Chapter 20 - Timha?

As the instructors of other groups looked on, they jeered, exclaiming, "What a pitiful bunch!" They ridiculed Team Blue and their instructor, Phin Chester, who sat on the ground with closed eyes, teaching their unique methods.

Amidst the laughter and scorn, Team Blue remained resolute, unwavering in their dedication. They maintained their seated posture with their hands forming a determined 'o' shape, undeterred by the mockery.

After a brief moment, Phin Chester opened his eyes and asked, "Did any of you observe anything with your eyes closed?"

In unison, they all replied, "No."

"Perfect. That means you all had a good rest. Now, let's proceed," Phin Chester said as he rose to his feet, brushing the dust off his clothes with his hands, and the rest of the team followed suit.

Pentaro pondered with astonishment, "Does this mean our sitting posture was merely for rest?" He contemplated the true purpose behind their unique posture, filled with excitement and curiosity.

"Two and Twenty, step up and engage in combat," Phin Chester declared with authority once more.

**************

After their long day of training, Pentaro and Silon found themselves in their tent, deep in conversation.

"Why did you guys sit down on the ground after only a few minutes of training?" Silon inquired with curiosity.

"He claimed we needed rest when we weren't even fatigued. I think he's just a lazy Iron Flux," Pentaro retorted with a sigh, resting his head on the bed.

Silon responded with enthusiasm, "I wish he were my instructor! Remember, the body always requires rest!"

"And who's your instructor?" Pentaro asked eagerly. Before Silon could respond, their attention was abruptly drawn to a figure entering their tent.

An exquisite woman with radiant eyes graced their doorway, instantly illuminating the entire tent with her presence.

"Timha?" Pentaro exclaimed in astonishment, jolting upright from his reclined position. He was taken aback by her unexpected presence at the door.

"Hi," she greeted with a warm smile as she entered the room, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

"Hi," Pentaro and Silon responded simultaneously.

"How have you been?" Pentaro inquired with enthusiasm as he rose to his feet.

"Pretty good, and you?" she replied, her smile radiating.

"Not too shabby," he answered.

Silon promptly stood up and discreetly exited the room, granting them some much-needed privacy.

"I was delivering some medication at Camp D, so I thought it would be nice if I check on your well-being," Timha explained with genuine concern.

Pentaro was puzzled and asked, "But...how did you even know I was here?"

"Silon actually told me," Timha replied.

Pentaro shook his head, chuckling, "That chatterbox! I bet he spilled all the beans, including my name, right?"

Timha grinned and confirmed, "Yeah, and a whole lot more." Pentaro was intrigued, asking eagerly, "A lot more? Like what?"

"Almost everything, but not quite everything," she replied playfully, moving around the tent. He stood there, surprised, and wondered, "What else did that blabbermouth tell Timha?"

Breaking the sudden silence, Pentaro asked, "Are you hungry?" Timha considered for a moment and replied, "Not really, but what do you have?"

"I'm not sure of the name, but it's a delicious dish," he answered as he approached a bowl, ready to serve the food.

"You made it?" Timha inquired with a curious expression.

Pentaro shook his head, holding the bowl out to her. "Nope, it's the culinary masterpiece of Yhunik, one of my roommates—the great chef."

As they settled down to eat, Timha asked, "How was your training today?"

Pentaro leaned in and replied, "It was neither tough nor exhausting." She continued, "And how's your core feeling?"

With a gentle smile, he replied while softly rubbing his chest, "Since you administered that medication the other day, I haven't experienced any discomfort."

"That's fantastic," Timha responded warmly, sharing in his enthusiasm.

"What's this?" Timha inquired once more, eyeing the peculiar dish with its mysterious, rock-like components.

Pentaro shrugged. "I don't really know, but give it a shot!" He playfully motioned for her to take a bite.

With a sense of culinary adventure, she cautiously picked up a piece of the enigmatic, rock-like substance and placed it in her mouth.

As she began to chew, her facial expression transformed from one of curiosity to utter dismay. The taste was so bitter and unpleasant that she nearly considered spitting it out.

However, when she glanced at Pentaro, she couldn't bear to let him down. Summoning every ounce of determination, she bravely powered through and swallowed the eccentric concoction, all for the sake of not disappointing him.

Pentaro asked with genuine interest, "How did you find it?"

Timha, with a playful grin, managed to reply, "Spectacular."

Pentaro chuckled, boasting, "That's Yhunik for you, the culinary genius of our entire tent."

Her eyes widened in surprise as she asked, "So, he's a better cook than you?"

Pentaro nodded proudly, declaring, "Indeed, but don't worry, I'm still light years ahead of Silon in the kitchen department."

Timha managed to utter, "Wow!" while sharing in the humour of their conversation.

"I'll be heading to the Zoar now; patients might be waiting," she announced as she gracefully rose to her feet.

Pentaro stood up as well, concern in his eyes. "You don't want me to walk you there?"

A soft, attractive smile played on her lips as she replied, "No, there's no need. I'll be just fine."

Pentaro, unable to resist, sought assurance once more. "Are you absolutely sure?"

With an irresistible allure, she assured him, "Absolutely."

She moved in close, embracing him tightly in a passionate hug. Pentaro couldn't help but feel the curves of her voluptuous form beneath her gown as he held her close.

"Goodbye," she purred, breaking the embrace and leaving him longing for more.

"Goodbye," Pentaro managed to reply, his voice tinged with desire, his eyes fixated on her as she sauntered out of the room.

******Author's note*******

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