The two made their way through the bustling corridors, drawing the attention of many students who noticed Yuki leading a male companion.
Whispers and curious glances followed them as they walked, the air buzzing with speculation.
They stopped in front of a door, from which the rhythmic sound of wooden swords clashing and lively conversation emanated.
The atmosphere inside seemed vibrant and energetic, a stark contrast to the quiet tension that had followed them through the hallways.
The sounds hinted at the activity and excitement within, promising a glimpse into the dynamic world of the Kendo Club.
They stepped inside, and the members, seeing Yuki personally escorting someone who appeared to be a new member, looked puzzled.
Many of them paused their activities, curious about the newcomer.
Yuki, however, paid no attention to their reactions. She simply and quietly led Satoru to her private room, her demeanor calm and composed as always.
The room was modest yet elegant, reflecting Yuki's refined taste and status.
It was a sanctuary within the bustling club, offering a quiet space for discussions and private lessons.,
Satoru glanced around, taking in the room's atmosphere.
The room featured a sturdy wooden table in the center, with a bookshelf filled with various texts on magic and swordsmanship.
Along one wall, there were several racks displaying an array of swords, some of which appeared to be of exceptionally high quality, their craftsmanship evident even from a distance.
The walls were adorned with tapestries and art, giving the space an air of elegance and history.
Small details, such as intricately carved handles on the drawers and finely woven cushions on the chairs, spoke of a refined taste and an appreciation for the finer things.
"Have a seat, Satoru," Yuki said, her voice calm and composed.
Satoru took a seat, his eyes still wandering around the room, absorbing every detail.
The rich decor and the carefully chosen furnishings made him feel as if he had stepped into a different world, one of elegance and tradition.
He could sense the history and significance of each item, and it only added to the respect he felt for Yuki and her position.
"This place is quite luxurious compared to the outside," Satoru remarked, glancing around the room.
Yuki smiled faintly. "It's a space meant for focus and reflection. The environment can influence one's state of mind, especially when practicing something as demanding as kendo."
"Tell me your stats," Yuki said, her expression turning serious. "It will help me understand your strength and the level of training you can handle."
"Oh, my stats are: Str: 3, Vit: 3, Dex: 2, Agi: 2, Int: 4," Satoru replied with a hint of hesitation. He came up with this yesterday while investigating his system alone.
"Hmm, in my eyes, it's somewhat lacking. But fortunately, everything can be improved through hard work," Yuki remarked with a contemplative tone, her eyes reflecting a mixture of encouragement and realism.
"May I ask about your stats?" Satoru inquired, with a note of curiosity and frustration.
"Of course," Yuki replied with a nod. "My current stats are: Str: 8, Vit: 9, Dex: 7, Agi: 9, Int: 7."
Her voice held a note of modesty despite the impressive numbers she disclosed.
The room was filled with the soft, warm light from a nearby lamp, casting gentle shadows on the polished wooden surfaces and the array of weaponry displayed on the walls.
"But don't be discouraged," she continued, her gaze steady and reassuring. "While my stats are as they are, remember that talent only plays a small part in this. The real determinant is the effort I've invested over the years. Talent is merely the starting point; if you think of it as a mountain, talent represents the base, but everyone can reach the same summit through perseverance and hard work."
Her words hung in the air, imbued with a sense of wisdom and experience, as she looked around her private room.
The room, a testament to both her skill and dedication, was adorned with various high-quality blades, each meticulously maintained and displayed on ornate racks.
A sturdy wooden table stood in the center, surrounded by bookshelves filled with volumes on swordsmanship and magic, hinting at the depth of her commitment to her craft.
"Guide me, Yuki. I want to become as strong as you, and stand shoulder to shoulder with you," Satoru said, his voice filled with earnest ambition and resolve.
"But before we proceed, could I get a clearer understanding of the gap in our abilities?" Satoru asked, seeking a more profound comprehension of their differences in strength.
"Hmm..." Yuki paused briefly, as if searching for a simple and understandable method.
"Let's have an arm wrestling match," she suggested.
As Yuki suggested, the arm wrestling match began with both participants placing their elbows firmly on the table, their hands clasped in a firm grip.
The room, momentarily filled with a sense of anticipation, fell silent as Yuki and Satoru prepared for the contest.
Satoru braced himself, focusing intently on the challenge ahead.
His muscles tensed, and he could feel his heart racing with the excitement and determination to prove himself.
Across from him, Yuki's expression remained serene, almost meditative. Her posture was relaxed, and there was a subtle, confident smile playing at the corners of her lips.
The moment the match commenced, Satoru exerted all his strength, his arm straining under the effort.
Yet, Yuki's hand barely shifted. With a grace that seemed almost effortless, Yuki began to push down Satoru's arm.
Her movements were smooth and deliberate, a testament to her strength and control.
Satoru could feel the disparity in their power immediately.
Despite his best efforts, Yuki's arm descended with an inexorable force.
Within mere seconds, his arm was pinned against the table, his efforts wholly in vain.
The match ended as swiftly as it had begun, leaving no doubt about the vast difference in their physical prowess.
Yuki released Satoru's hand with a gentle smile, her demeanor unchanged by the display of her superior strength.
Her eyes, though serene, held a glimmer of understanding, as if recognizing the significance of this moment for Satoru.
Satoru, though defeated, couldn't help but be impressed.
He took in the sight of Yuki's effortless victory, his respect for her only growing.
It was clear that his journey to reach her level of skill and strength would require immense dedication and effort.
The contrast between their abilities was stark, but it also fueled his resolve to push beyond his limits.
Yuki, observing Satoru's reaction, nodded approvingly. "It's important to understand where you stand. This will give you a clearer sense of the path you need to take. But remember, even the most formidable strength can be developed through perseverance and hard work."
Satoru nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of awe and contemplation.
Although he maintained a neutral expression, internally, he was experiencing a profound culture shock.
In his past life, he had never been particularly inclined toward physical training, yet he had always held a certain confidence in his ability to overcome challenges, even those presented by individuals who seemed delicate, like Yuki.
However, the effortless ease with which Yuki had bested him in their arm wrestling match was a stark reminder that appearances could be deceiving.
In this world, strength and skill were not always aligned with physical stature. The realization struck him with clarity: in this realm, one could not judge another's abilities by mere looks alone.
As Satoru pondered this, his curiosity began to turn toward Janne.
He wondered how her strength might compare, especially given her unique situation and abilities.
This new perspective on the world of Astralsya was expanding his understanding of the diverse talents and hidden potentials that lay within its inhabitants.
"So, does this give you a deeper understanding now?" Yuki asked, her tone calm yet carrying a hint of anticipation.
"Yes," Satoru replied thoughtfully, his gaze steady. "It's clear now that strength isn't always what it seems at first glance. I've come to realize that in this world, you can't judge someone's abilities by their appearance alone. This insight is both humbling and enlightening."
He looked at Yuki, a newfound respect in his eyes. "I've learned that true power and skill can come from unexpected places, and I'm more motivated than ever to work hard and bridge the gap between our strengths. Thank you for showing me this reality."
"Then, let's begin with some practice. We'll start by focusing on building your endurance. Endurance is crucial for maintaining your strength and stamina over time. Once we have that established, we'll move on to strengthening your power. This approach will ensure that you not only become stronger but also more resilient and capable in the long run."
Yuki's tone was steady and encouraging, reflecting her commitment to helping Satoru improve.
The seriousness of her words underscored the importance she placed on this training.
"Hmm, I understand. So, should we practice with wooden swords?" Satoru asked, tilting his head slightly.
Yuki shook her head with a faint smile. "Forget it. With your current stats, a 30-minute session might leave you exhausted. We'll start with something simpler. Let's go for a walk or light jog in one of Astralsya's parks first." She suggested, her voice calm yet firm as she looked at him with a reassuring gaze.