Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 146: Falsified x Research - Unethical Methods and Final Preparations

As Darius leaves their hotel suite on floor 199, Alex and Menchi exchange looks, both still processing the surprising turn of events.

"Any plans for the actual fight? You provoked him, you challenged him, and he accepted. Forget the bet for now. I have to admit, besides his obsessive love for his daughter, he seemed like a strong fighter," Menchi says, her tone slightly worried.

"I've got a strategy," Alex replies confidently. "After buying all those treasures the other day, I had some leftover cash, so I ordered something special from a local blacksmith. You'll see—it's friggin' ingenious. I had to think long and hard about it. A simplistic moron like Darius won't know what hit him."

Before Menchi can press him for details, Alex quickly adds, "Of course, I know he's strong, and that trick alone won't guarantee a win. But it's not like I have to beat him, do I? I just need to win the fight."

"I see, going for 10 points, huh?" Menchi nods, understanding his plan. "Anyway, don't get cocky! I'm adding another penalty: if you lose, I'll make sure the joke from earlier becomes reality. You'll be my maid for a week—wearing the frilliest dresses I can find, cleaning up my mess in the kitchen, cleaning my room, bathing me, massaging me. And—oh!—you'll use your tongue to clean my feet! Hehe, you better make sure you win! I want to brag to Master Linne that my student became a Floor Master under my genius tutelage."

Alex can't help but blush slightly, though a small, dangerous part of him wonders what that would even be like. He quickly shakes the thought off.

"And if you win," Menchi continues with a smirk, "I'll reward you as I promised. So you better fight like your life depends on it."

"Stop with this joke already! This is serious; even if I lose, I'll refuse, and I won't lose in the first place," Alex protests, groaning in frustration.

Menchi giggles at his reaction, but Alex changes the subject. "I need your help with something! I think speed and agility will be the key. I've got some ways to increase my speed, but as you know, those are limited and not something I can rely on forever. Can you teach me techniques to strengthen my jumps or temporarily boost my speed? Like using Aura to propel me forward?"

Menchi tilts her head, intrigued.

"Especially the jumping part," Alex adds. "I've got an ability that lets me glide through the air. As long as I can get enough height, I'll be able to make good use of it."

"Geniuses can learn that almost instantly—it's basic Aura manipulation," Menchi replies, clearly trying not to laugh. "I always forget you learned Nen just a short time ago. Okay, fine! As your super beautiful and talented teacher, I'll teach you!"

... ... ...

A few hours later, Alex is smiling, satisfied with his progress. I've got the basics down already. It's not where it needs to be yet, but with two weeks of training, I'll have this technique mastered well enough to be effective.

Menchi, pleased with his results, heads out on one of her shopping trips to buy ingredients for some new dishes she's been planning to experiment with. Even while at Heavens Arena, her dedication to honing her cooking skills is impressive—she spends hours a day refining her craft when not training with Alex.