"So this is how things are…" Shin murmured, but not in his usual calm tone.
Even while Lilel explained everything she knew, he kept training. He had brought several pieces of gym equipment into his room and was bench-pressing with all his strength.
His face was red from the effort. His lungs burned, empty of air. Veins stood out along his arms as he forced the bar upward one last time.
But his muscles gave out.
The weight slipped.
However, before the bar could crash down on his chest, a small figure darted forward in a flash of light.
"Honestly, you're hopeless without me."
Lilel grabbed the bar midair and lifted it as if it weighed nothing. Despite her tiny body and delicate wings, she held the heavy metal steady.
The small fairy toed with the metal weight a little bit, just to show off. Then she carried it off to the side and set it down with surprising ease.
