Chapter 352: Headed to Stephen’s Gym
Alexander woke up early and found his women already awake in the room, laughing and playing with their new skills like children with new toys.
"I’m going out for a bit," said Alexander, looking at them with amusement from the bed. "When I get back, I’ll have to take the skills back before departing for the other world again."
They all nodded, understanding the situation.
Alexander changed and walked out to the living room, where the chef already had the table fully set for everyone. Upon seeing him enter, the man bowed with respectful reverence.
"Good morning, Mr. Alexander. Breakfast is served," said the chef, taking a step back.
"Thank you, it smells incredible," said Alexander, making himself comfortable at the head of the table.
The women sat around the table, and the meal began amidst laughter and cheerful comments.
"I still can’t believe it! Last night I felt like I could see everyone’s heat trails in the room," said Ms. Gable, cutting a piece of fruit enthusiastically.
"That’s nothing! I moved down the hallway without making the slightest sound... It’s like being a ghost!" said Elena, letting out a charming giggle.
"I almost had a heart attack when I saw Alexander transformed into Amy," said Helen, shaking her head as she laughed. "I honestly thought my daughter had a twin."
"It was definitely the most entertaining experience of our lives," said Aria, giving Alexander a knowing look.
"I’m glad you enjoyed the game, but remember that after we eat, you’re giving them all back to me," said Alexander with a sly grin.
"Such a party pooper! You should let us keep them for a couple more days," said Serena through laughter, giving him a playful pout.
When he finished eating, Alexander said his goodbyes and stepped outside the residence. As soon as his feet hit the pavement, several suited guards immediately stood at attention.
"Where would you like us to take you, sir?" said one of the guards in a firm voice.
Alexander wasn’t used to that level of treatment and servility, but he didn’t mind it at all.
"To Stephen’s gym," said Alexander.
"Understood, sir. Right away," said the guard, hurrying to open the rear door of the vehicle.
After a long drive, they finally arrived at Stephen’s gym. From the outside, everything looked exactly the same; nothing had changed since the last time he was there.
Alexander stepped out of the car and headed toward the entrance. The driver bowed his head slightly and made a respectful gesture.
"We will be waiting for you here, sir," said the driver before closing the car door.
Alexander entered the establishment without much rush, holding his head high and striding with the firm posture of a true conqueror.
However, upon stepping inside and catching sight of Stephen waiting for him with his characteristic smile, Alexander lost quite a bit of that initial momentum. The energy emanating from Stephen was still overwhelmingly superior to his own. Alexander could clearly feel that underneath that polite, calm face hid a genuine monster—one even more terrifying than the old Ghost sword.
Noticing the intense way Alexander was staring at him, Stephen let out a subtle smile.
"Follow me, I’ve been waiting for you," said Stephen, turning around to lead the way.
Alexander followed him in silence into a side room. Stephen stopped, turned toward him, and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I’ve been waiting for you," said Stephen.
"I’m sorry, I just arrived yesterday... Thank you very much for everything," said Alexander, giving a bow of his head.
"Thank you to me? Why?" said Stephen, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.
"I know you intervened when Julian trapped me, and I know it was you who got me out of that jam, so I’m very grateful to you," said Alexander, looking him in the eye.
With a calm smile, Stephen let out a subtle chuckle.
"Just a small favor... Although I see that in less than a week you’ve changed a lot," said Stephen, taking a step toward him. "You have quite an interesting power. You smell like... Wind Blade? The other one is a sonic type, but I don’t fully get it, I haven’t seen it before... Lion’s Roar, perhaps?"
Alexander was left shocked. How the hell did he know?
"Are you asking yourself how I know?" said Stephen, wearing a teasing smile upon seeing the look on his face. "Easy. My skill is called Relentless Hunter. It allows me to have advanced hunting senses; I can smell more than just animals or people... I can feel their strength and their skills."
Alexander was left even more stunned by that revelation. His mind began racing at a thousand miles an hour. If he hadn’t left most of his skills with his women before coming here, would Stephen have detected every one of them? Or was Stephen’s skill simply unable to detect his true copying system? It was a chilling thought, but he kept his composure so as not to reveal anything further.
"It’s Shockwave," said Alexander, keeping his voice steady.
"Shockwave... that’s the one the blood bats have..." said Stephen, nodding slowly with approval. "An interesting skill for your first awakening. When you mature, you’ll probably get an upgrade. My second awakening became Adaptable Body. It synergyzes well with my other skill; if I kill my prey, I can take part of its strength. It’s a shame I can’t steal their skills, but I can steal their strength."
Alexander listened in silence, taking in every word as the revelation echoed in his mind. Stephen didn’t just possess superior hunting senses; he also absorbed the raw power of everything he killed, turning into a monstrous force with every prey that fell by his hands.
"That explains a lot..." said Alexander, sizing up the imposing figure in front of him.
"Indeed. That’s why I know exactly what you’re capable of right now," said Stephen, flashing a cold smile that made the atmosphere in the room suddenly feel heavy.