Jenna looked genuinely confused. "Buff cake? What kind of cake is that?"

He scratched the back of his head, suddenly unsure if he should even be saying this.

"Well… it's actually a cake that makes you stronger."

"Stronger?" Her brows pulled together, skeptical. "Stronger how?"

"Like… it increases your muscle density instantly, which boosts your speed and strength."

Her eyes narrowed. "In an instant? Like magic?"

"Kind of like that. Honestly, I don't even think it has to be a cake— they could probably make it into anything. I only saw it when I ambushed Roman, one of Hatoru's men."

"I heard about that," she murmured, looking at him with new eyes. "But I never imagined you were the one behind it."

"So, tell me about this cake," she asked, curiosity sharpening her tone.

"I really don't know that much. I've only seen it once," Yohan said casually. There was no point giving her details she didn't need.

"You must know something else," she pressed. "You wouldn't believe something so ridiculous if you didn't."

Yohan gave her an awkward smile. "I'm just… open-minded. And I saw them use it firsthand, so I'm sure it was real."

"Wait." Her brows furrowed deeply. "You're telling me Roman and his men ate this cake that magically makes people stronger… and you still managed to beat them?"

Hearing it aloud made it sound even more absurd. Yohan could practically feel his brain scrambling for an escape.

"I didn't do it alone," he blurted. "I had help from a loan shark. Him and his guys did most of the heavy lifting."

"Hmm… I see." Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Yeah, anyway, if you don't know anything about it, you can just forget I said an—"

Suddenly, Jenna swung a fist straight at Yohan.

He reacted instantly, raising his hand to block—

but at the last second her balance shifted, the feint snapping into a kick.

'What the…?' Yohan ducked, his body moving on instinct, effortlessly avoiding the strike.

Her kick flowed into a full 360–degree spin, smooth and controlled. Before he could reset, her knee shot toward his face at full speed. Yohan barely managed to block.

"Jenna, what are you—"

The ground hit his back before he finished the sentence. One moment he was standing, the next he was on the floor, staring up at her.

"I knew it…" she said, towering over him, gaze sharp. "You're not a real fighter."

Yohan blinked, still trying to process what just happened. He was sure he blocked that attack—or at least, he had raised his hand to catch it.

'That was when she switched moves at the last second and made me lose my balance. My hands must've blocked my vision, kept me from seeing when she went for my leg…'

He pushed himself upright, a realization settling over him.

Jenna wasn't just skilled—she was on a completely different level. Up until now, he had never truly lost a fight to anyone.

'…but let's not count this one' he told himself shamelessly

"You also ate this magical cake, didn't you?" Jenna asked as she extended a hand toward him, helping him get up.

Yohan didn't have a reply for her.

"I noticed it during our first meeting," she continued. "Your movements looked inexperienced—clumsy, even. I could tell right away you were an amateur." Her expression tightened, sharp eyes studying him. "What I didn't expect was your speed. I'm sure if you hadn't put me to sleep, I would've gotten you in the end… So tell me the truth?"

Realizing there was no way out of this one, Yohan exhaled in defeat.

"I… may have taken something like that," he admitted. "But it's not exactly the same as that Buff cake. Look, I already said you should forget about it if you don't know anything. I'll figure it out myself."

Jenna stared at him for a few lingering seconds before finally replying, "Fine. If that's what you want."

"Thanks," he muttered.

But she really is skilled… Yohan couldn't help admiring her, studying the precision of her movements in hindsight. How did she even time that?

"How did you learn how to fight like that?" he asked before he could stop himself.

She gave him a sideways glance, almost offended by the simplicity of the question. "I trained."

"Wow." His eyes widened. "How long do you think it would take me to learn to do all that too?"

"I don't know. It depends on your natural talent," she said plainly.

"Since when is talent needed in fighting?"

She crossed her arms across her chest, completely serious. "Talent is everything in fighting. Haven't you heard the phrase 'fighting is an art'?"

Her gaze sharpened. "The only people who become great fighters are the ones born with talent. They're the artists of violence."

"It took me three years of training and three years of experience to get to where I am," Jenna said. "If you're unlucky, it might take you even longer—but I doubt that. From what I've seen, you know how to move your body."

"Body movement is kind of my thing," he replied proudly. "I'm also a very good dancer."

He could probably thank the wellness technique guide for that talent. Once he understood the human body the way he did, using it efficiently had become second nature.

But now that he realized there was still room to grow, something inside him stirred.

'If I could learn how to fight like Jenna… I'd practically be unstoppable'

And if there were people out there as skilled as her, people who might get their hands on one of those Buff cakes…

'That would be really troublesome…' He could already imagine it.

"Jenna, can I ask you for a favor?" he said.

"You're going to ask me to train you," she replied flatly.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. I can't leave Lady Izumi alone for too long."

"Oh…" Yohan's shoulders dropped. His mood sank instantly.

Jenna noticed.

He looks really disappointed… I didn't mean to make him feel bad…

A small, unfamiliar anxiety curled in her chest.

"Maybe," she said slowly, "I can find time to slip away in between her classes."

"Huh?" Yohan's head shot up.

"I'll do it," she said, meeting his eyes. "I'll help you."

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