Rhode and Mira's current training program has a considerable amount of overlap.
Both of them most urgently need Magic Power.
One originally had a weakness, now going through a period of progress.
The other became a weakness due to large Magic consumption, although it shouldn't have been.
This can be improved by meditating daily to enhance Spiritual Power, gradually increasing the Magic Power limit.
A more brutal method is to train like Natsu, running while dragging weights, or jumping with stones on your back.
This not only strengthens the physique but also tempers the willpower, forcing oneself to persist under extreme conditions, naturally relying on a resilient spirit.
In the past, when Rhode was eager to enhance Magic Power, he tried both methods, which is why he progressed so quickly.
However, this was almost like torturing himself, so now he mainly uses the first method while training with Mira.
Of course, his physical fitness hasn't been neglected; Rhode is now more robust compared to when he first arrived, with firm muscles.
He looks more like someone who has come out of the military, rather than someone with exaggerated gym-built muscles.
Whoosh…
A whirlwind-like airflow spread around, marking the completion of a training session.
Mira exhaled softly, wiped the thin sweat from her forehead, and opened her eyes to see Rhode sitting cross-legged across from her.
His eyes were still closed, sitting upright, lips tightly pressed, his face glistening with sweat like Mira's, looking very serious.
Mira had seen this expression many times, yet still found it pleasing, even increasingly so recently.
If there's anything undesirable, it's the fact that since this isn't easy training, his brows are furrowed.
Mira wanted to reach out to smooth them, but worried it might disturb him… so she decided to quietly watch for a while, taking advantage of the break.
Soon, a breeze caused by Magic Power also appeared around Rhode like Mira's.
He opened his eyes, meeting Mira's gaze directly.
Mira retreated in a slight panic.
Rhode's mind raced, at this distance, could it be…
He quickly shut his eyes: "Ah, there's a problem with my meditation, I need to continue for a bit."
"Stop pretending." Mira thought he must be misunderstanding something.
"No, no, just pretend I'm not awake, you continue… otherwise, I'll regret it so much that I won't be able to sleep tonight."
Mira blushed: "What regret, I didn't intend to do anything! Don't expect anything weird."
"Oh."
What a pity, Rhode relaxed his body, he also needed a short break.
He shifted his position to sit next to Mira: "How's the progress?"
"Not bad, seems more efficient than past training, like I'm making up for a more than a year-long gap."
Mira also enjoyed cuddling with him like this, finding it reassuring and comfortable? She didn't know how to describe it.
Anyway, leaning on each other like this was great.
She reached out to grab one of Rhode's hands, opening his palm, unfolding his fingers one by one to compare with hers.
As she pressed her palm against his, she asked: "How about you?"
"I'm doing well too, when I'm in a good mood, the efficiency of training might increase."
Rhode watched as she played with his hand, deliberately clenching his fist.
Mira wanted to use force to open it but thought perhaps not being able to open it was better, and 'weakly' held Rhode's hand, pouting at him.
Rhode admired Mira's cute expression, readily releasing his hand to let her continue.
He had the feeling that if he wasn't tactful, his fingers might get broken next.
After a short moment of relaxation, they quickly entered the next round of training.
It was a regular Body Technique combat training.
Rhode needed more combat experience in this area, while Mira needed to quickly regain her touch.
The training process… put euphemistically, Rhode is better at growing under pressure.
Fortunately, there was indeed progress after training, plus a small consolation.
After finishing all the training, both took showers in the Guild's bathroom, changed out of their sportswear before leaving hand in hand.
These days, they mainly focus on this basic practice, and will find a spacious place for actual combat training later on.
Rhode led Mira by the hand, habitually walking toward her home.
However, at the intersection, he was pulled back, Mira pointing in a direction: "This way."
"Ah?"
Mira had a slightly mischievous smile: "Today, I'm taking you home."
Rhode was a bit puzzled: "Why?"
"Because… I'm stronger now, after all, it's not very safe for a boy to walk the streets at night alone." Mira laughed, covering her mouth.
"…" Rhode found the words somewhat familiar.
What is this, divine retribution?
It's over.
Rhode looked up at the sky, his mood as dark as the starless night: "Just this once."
Mira nodded cheerfully: "Okay."
With a subtle feeling, Rhode was actually sent to his doorstep.
Mira let go of the hand she'd held all the way, waving at him: "Goodnight~"
"Goodnight." Rhode stood at the door, watching Mira walk away.
But after a few steps, Mira suddenly returned to Rhode's side.
She placed her hand on Rhode's shoulder, and under his confused gaze, stood on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek.
Then she turned and ran off.
Rhode stared dumbfounded at her retreating figure.
Liar, you said you didn't want to do anything before!
But he was very happy.
Rhode grinned foolishly, feeling elated inside.
After a while, he realized something might be off, he couldn't let it continue like this!
He decided to add an extra hour of training for himself later!
"Summoning, Gorge Swift Crab, Warm!" Rhode pointed in the direction Mira left, "Go."
...
The days that followed were calm and pleasant.
Everyone gradually got used to the fact that the Guild now had a little couple who were all lovey-dovey — though they were quite close before, they had only gotten closer recently.
Rhode also accepted the fact that his girlfriend was currently stronger than him, and might remain so for quite some time.
For this reason, he was earnestly working hard as well.
On one hand, due to an odd sense of pressure, and on the other, because having Mira around made him feel at ease, and his training was remarkably efficient.
With the growth of his Magic Power, the last patch of war fog in the Summoner's Rift had gradually dissipated.
Rhode could see a strange mark vaguely appearing on the cliff beside the Little Dragon Pit.
——A sub-dragon was about to appear.
Based on the current signs, it should be some kind of Elemental Sub-Dragon.
Not sure if this 'Sub-Dragon' means what he thinks, and how its combat power compares to the dragons of this world.
Moreover, its size shouldn't be too small; recklessly summoning it might cause chaos…
Should he call upon a 'Dragon Slayer Mage' when the time comes?