Scarlet and Vodka hesitated as they watched Peach Waves collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily.
"Peach Waves, how about letting Scarlet and Vodka try this too?"
Peach Waves slowly raised a hand in approval, then slumped back to rest.
Scarlet nudged Vodka.
"Your turn."
"Why me first? You go!"
Vodka turned, glaring.
"Fine! I'll go first—if you admit I'm stronger."
"Stronger? Don't make me laugh. I'll go first."
Vodka stepped forward, but Scarlet grabbed her arm.
"I said I'll go first. You wait."
"Tch. Fine, go ahead."
Scarlet smiled and gestured politely.
"Please."
Vodka blinked, surprised by the sudden civility. Okino didn't wait—he strapped the elastic bands around Vodka.
"Alright. Three bands, three minutes. After each minute, one band comes off. Once all are removed, sprint to the 200-meter finish line. Got it?"
"Got it."
Vodka swallowed hard, slapped her cheeks, and crouched into position.
No way I'm letting that Scarlet laugh at me. I'm going to crush this.
"Ready… go!"
Vodka launched forward. Okino kept his eyes on the stopwatch.
"Good pace, Vodka. Hold it!"
While Scarlet watched nervously.
Vodka hit the first band—her body surged forward. The second band stretched, but her speed began to falter.
"Vodka, don't slow down!"
"Damn it!"
She wiped sweat from her brow and pushed harder.
"Faster… thirty-two seconds left!"
The second band came off. Vodka stumbled but recovered, her pace slowing.
Okino didn't push—he encouraged.
"Come on, Vodka. Almost there!"
The final band was released. Vodka sprinted, barely holding form. She crossed the line and collapsed.
"19.21 seconds."
Okino sighed, jotting down the time.
Peach Waves really is on another level.
Vodka lay flat, gasping.
"Your turn, Scarlet."
"Uh… Trainer, I think I have a stomachache…"
"You don't want Vodka calling you a coward, do you?"
"Fine! I'm ready!"
Thinking of Vodka's smug face, Scarlet's fire reignited.
She strapped on the bands, eyes sharp.
"Ready… go!"
She burst forward. Sweat poured down her face. Her legs trembled, but she didn't stop.
"Hold it, Scarlet! Finish strong!"
She crossed the line. Okino checked the time.
"18.96 seconds."
He nodded, impressed.
These two aren't bad. But Peach Waves… she's something else.
Peach Waves, now recovered, stood and stretched.
"Let's start the next round."
"Now?!"
"I'm doing six sets today. Let's go."
"Wait—you still have a training match later! You'll burn out!"
"Yeah? Of course I'll still be able to run then as well."
Okino stared into her eyes. His lollipop fell and shattered.
"You're serious? Still don't break yourself."
Peach Waves smiled.
"It's fine. Let's continue."
The bands were strapped again. Okino released the third band—Peach Waves dashed forward, slightly dazed but determined.
Vodka and Scarlet, now recovering, watched in awe.
"She's already on her second set?"
"Yeah… devil training for sure."
"Vodka, you still going?"
Vodka wanted to answer, but her legs trembled. Then she looked at Scarlet.
"You?"
"Let's ask the trainer."
Peach Waves crossed the finish line and collapsed, her calves cramping.
"Tch… spray."
She sat up, pulled out a recovery spray, rolled up her pants, and treated her bruised legs.
The pain faded quickly.
Sweat dripped from her bangs as she looked toward the Rigil team training in the distance.
"Those are geniuses working hard. But me? I'll train myself to death if I have to."
She laughed hoarsely.
Back at the starting point, Okino scribbled notes.
Scarlet approached.
"Trainer, what was my time?"
"200 meters: 18.96 seconds."
Vodka then pulled Scarlet aside.
"And me?"
"19.21 seconds."
Scarlet jumped up.
"Ha! I am faster than you, Vodka!"
"So what? Peach Waves did 15.99."
Vodka crossed her arms, unimpressed.
"No need to compare. If you two train consistently, you'll catch up in two or three months. But Peach Waves' intensity is on another level."
Okino held up the report.
"So? Want to continue? Peach Waves is on her second set. She's doing six today."
"Six sets?!"
"Trainer, you're joking right?! I won't be able to walk tomorrow!"
"I can barely stand after one!"
"But it's effective. This training boosts endurance, speed, and explosive power. It's one of the best I've seen."
Okino explained.
"So… I'll do another set!"
"Me too!"
Seeing Vodka join, Scarlet couldn't fall behind.
After another round, their times dropped past 20 seconds. Both collapsed, unable to move.