"I used to think I had a lot of friends too, until I realized that some of them were jealous of my looks or my capabilities. They figured that being with me, they'd only serve as foils for my achievements," Suri Drew said with resignation.
"Such unhealthy relationships don't last. Shrugging it off as a lesson learned, I began making fewer friends."
No one fond of the warmth of friendship would enjoy the loneliness of pure feelings.
"Understood. I promise to leverage my husband's role tonight, showcasing my mettle so dramatically that it'd leave her gobsmacked. I swear to stuff her to the point of immobility," Yigol Novak assured.
"Haha, okay then. You'll have to give it your all, make her lose face in front of me."
"But don't push it too far. Although she's a woman, her kick-boxing skills are impressive, and her temper is rather feisty. She's quick to take a swing at someone if things don't go her way."
"She is way more formidable than me. If she seriously takes you on, I doubt I'll be able to hold her off."
"Worse still, she's a little over-protective of her peers. There was this one time when she caught a guy pestering me; he would've been hospitalized had he not run off in time."
"Just get out of the way when things start to turn south. I'll take care of the rest," Suri said earnestly.
At this, Yigol found his confidence slightly shaken.
It's often said that women can share a bond so strong that it appears as if they are romantically involved, prompting innate scrutiny towards each other's partners.
To add to the challenge, this jealously-feisty kick-boxing practitioner made Yigol feel rather overwhelmed.
"Alright," Yigol nodded in agreement.
No need to show off now.
Shortly after, they arrived at a massive gym. Being a superior member, Suri had a personal trainer here.
During the ride, she had already briefed Yigol about it.
Suri often spent an entire day in the office, which if not balanced with proper exercise, would eventually degrade her health and figure. Since she enjoys adrenaline-pumping activities, she persisted with her gym routine.
Entering the gym, Suri handed her jacket and belongings to Yigol, "Honey, there are chairs over there. You can rest while I warm up with a jog."
"Sure," Yigol nodded, heading to the resting area.
He had no real interest in gym workouts. He would prefer climbing skyscrapers outdoors instead.
About ten minutes into Suri's run, a muscular dude in a tank top approached her.
He went straight up to Suri, "Suri, I haven't seen you in a while. Feel like working up a sweat?"
Suri replied, "No, I will cancel all my sessions shortly. Running would suffice."
The man paused, "Is it something I did that has upset you?"
"Not at all. It's just that I am married now and intend to avoid interactions with other men," Suri replied truthfully.
"You, you're married?" the man asked incredulously, "For real?"
"There's no way you could be married."
Without another word, he reached out to grab Suri's arm.
A slap rang out as a hand from elsewhere swatted his away, prompting him to recoil instinctively.
"Who do you think you are?"
With a nonchalant air, Yigol replied, "I'm Suri's husband."
"What?" The man looked at Yigol, disbelief written all over his face.
Suri halted her run, joined Yigol, entwining her arm through his, "He's my husband, Yigol Novak."
The man gave Yigol a scornful glance, "Suri, what do you see in this guy?"
"Apart from flaunting cheap clothes and unattractive features, I could easily floor him with one hand. Quit playing games."
"Are you deliberately provoking me because you've been avoiding me for so long?" he asked Suri mockingly.
Suri retorted in full swing, "Roger Willock, do you always see yourself as the center of the universe?"
"Who are you to me that I should fool you?"
"Do you presume that because I chose you as my trainer, I am interested in you?"
"You're too narcissistic. Do you think that every woman you encounter falls for you? Had it not been for your skills, I would never have chosen you."
"As for the cheap clothes my husband wears, there's no helping it. That's his preference. He isn't a fan of show-offs. Even if someone dresses dapperly, it can't disguise their inner filth. Unlike my husband, he's got class and manners. To me, he is the best man in the world."
"You claimed that one swing from you could floor him? Let me remind you that you've got it the other way around. One swipe from him and you'll be kissing the floor," Suri glared back at Roger.
"Him? No way. If he's as tough as they come, let him prove it in a match. Dare he?" Roger threw the gauntlet at Yigol.
Before Yigol could respond, he heard a familiar voice in his head.
System.
"The System has detected that the host is at risk. The System will reward you Thai fist, advancing your skills to Grandmaster level. Skills and memories to be included."
"Additionally, the host will be rewarded with an instant boost in appearance."
As the System voice trailed off, Yigol felt a surge of countless memory fragments streaming into his mind while his physical changes and sensations became vivid. It felt as if his entire body's energy channels had been unblocked, inducing unprecedented self-confidence.
Roger appeared pretty formidable, but against Yigol, he was mere child's play. Yigol could easily beat him down single-handedly.
Before Yigol could respond, Suri retorted, "You think my husband would fight you just because you challenged him? Who the hell do you think you are?"
"If we do fight and you don't even win against me, you would have no face left to show when I cancel my sessions."
Yigol pulled Suri behind him, "Wife, it's my role to protect you. It's not meant the other way around."
"But …" Suri became apprehensive. She had been bluffing this whole time, never intending Yigol to step in.
Yigol, being a layman, was no match for Roger.
"Rest assured. I told you before, your understanding of me will evolve gradually, and now is the time to learn more about me."
"I won't be disclosing much, but remember, whenever you need help, believe in me. I have the absolute ability to stand in front of you and protect you."
"Consider it a sort of thrill in our marriage."
"Stand back and enjoy the show. Today, you get to understand me better; whether I am more formidable or this guy."
Suri hesitated before finally nodding, "Okay, husband, please be careful."