Strength Testing (II)

The many different weights in the gym's rack went up incrementally in weight. From the beginner 10 pounds to the intermediate 35, they went up by 5 each. This continued on through a part of the advanced section to 50 pounds, but they shot up from there to 10 pounds increased.

The next on the list was the 60 pounds dumbbell.

After grabbing it and hoisting it up, he found that it gave him much more trouble than the previous 50. 70 was even more troublesome, and when he tested the 80 lbs dumbbell, he felt himself approaching his limit.

As he lifted, he felt a few gazes on his body. Through the mirror in the gym, it was made apparent to him that he had attracted more than a few people's attention.

Their eyes were filled with clear astonishment as they looked at Randolph, and it was even more so for the legitimate body builders in the center.

Their covert1gazes had lost any semblance of subtlety. Some of them even paused what they were doing entirely to watch Randolph continue.

The heaviest dumbbell in the fitness center that was made specifically for exercises was 100 pounds 2exactly. Anything higher up and you would have to use weight plates to customize your own dumbbell's weight.

"Hup!" Reaching down, Randolph grabbed onto the heaviest dumbbell before hoisting it into the air with great effort.

Holding it into the air for a short length of time, he then began lifting it up and down. He continuously sucked in a small breath as he lifted, and let it out as he dropped his arm, mimicking the form of the others in the gym.

The effort he expended was enormous, and he could barely put out 3 repetitions before being forced to set the weight back down onto the ground.

"Ha… ha…" He panted from the effort, his face red.

Archibald stepped forth as Randolph rested on one of the benches. He pulled out a handkerchief from his overcoat's pocket, offering it to the young man.

"Hm… Archibald, is it too much to expect you to know how any of the stuff in here works?" Wiping the sweat from his brow, Randolph shot the butler a hesitant question.

"I only know the very basics of the rudimentary equipment. As for proper form or the more complex machines, I know nothing about them, my Lord."

"So there are things you don't know, huh."

"I am only human, my Lord."

"…" Randolph raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised at the butler's sarcastic tone.

Perhaps he was feeling more used to Randolph, or maybe this was how he originally was, but it felt much more familiar. The young man didn't mind it at all.

"Is there a clear way to test the limits of my strength right now? Like, a straightforward and clear-cut way to do it."

"Hm… if that is your goal, then to my knowledge I would suggest the exercise that is known as the 'deadlift'." 

"That's the one where you push a bar up while lying on your back, right? Why do you sound so unsure of yourself?"

"I am sorry to say, but I lack familiarity with all of these new things. You need only give me some time to adjust, and I will have them all down the next day." The dignified butler bowed his head upon finishing his sentence.

"New things…? Or no, don't be sorry. You don't have to learn them, I was just asking."

Waving his hand dismissively, Randolph stood up.

The butler led him over to the far end section of the weight racks, where he picked up a large barbell meant for lifting weights.

Handing it to Randolph, the two headed over to the deadlift platform that was centered in the gym under the curious gazes of several others in the gym. Chatting was still quite abundant in the center, especially between those not interested in exercising, but a few of them had stopped entirely to observe the duo's actions.

"Let's see… If I could lift a hundred pounds with one arm, then logically, I should be able to lift more than both of that with two. How does… 250 pounds 3[BC3] sound?" 

"As you please, sir." Archibald bowed his head to show his understanding.

Seeing as to how he didn't object, Randolph considered it alright. He knew that deadlifting the wrong weight could be disastrous, but for some reason he felt as if he could handle it.

Turning his head, he inspected the form of the other's in the gym that were similarly deadlifting.

"My Lord."

But he wasn't even able to observe for half a minute before Archibald's voice called out to him from behind him.

"…Huh." Turning around, Randolph let out a gasp of surprise.

Not only did his eyes widen, but the spectators' did as well from the sight of the butler holding up four different weight plates in each of his hands.

He stood there as Randolph observed him, his face still stoic, not betraying even a hint of emotion.

Just a quick calculation of the four plates combined spoke of around 100 lbs4 in each hand, but it seemed almost effortless to him. His breathing remained even and his back straight. He barely moved in the slightest.

"I had factored in the weight of the barbell, which is 45 pounds alone. There were not any weight plates specific enough for 250, so the total weight will be slightly under. Is that fine?"

"Well, yes… but you didn't… you didn't have to go get it yourself, you know? I could have done it."

"Please allow me to complete my duty, my Lord." Archibald bowed his head once again upon hearing Randolph's words.

It's not your duty that I'm worried about…

Slightly dumbfounded, the young man could only nod absentmindedly.

"You're a hell of a lot stronger than you look."

Though Randolph himself, a person with next to no knowledge about exercising or lifting, couldn't tell, the shocked stars from the people around him told him all he needed to know.

"Your praise gratifies me."

"I wasn't… Well, it doesn't matter. Let's get started." Shaking his head, Randolph set the barbell on the platform's rack.

With Archbald assisting him, he attached the plates on by order of their weight, 45-25-25-5 on each side.

Stepping back, Randolph frowned in apprehension as he looked at the completed barbell.

Just from one look alone at the huge stick, he could tell that his previous self could never have lifted such a disgusting amount of weight. It was large and rather intimidating, but he trusted his gut instinct.

As Randolph lay down on the platform, Archibald stood to the side, preparing for any sudden accidents.