Heretic Trainer: The Gym Is My Cultivation Method

Chapter 536: Main Character Energy Stolen

Dahlia stepped onto the grand faction platform, and the moment she appeared, the others rushed toward her.

Sianor was the first to move, quickly closing the distance. He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled broadly.

"Congratulations, Dahlia... you’re the first in the God Gym to reach the Perfection Realm."

Floren snapped his fan open and studied her from head to toe before letting out a low whistle.

"Truly amazing, Dahlia. To think you got here even before Garion... He’s going to hate that, you know."

Clark nodded, clearly impressed. He circled her once, carefully inspecting her condition.

"Indeed, Dahlia... congratulations. It’s nothing short of miraculous that you reached the Perfection Realm, especially without a manual. How did you manage it?"

Dahlia stood still under their attention for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, waving her hand dismissively.

"Oh, come on... you’re making it sound like I’m something special. I just had a little help, that’s all."

Grinning, she turned slightly and curled her fingers, twisting the air.

In the next instant, a gust of wind swept in, and Mersha appeared, dragged along by the force Dahlia had summoned.

Mersha staggered, disoriented. "W-What...? I was just..."

She turned and froze the moment she saw Dahlia.

Dahlia leaned in with a soft smile, lowering her head just enough for their eyes to meet.

"Junior Sister Mersha... Thank you for that elixir. Without you, I wouldn’t have achieved this transformation."

She chuckled quietly, but there was something unsettling beneath the sound.

"Now that you’ve helped me... next time, I’ll make sure to repay you properly."

Mersha frowned, immediately understanding the implication. A chill ran through her body.

Forcing a smile, she nodded quickly. "I-It’s okay, Senior Sister... really, you don’t have to..."

Dahlia’s eyes narrowed slightly, her grin sharpening. "No, no... I insist, Junior Sister. It’s for your own good."

That was enough to make the other disciples laugh.

Valtor snorted, elbowing Arden. "Looks like Mersha’s finally found someone scarier than herself."

Arden adjusted his glasses, chuckling as he observed Mersha’s stiff posture. "Yeah... that’s definitely a first."

Seira covered her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter while maintaining her usual cold composure.

Mersha stood there, caught between embarrassment and unease, her shoulders tense.

For once, the one known for terrifying others with her creations looked like the most fragile person in the group.

Rachel stepped forward and turned to Dahlia. She studied her for a moment before placing a hand lightly on her shoulder.

"Congratulations, Dahlia... to reach the Fourth Realm this quickly. Even Garion hasn’t achieved this level."

Dahlia blinked once, then burst into laughter, throwing her head back. "Surpass Master? That’s what you’re implying?"

She wiped at the corner of her eye, as if the very idea amused her.

"Maybe... but you know him, right? If I’ve succeeded now, then he’s probably already reached the Perfection Realm."

She gestured casually toward the group. "He might even be ahead of me already."

Rachel smiled, folding her arms. "Maybe. But this is still a big moment. Just don’t get too comfortable."

Dahlia’s laughter faded.

This time, when she looked at Rachel, there was focus behind her eyes. "Don’t worry, Miss Rachel. I’ve always trained hard."

Rachel nodded, her smile sharpening slightly. "Good. And one more thing..."

She leaned in just enough for her voice to reach her. "I’m coming after you. As a Divine Trainer, I can’t allow myself to be beaten."

Dahlia grinned, a spark of excitement lighting her expression. "Good. I’ll be waiting for that day, Miss Rachel."

She glanced back over her shoulder at Sianor and the others. "I’ve done my part. I’ll leave the rest of the fun to you."

Sianor chuckled, folding his arms. "Of course, Dahlia... we won’t let them dominate us."

Floren snapped his fan shut, his grin turning sharp. "Yeah, not after you raised the bar like that."

Clark gave a firm nod. "Leave it to us."

---

Floren snapped his fan shut and grinned, rolling his shoulders once. "Alright... this is getting pretty interesting."

He turned to Sianor, his smile playful. "Let me go next. I’m fired up."

Sianor and the others nodded, stepping aside to let Floren take the stage.

Floren smirked as he walked toward the arena. He didn’t rush; his pace was casual, almost lazy.

Across the field, Pelion was already waiting.

The moment Pelion saw his opponent, he tilted his head and gave a faint smirk. "So... you’re my opponent now, huh?"

Floren stepped into the arena and stopped a few paces away.

With a flick of his wrist, his fan snapped open again. "Indeed. I’m the one who will face you now. Is there a problem?"

Pelion’s gaze sharpened, his grin widening. "No, not a problem. I’m just worried that you, Floren... might go down easy."

Floren blinked once, then laughed softly. He lowered his fan just enough for one eye to peer over its edge.

"Ah, there it is... To think my reputation has really spread into the Black Chimera camp."

He took a slow step forward, closing his fan again. "Indeed, I may be known by others as a pervert, but..."

His grin widened. "Did you know that despite that, I’m still a Grand Faction Leader?"

His smile thinned as he lifted the fan and pointed it lazily toward Pelion.

"So don’t underestimate me. Instead, you should be thinking about whether you can survive this battle against me."

Pelion watched him in silence for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Good... that’s exactly what I wanted to hear."

His grin stretched wider, baring his teeth. "Because if that’s all you were, this would’ve been boring."

The space between them grew heavier.

Pelion leaned forward slightly, his weight settling into his legs, ready. "Let’s see if you’re really as strong as you say."

Floren tapped his fan lightly against his palm. "And let’s see if you can win this battle, chick."

Pelion frowned, irritation flickering across his face. "I’ll make you eat those words."

Floren only laughed low, amused, and utterly unconcerned.