she was offended.

"Just as proper rest is important, so are your meals. Your body needs more nutrients as you train, yet you've been eating those unhealthy junk food."

Ariana shook her head in disappointment. Eventually, their steps came to a halt. They arrived on the third floor. Through the entryway, they could see a wide-open space filled with various exercise equipment. Even though there was no track in sight, it was still better kitted out than some of the best training grounds back on Azeroth.

"Running for two weeks, and you have been taking potions daily, so that equates to almost four months of constant training. I believe that you are at least fit, to a certain degree now."

It was at this point that Zevrad became sure; this strict-looking trainer had knowledge of everything that occurred inside the Basic Realm.

"Running isn't the only form of training. In order to evenly raise your physical stats, I recommend that you try other types of training as well."

Zevrad agreed with that idea. He was thinking of starting other basic training besides running, anyways. She was introducing him to this facility because of that reason as well. Of course, it wouldn't be free to use this place, though.

"How much is it to use this place?"

"Ten silver coins per day, but if you pay for a week in advance, then it's discounted to fifty silver coins. Also, if you wish to hire a full-time trainer to aid you in your training, it will cost you further one extra meal a day."

Zevrad had been paying close attention and ended up doubting his own hearing. Seeing that dumbfounded expression on his face, she hurriedly added something else.

"You see, the cuisine offered the other day was really delicious."

Although Zevrad couldn't really understand what Ariana meant by that exactly, he decided to accept it as her way of saying she'd help him for free. Even he knew that having a trainer beside you while training made a huge difference. Besides, he could tell she was fired up about something.

Feeling something was slightly odd, Zevrad activated his spectral, but she didn't emit any color. In other words, she wasn't necessarily trying to harm him. He carefully assessed his situation before opening his mouth.

"By any chance, are there any other trainers, besides you, who can also train me?"

Ariana tilted her head slightly.

"It's not impossible to find one, but are you perhaps not satisfied with me?"

"No, not at all."

Zevrad denied the notion and quietly took a deep breath.

"I'd like someone who possesses an excellent skillset, but also someone who can train me without holding back."

Her eyes flickered as a glare on her face can be seen.

"In that case, there is no need to introduce anyone else."

Ariana's eyes remained fixed on Zevrad as she quietly gathered her hands in front of her chest. He thought that there was a trace of a smirk on her lips.

"It is quite embarrassing to say this out loud, but I am also referred to as 'the' demonic instructor, Ariana Fireheart."

"Demonic instructor? That's good."

"Will you be fine with it? I was planning to be gentle with you at first."

Her words seemed to be implying, 'Do you think you can handle it?' Zevrad replied without hesitation after hearing such a naked provocation.

"Let me pay the silver first. Oh, and it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Zevrad Stargazer."

Exactly 10 minutes later...

Zevrad was regretting everything he had said while figuratively beating the ground up in anguish. The nickname of 'demon' wasn't just for show. The moment the training began, Ariana pushed him to the brink without mercy. It was to the point that Zevrad began missing the pain he felt while he was running laps around the track. He even ended up protesting during the training by saying, "Isn't this too harsh? Didn't you say something about taking a break?"

And the reply he got?

"You can rest after the training is over. No one said you could take a break in the middle of your training!"

Another thing Zevrad couldn't bring himself to understand was her suddenly getting violent in the middle of the training.

"I told you to keep your eyes forward!"

*Slap!*

Her thin stick sharply landed on Zevrad's shoulders with a loud slap.

"Again! One!"

Zevrad panted non-stop as he fixed his grip on the barbell resting on his trapezoid muscles. While doing squats, the so-called must for training the muscles on the lower body, he was suffering from the kind of pain that felt like his thighs were being cut up with a dull knife.

"Two!"

"Kkheueueu...!"

When he somehow managed to lower his hips, the stick slapped him hard on the back once more.

"You are bending your knees, yet why are they sticking out beyond your toes? Straighten yourself!"

'I've never seen someone as vicious as you!'

Zevrad was screaming inside! He didn't say anything since he knew that getting hit would help with increasing his endurance. But still, he had no idea she would be this heartless. Was it because he inadvertently sneaked a peek at that laced rose gold flower-decorated underwear?

Meanwhile, Ariana sharply shouted out.

"Again!"

Unfortunately, Zevrad's quaking thighs couldn't hold on any longer and he fell on his butt.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Ariana's icy cold voice 'politely' entered his eardrums.

"Huff! Puff!"

Not caring one bit, Zevrad began massaging his aching thighs. He was getting seriously worried about blood coalescing there and then bursting out of the skin or something.

"Hmph." Ariana let off a snort and crossed her arms against her chest.

"Only with this much? If you'd like, I can go a little easier on you. Well, I think I'm being sufficiently gentle even now."

"You- !"

"If this is not to your liking, I can introduce you to someone else at any time."

The corners of Ariana's lips curled up. Zevrad barely managed to swallow the curse words almost jumping out his mouth and lowering his head.

"No, it's fine. Let's continue."

"Let me say this one more time. I won't go easy on you during the duration of your training."

"This is what I wanted. I'll just shout out some mantra and continue on."

"Mantra is it? What you need right now isn't some random shouts, but the willpower to endure. In any case, let us continue. Please, stand up."

Zevrad spat out a lengthy groan after hearing her.

"Ah! Is it fine if my mantra is a bit peculiar?"

When he asked her while still massaging his thighs, Ariana's eyes became narrower than a slit.

"Are you trying to buy yourself time? You can do whatever you want with your mantra, but you will need to hurry and stand up, please."

'Damn it! Damn it!!!'

Zevrad stood back up while gritting his teeth. Meanwhile, she simply hoisted the barbell on his shoulders. And then...

"No matter what type of training you perform, the two most important things are your posture and your breathing pattern. One!"

He timed his mantra with the count.

"Rose!"

"Rose? That's indeed a peculiar mantra. Two!"

"Gold!"

"One..."

"Rose!"

"...two."

"Gold!"

Suddenly, the counting came to an abrupt stop. When Zevrad turned his head around to look, he found Ariana glaring at him with her face completely dyed red. She was furtively grasping the hems of her dress, and the stick in her hand was trembling ever so slightly as well. Seeming to be very flustered at the moment. Zevrad felt quite satisfied for some reason. He slyly threw out a question.

"Why did you stop counting?"

"W-w-w-what... what are you saying...?!"

"Is there a problem with my posture?"

"N-no! That's not the issue!"

"Oh, you mean, with my mantra? You said I can do whatever I want it so... ah, right. Let me change it to something else."

Zevrad shrugged when Ariana threateningly raised the stick up high. Of course, he had no desire to end things here.

"Please, train properly. One!"

"Pink!"

"Two!"

"Flower!"

Again, the counting stopped.

A short moment later...

*SLAP!*

...repetitive slaps resounded throughout the entire third floor of the training grounds.