Volume 2, Chapter 30: Ana's Vacation

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Upon entering the training room, Xia Chen felt somewhat exhausted.

Experiencing dreams within the stigma space actually provided minimal rest for the mind.

Fortunately, his physical constitution remained strong enough to still visit the training grounds.

Fu Hua, who consistently arrived as the first at the training area, noticed him with evident curiosity. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"It's nothing, just had a dream," Xia Chen quickly changed the subject. "How long has she been here?"

The 'she' he referred to was Raiden Mei.

Over the past week, Xia Chen noticed that Raiden Mei and Fu Hua consistently arrived at the training ground together.

Sometimes they sparred against each other, while other times they trained separately.

It could be said that Raiden Mei's recent dedication equaled her efforts from the previous month. Combined with the positive feedback from her talent, she became fully immersed in her practice, much like someone obsessed with weightlifting.

Xia Chen had no doubt that beneath Raiden Mei's clothes now lay well-defined eight-pack abs.

Fu Hua remarked casually, "I'm not sure; she came earlier than me today."

"In the path of cultivation, balance is key between exertion and rest. I believe it's necessary for you to persuade her," Fu Hua suggested to Xia Chen.

A tightly stretched string easily breaks, applicable to humans as well. Fu Hua genuinely worried about Mei's current state, fearing she might suddenly collapse under such intensity.

Shaking his head, Xia Chen replied, "If my words were effective, she would be resting in bed instead of being here in the training room."

He had already tried persuading Raiden Mei before.

Raiden Mei always possessed exceptional talent but lacked direction despite her relentless effort. What she needed was a competent teacher. In this regard, Xia Chen felt inadequate.

After speaking, he began practicing Taixuan Sword Qi again.

Perhaps due to the simulation space, Xia Chen found himself increasingly proficient with Taixuan Sword Qi. Even when facing Mei, the overwhelming desire within him seemed less intense than before.

Although still present, it no longer provoked impulsive actions.

As he spent time training, unbeknownst to him, a flying device from Headquarters had arrived at Saint Freya's airport.

When Ana arrived at Saint Freya Academy, she found Xia Chen teaching the students.

Accompanying her, Theresa remarked with a hint of admiration, "Ever since Xia Chen joined Saint Freya, the students' motivation for training has significantly increased."

Her sentiment was genuine; not only were Kiana and Raiden Mei striving harder, but other students, after having their weaknesses addressed, also showed great dedication.

However, Ana couldn't help but perceive another underlying meaning in Theresa's words, which made her teeth grind with suppressed anger. Yet, there was nothing she could do about it.

It was Otto who ordered Xia Chen to come to Saint Freya, and it was Otto who appointed him as a teacher. Neither Xia Chen's gender nor appearance were within his control...

During these three hours of training, it wasn't just Kiana and Raiden Mei engaging in combat with Xia Chen; several Valkyries sought his guidance on various training issues.

Noticing Ana's slightly darkened expression from the side, Theresa felt puzzled and asked, "Are you feeling unwell? Should I arrange for you to return now?"

At present, Ana was on leave.

After receiving honors for the Snow Lotus Squad, the next step would be the base assessment. However, due to exhaustion from leading the squad and the added pressure from Wendy, Ana opted for a three-day break to recuperate mentally. Headquarters granted her request, which is why she was here today. But, she began to wonder if taking time off might have been counterproductive.

Due to the exhaustion from leading her squad and the immense pressure Wendy exerted on her, Ana chose to take three days off to adjust her mindset.

Headquarters granted her request, which is why she was present here today.

However, it seemed her mental state might have worsened instead.

"I'm fine."

Ana wanted to see just how much more Xia Chen could surprise her.

Fortunately, after the training session ended, the Valkyries dispersed without further bothering him. His interactions with them remained as pure as innocent white flowers.

When only a few individuals remained on the training ground, Theresa and Ana approached.

"Didn't expect this, but you seem quite adept at being a teacher," Ana remarked, wrinkling her nose slightly, her tone somewhat unfriendly.

"What brings you here?" Xia Chen couldn't help but feel delighted.

Ignoring others' gazes, he swiftly picked up Ana in his arms.

"Oh my, what are you doing?" Ana felt both embarrassed and flustered, her porcelain-like skin instantly turning red.

"Just missed you, that's all." Xia Chen spoke candidly, paying no heed to their surroundings.

"Hmph, don't think saying that will... Oh stop it! Theresa is watching."

Unable to resist her embarrassment any longer, Ana's cheeks flushed like delicate lilies.

No matter how naive Theresa might be, she understood she was becoming a third wheel.

She cleared her throat and said, "Xia Chen, I'm here to grant you temporary access to our airport's flying devices. During this time, you can take Ana around the Far East for sightseeing."

As a compassionate Principal, since Ana had arrived, there was no reason to keep Xia Chen confined at Saint Freya Academy.

"Thank you, Principal," Xia Chen promptly expressed his gratitude.

Ana also showed her appreciation.

Theresa could be considered Ana's elder; her father wasn't particularly supportive of her romantic relationships. However, having Theresa persuade him might not be entirely impossible.

Xia Chen winked at Ana, "Well then, let's go. It just so happens I haven't explored much of the Far East either."

"Considering your sincere invitation..."

"So, we're not going?"

"Hmph, you always know how to tease me."

Saint Freya Academy was situated on an island between Shenzhou and the Far Eastern sea, closer to the Far East.

In the Far East, Schicksal had reserved a private airport. After disembarking from their flight, Xia Chen and Ana naturally held hands as they walked together.

"How long can you stay this time?" he couldn't help but ask softly.

"Not too long, I'm here for relaxation, not a full vacation. It's all because my new teammates put so much pressure on me."

Finally finding someone to confide in, Ana vented her frustrations to Xia Chen, "Wendy is incredibly diligent, even seeking out Durandal for personal guidance. The other team members also have exceptional talent. As their captain... Ah, it's all my fault for being lazy before. Now, although I'm putting in effort, mentally, I struggle to keep up."

Xia Chen understood Ana well.

As a leader, one must face not only external competition but also challenges from subordinates.

He gently squeezed her hand, "Let's not dwell on that. You're here to unwind, right? How about we grab something to eat?"

"I remember someone mentioning treating me to dinner," Ana teased.

"Hmph, sure thing! It's not like I'm broke."

Shaking off these concerns, Ana pulled Xia Chen into the bustling city.

The two immersed themselves like many other couples in love, enjoying each other's company to the fullest.

Dining together, watching movies, and strolling through streets.

Visiting malls, amusement parks, and bars.

As night fell, they shared the same room.

Ana gently kissed his cheek.

"Goodnight."

She didn't want to experience those dreams of death and separation again.