Ace laughed. "Good. Keep that energy. Now, round two?"
Matthew cracked his knuckles. "Bring it."
Ace launched forward, leaping into the air to deliver a high kick aimed at Matthew's head.
[Remember, not all hits have to be dodged. You're in my body now—I can take a hit if it means I get to give one back.]
Matthew stayed silent, only giving a small nod to show he understood.
As Ace's leg came swinging toward him, Matthew ducked, the kick just barely missing the top of his head. He recalled all the training Elliott had drilled into him.
Ace twisted mid-air, using his momentum to land a sharp punch straight to Matthew's face. The impact sent Matthew stumbling backward, his vision blurring for a split second. But as he fell, he reacted on instinct—lifting his leg and using the momentum to drive a powerful back kick straight into Ace's face.
[That's what I'm talking about!]
Ace crashed into the snow, clutching his face where Matthew's heel had struck. He blinked a few times, clearly dazed, before shaking it off with a grin.
"Damn," Ace muttered, wiping a bit of blood from the corner of his mouth. "That actually hurt."
Matthew steadied himself, the sting from Ace's punch still throbbing on his cheek. But Elliott was right—this body could take a hit.
Ace grinned as he pushed himself up from the snow, rolling his shoulders. "Not bad. You're definitely tougher than yesterday."
Matthew exhaled, shaking out his arms. His body still ached from the exchange, but he could feel it—Elliott's training was paying off. His movements were sharper, his instincts quicker.
[You're starting to get it,] Elliott's voice echoed in his head. [But don't let your guard down. He's not done yet.]
Ace cracked his neck and raised his fists again. "One more time?"
Matthew smirked. "You're just asking to get kicked in the face again."
Ace laughed. "Or maybe I'm just giving you a chance to prove it wasn't a fluke." Without warning, he lunged.
This time, Matthew was ready. He sidestepped, avoiding Ace's initial strike, but before he could counter, Ace spun low, sweeping his legs. Matthew barely managed to jump in time, twisting mid-air to bring his elbow down toward Ace's shoulder.
Ace reacted fast, shifting his weight and dodging to the side. Matthew's elbow hit nothing but air, and in that split second, Ace landed a solid jab to his ribs.
Matthew grunted, staggering back a step. But instead of retreating, he pressed forward, grabbing Ace's wrist and twisting it behind his back in a swift motion.
"Yield?" Matthew smirked, tightening his grip.
Ace struggled for a moment before sighing. "Fine, fine. You win this round."
[The Side Quest Has Been Completed]
Matthew released him, stepping back as Ace rolled his shoulder with a laugh. "Damn, man. You've really stepped up."
[Not bad, rookie,] Elliott admitted. [You might actually survive at this rate.]
Matthew let out a breath, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. Training with Ace wasn't just practice—it was proof that he was adapting. That he was getting stronger.
…
After two hours of trading blows and joking around, Matthew and Ace were still at it when Sofia finally arrived. She was late—two hours late, to be exact. Normally, she was never this tardy.
Matthew, still catching his breath, turned to look at her. She was slightly out of breath herself, as if she'd been in a hurry to get here. Ace wiped the sweat from his brow and grinned.
"About time," Ace called out. "What happened? Don't tell me you overslept."
Sofia shot him a glare, crossing her arms. "Shut up, Ace. I was... busy."
Matthew frowned. Something was off. She wasn't her usual smug self—her stance was stiff, her voice less playful than usual.
[She's acting weird,] Elliott's voice echoed in Matthew's head. [Stay sharp.]
Matthew wiped some sweat from his forehead, still feeling the ache of his last exchange with Ace. "Busy with what?"
Sofia hesitated—just for a second, too quick for Ace to catch, but Matthew noticed. Then, she smirked. "None of your business."
Ace rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever. But you better be ready to train. Elliott's actually putting up a fight now."
Sofia's gaze flickered toward Matthew—toward Elliott's body. For a moment, an unreadable emotion passed through her expression. Then, she smiled. "Oh? Then I guess I'll have to put him in his place."