9 Three Years Time Skip

Seeing the expression on her face, I froze on the spot like someone who got caught doing something bad.

Since when was she staring at me like that?

Articulating her words out loud for me to clearly understand, she said, "What were you thinking about?"

What should I do... I have never lied in my life and trying to tell an untruth to someone with sharp eyes like her would just be asking for trouble.

Better to tell her everything...

Meanwhile, even though Tatsumaki was listening to me in silence, probably trying to figure out if I was saying the truth, her eyes were still glaring at me.

The choice between Fubuki and me should be obvious so why is she like that?

Straddling me, Tatsumaki slowly caressed my naked chest downward with her fingernails. "Don't think you can leave me."

Was that a warning?

Even though this could scare away any normal person if it's her...

Teasing her, I asked, "What if I still flee away?"

The mattress lowered under the pressure like a trampoline as she pinned my hands down, her fingers intertwined with mine.

"Then, I will beat you to an apple candy and eat you up," said Tatsumaki with a sinister grin.

Both of us smiled in understanding — We will stay together no matter what.

Instead of being frightened by the future, I am looking forward to it.

Not only does she want to return to Fubuki but also brings me with her.

Such a greedy girl...I like her nonetheless.

Does it make me a weird person? Maybe.

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Three years later

When waking up, something warm was resting on my tummy.

As usual, it was Tatsumaki who had slid her hand beneath my t-shirt.

With time, I was better able to tolerate the training routine as the recovery didn't take as long as before and my muscle grew stronger.

Rubbing her eyes, she gave me a peck. "Morning."

Another benefit of working out was the improvement in my mood and therefore improved our relationship.

In the past, it took me a while to get used to her soft lips and the breath coming from her nose on my skin.

"Let's prepare ourselves," I said, returning her a kiss. "I have a fight planned today."

Contrary to the past where I would be afraid of getting hurt, I am looking for it with anticipation as I have developed a thirst for battle by constantly sparring with other people.

Fortunately, Tatsumaki would massage me after every fight to reduce the pain. What a lifesaver.

Entering the cell, Sho asked with his hands in his pockets, "You guys ready?"

Both of us nodded and started walking out.

"Xion and Tatsumaki." He stopped us with a question. "Do you want to leave this place? Outside of this cell?"

Hearing this, we stopped on our track and turned back to him in silence, waiting for more explanation.

This seems too good to be true... he must have an ulterior motive. Everyone working in this laboratory must be evil, if not they won't lock us here.

Furthermore, the timing is too perfect for a coincidence as we had planned to escape this place in a week.

Over three years, I have filled up my lack of fighting experience to the point of being stronger than some of my opponents.

In the future, I will come back to crush this place once I get strong enough.

Standing in front of Tatsumaki, I grabbed her hand in case something bad happens. "Why this question?"

His expression isn't the usual relaxed but it seems like he is about to say something serious...

"Let's talk about it later." Sho sighed and started leaving.

During our short trip, none of us said anything about what happened earlier as silence reigned the atmosphere.

Other than being on my guard, he had caught my interest.

Receiving extra assistance in our escape is never bad but it's unlikely that Sho would help us.

Arriving outside, Ghost was glaring at me at the side — the cuts I made on his body two years ago have never disappeared.

Because of that, the scientists had researched the secondary effect after getting scratched by my claws.

It turned out that you can never get rid of the scars as they would permanently stay on your body and healing from the injury takes more time than usual.

Nearing my ear, Tatsumaki muttered, "You must be careful of him."

"Un." I nodded my head in reply.

Derald was talking to other people but upon seeing us, he said, "Your opponent today is Gary."

The one wearing a steel Viking helmet with a yellow bard...

Last time, I had lost miserably against his crushing strength but this time, I will get my revenge.

"Kid." Showing his huge shield that was even bigger than me, he announced, "Prepare yourself for another defeat!"