Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 6

She was unaware of what a mercenary entailed, and the prospect excited her.

At that moment, there was no one to dissuade her.

Was the esteemed sword of the empire merely that of a mercenary?

A mercenary team only for commoners from a high-ranking noble class?

Pechenik didn't dwell on what others might think, and Erica couldn't grasp it because she lacked the knowledge.

She was just happy to belong for the first time.

Ever since she'd left the Count's manor, she'd felt nothing but positivity.

She hadn't felt any physical pain.

"Doesn't your ankle hurt?"

"I can run now."

"You're adapting. Let's visit the blacksmith in the next town. We need to increase the weight of your bar."

Strengthening Erica's physique was straightforward. The steel cuffs on her wrists and ankles accrued weight by the day.

Anyone watching would have cried abuse, but Pechenik thought it was for the best.

Erica ate, ate, ate, and ate.

The weight didn't stay off.

This was due to the intensity of her basic fitness training.

Even though she hadn't even seen a sword, let alone learned how to use one, Erica was good at following her teacher's instructions.

For example, when they were homeless in the mountains.

Erica hung upside down from a tall tree and dangled.

"You have to go up with abdominal strength. Don't flap your arms."

Pechenik yawned as he lay down by the campfire.

"Let's just do it five hundred times and sleep. Wake me when you're done."

"My head is bleeding."

"Elevate your upper body so it doesn't spill. Your legs are tied tightly, so you won't wiggle."

"If the wolves come, you'll save me, right?"

"That would be fun. Why don't you wait while I drive some wild beasts away?"

"I don't think so. ... Master, you seem like a really bad person."

Erica did hard sit-ups with her legs tied to a high tree.

Sweat poured down her body like rain.

She had spent months building stamina and strength, and it wasn't a bad accomplishment.

Even the high-eyed Pechenik nodded in approval at her progress.

Even after Erica became quite strong, Pechenik didn't give her a sword.

They practiced simple hand-to-hand combat moves hundreds and thousands of times.

Erica was frankly bored.

This was when she realized that no matter how hard she tried, she wasn't getting thick muscles like Pechenik's.

"When am I going to get stronger?"

"Huh?"

"My biceps aren't getting thicker. Look, they're too thin. Am I being too slow?"

"No. You're doing great."

Pechenik laughed and ruffled Erica's hair.

Even though she hadn't gained any weight, her inner muscles were firm, and she was already superior to adults.