"For starters, I will test your skills. Show me what you have." Alfred gave a 'come on' hand gesture, then put his hands behind his back.
"Well then, here I come." Mike gave a slight bow of a junior martial artist. He then rushed to launch some simple offensive attacks to warm up.
Unfortunately, Alfred could read Mike's movements easily. Even so, he just dodged all of those attacks while observing and assessing Mike's overall abilities.
"Nee, Yuna-chan~" Minako called out rhythmically from behind her folding fan.
"What?" Yuna answered without turning her head. She wanted to see Mike's every move against Alfred.
"I'm sorry to say this, but don't Mike-sama's movements look a bit sloppy? It's like he's never studied martial arts in depth before. Or maybe, he hasn't had any lessons from anyone? All I can see, it's just a pattern. a raw, unstructured attack that seems to have only been honed by himself. Again, please forgive me for being blunt, but if that's all he has, then he will be defeated by Austin-sama easily." Minako whispered to convey her opinion.
"It's bad for you to draw conclusions so early, Minako-sama. Mike is only warming up because he knows that this is only the beginning. I know he has too many secrets inside him that haven't even been revealed yet." Yuna raised her eyebrows with dissatisfaction. Either way, she didn't like anyone making fun of Mike in her presence.
"It hasn't been revealed yet, hmm? Fufu, thanks for telling me. I know that Mike-sama has a lot of secrets and my subconscious is attracted to him somehow. I'm afraid my grandfather will be furious to know this. Please don't tell him, mkay?" Minako pressed her index finger to her lips and gave a wink to Yuna.
"..." Yuna was slightly surprised to hear that. She didn't expect Minako to use her to get some information about Mike straight out of her mouth.
What's more, she also believed that Minako had used an extraordinary ability to see what was hidden inside Mike. After all, Minako's foreboding power shouldn't be underestimated.
Whatever the reason and whatever might happen, she wouldn't allow Minako to snatch Mike from her. But, letting Minako invest in Mike might not be so bad. She might get Taira Clan support through Mike.
The moment that thought crossed her mind, Yuna immediately shook her head to get rid of such cruel thoughts. After all, she invited Mike as her clan's core member... A part of the family, and not a tool.
Kisa glanced at Minako and the bespectacled girl san with a few thoughts in mind. But, she looked back at Mike and Alfred on the practice field.
"Is that all you have, Mike-sama?" Alfred asked as Mike paused and took some distance. Even though his intonation was flat and his speech was polite, he couldn't hide the disappointment in his eyes.
"Not really. It would be ridiculous if I took out all my aces in your practice test. But, well... I'd be lying if I said I'm the one that's good at attacking. I'm better at defending, and speed is my forte. " Mike replied with a faint smile as if he knew the expectant stares that were being directed at him.
Even though that was the case, he couldn't go all out to live up to their expectations.
"Hoho, so it's like that... I misjudged you in the wrong field too. Then, I'll be the attacker. You can counterattack or defend as you please without worrying about hurting this old bone. Please show me your skills, Mike- same." Alfred laughed dryly and shook his head.
He then entered into an attacking stance and sped off to launch a barrage of offensive moves.
*Bam* *Bam* *Swoosh*
Mike only parried two punches and dodged the rest. He was aware that his physical abilities were nowhere near his opponent! Even so, Alfred continued to provide attacks while Mike just evaded everything smoothly and perfectly.
"Good footwork and great body movement. If I hadn't seen your attack pattern earlier, I would have believed you to be a trained expert. One that is extremely rare at your age, Mike-sama." Alfred hit the empty air for the umpteenth time because his opponent could always dodge his moves. Yet, he smiled to see that.
"Hup. Thanks for your compliment, Sir Alfred. I haven't learned much yet, and I'll be going until the end when I start to get into something." Mike repositioned himself against his opponent.
A flashback flashed through his mind. If all the bullying in his former sect had no consequences, he would definitely avoid all those beatings with grace. Unfortunately, it was all just wishful thinking, and he had no other choice but to accept it with a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Hm, I know a suitable training method for you. However, before that, are you willing to try to face my full power for a minute? That way, perhaps you will open up a new horizon of your insight. Don't worry, I won't seriously injure you like a cripple or the like." Alfred made an offer and wholly ignored everyone's shocked expressions, including Yuna herself.
"One minute? Hmm..." Mike didn't immediately answer. He glanced at Yuna and the others to see their response.
"Fufu, this is an interesting moment. Are you really going to use your full abilities just to test Mike-sama, Master Alfred? You are one at the peak of rank 6, correct?" Minako covered her mouth with sparkling eyes.
Isei was silent, but he crossed his arms while shaking his head at Mike.
While Kisa only looked worriedly at Mike, but she whispered something to Yuna. After that, Yuna raised her hand and spoke. "Mike, what is your answer? Will you accept the Granddpa Alfred challenge? For your information, Grandpa Alfred is an expert at Master level peak stage. Or in the world of cultivation and martial arts, someone at the Earth Spirit Realm peak stage."
Mike's eyes widened slightly, but he hid his surprise very well. He had guessed that this old man was a high-level expert, but it felt completely different when the truth was revealed.
Mike took a deep breath and nodded. He also felt that it was a valuable opportunity to face the real experts to broaden his horizon and experience. "Alright, I accept your challenge. Please give me some leniency if I get hit by one of your attacks."
At that very moment, a beautiful girl's voice sounded in his mind.
[Side Quest: Complete all the missions from Alfred. Penalty: Complete failure.]
'What the-' Mike screamed in his mind, but he decided not to continue his complaint. He didn't have time for anything because Alfred was about to attack for real!
"Very well then. I like your confidence and judgment. Again, you have my respect. From now onwards, please address me as Grandpa Alfred, Mike-sama." Alfred nodded with a satisfied smile. He then got into an offensive stance with a solemn expression. "Please prepare yourselves, Mike-sama. For one minute, this will be hell for you."
*Bam!* *Swiish*
Alfred covered three meters in the blink of an eye.
Mike widened his eyes in complete shock to see a deadly fist was already so close to him.