Night crept in quietly. The Training Ground, packed during the day, had grown deserted, with only a handful of especially driven people still training there.
"Boss, let's head back!" Meng Tingting seemed possessed as she worked hard to train Houndour, so absorbed that she failed to hear the two female members beside her.
"Boss..."
The two women exchanged helpless looks, then headed back to the Enlisted Dormitory on their own.
I have to get stronger! I can't lose to anyone... Meng Tingting thought.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan was gathering information in Team Flare's Public Bath as usual. (The Public Bath was a communal facility in the base, completely free to enter, where members who worked hard for Team Flare could relax both body and mind.)
Xiao Yan picked the most crowded pool to soak in, and there happened to be people gossiping right beside him.
"That match with the top rookie this morning was really something. He's every bit as strong as the rumors say."
"Good thing I'm in a different group. I wouldn't want to fight a monster like that."
Xiao Yan, hidden behind them, heard every word.
I'm a monster... Isn't that a bit much?
"Hey! Did you hear?"
"Hear what?"
The two Team Flare members seemed about to move on to a new topic, and Xiao Yan pricked up his ears, ready to keep eavesdropping.
"Someone's been training at the Training Ground since this afternoon without even stopping for dinner. How driven can you get?!"
"Who's working that hard?"
"Meng Tingting."
At the familiar name, Xiao Yan's expression instantly grew grave.
She really is being reckless...
Xiao Yan then left the Public Bath and rushed toward the Training Ground.
On the way, he ran into the two followers who were always at Meng Tingting's side.
"What are you