Chapter 36: I Give Up
Hazel continuously punched Carlotta’s abdomen and arms, and the situation seemed to be slightly better than before. Parrish and Rankin appeared by Cyril’s side, keeping an eye on the scene.
“Hazel, is this all you’ve got when it comes to attacking?” Carlotta asked, her expression serious, as if she were in an actual battle, not just a training session.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.
“Let me think,” Hazel shouted, uncertain of her next move.
“Viola,” Hazel’s voice called out for help, trying to find guidance. She didn’t want to rely on mechanical moves.
“When you attack someone, how should you do it?” Viola inquired, trying to make Hazel react on her own, not just follow patterns.
“Take the initiative and take them down,” Hazel’s eyes lit up, realizing that offensive moves were more engaging. Although her petite frame was better suited for defense, she was eager to learn the offensive.
“Yes, now you have the right mindset. Think about how to take your opponent down,” Carlotta nodded approvingly, recognizing Hazel’s potential. Hazel attempted to employ the moves Carlotta had used earlier in her attacks. She moved swiftly, her hands and legs agile. Her fists kept landing on Carlotta’s body, and her legs kicked forward. However, she refrained from attacking Carlotta’s face, remembering that it was just a practice.
“Maybe I should attack when the enemy lowers their guard,” Hazel smiled. Carlotta’s eyes beamed with pride.
Carlotta soon became fully engaged in the battle. Hazel had indeed made progress since the beginning of their training, but she still needed more practice. Hazel grew impatient, eager to bring Carlotta down quickly. Carlotta sensed Hazel’s impatience and changed her tactics. She swiftly moved to Hazel’s side, grabbed her hand, and kicked Hazel’s thigh.
Hazel grunted as she fell to the ground, her thigh throbbing with pain.
“My dear, you took down Hazel,” Parrish cheered for his wife, gazing at her lovingly, filled with pride.
Carlotta sent Parrish a flying kiss. “Hazel, you did great,” she admitted, acknowledging Carlotta’s superior skills.
“Hazel, you’ll become even better than me,” Carlotta said as she helped Hazel up. “Always remember, when attacking an opponent, don’t wait for an opportunity, actively seek it.”
Viola added, “Carlotta’s strength is the result of countless battles, and you’ve only just begun.”
Hazel smiled, unafraid of the challenge. She didn’t need them to go easy on her; she needed to improve. Carlotta was already impressive, and she was curious to see what Viola had in store for her.
“Hazel, Viola’s defensive skills will amaze you,” Carlotta patted Hazel’s shoulder and stepped aside, giving them space.
“Then I’m eager to see,” Hazel said with a serious expression. She knew she should take this seriously.
“I’m going to attack you, and you need to focus on defense. Don’t give me any opportunities to hurt you,” Viola said, shaking out her limbs and stretching her neck.
“I understand,” Hazel responded. She couldn’t afford to embarrass Gerard. Defense was her strong suit.
Viola nodded and initiated the attack. Her moves were more predictable than Carlotta’s, providing Hazel with more defensive opportunities.
Hazel moved swiftly, sometimes circling behind Viola, other times jumping onto a tree. She used every ounce of her strength to avoid Viola’s attacks. Her petite frame moved like a whirlwind, her speed almost imperceptible.
Viola’s eyes shifted as she recognized Hazel’s improved defense, but she also noticed her weakness.
Once Viola spotted an opening, she quickly closed in on Hazel. She grabbed Hazel’s left hand and pulled her backward, causing Hazel to bend. Viola moved around to the front of Hazel, trapping her left leg to prevent her from turning over.
Hazel was clearly immobilized, her left hand and leg less effective compared to her right side.
Once Viola confirmed that Hazel had no chance to resist, she let her go.
“Hazel, never let your opponent find your weaknesses. Observational skills are crucial in battle,” Viola said.
Hazel lacked observational skills. She usually relied on blind attacks and defense. Although she had her shortcomings, Hazel was a quick learner.
“It’s my lack of skills,” Hazel said with a smile, accepting her loss.
Carlotta and Viola were indeed impressive. They were formidable, and Hazel enjoyed training with such skilled opponents.
“Your learning ability is strong. With some more training, your abilities will surely improve,” Carlotta said with a smile. Not many could withstand so many of their moves. Hazel was the first who had quickly grasped their techniques and put them into practice, which was quite commendable.
“Thank you, Carlotta,” Hazel said softly.
“Now, it’s your turn to attack me, and I’ll be on defense. If you can’t land a hit in five minutes, it’s your failure,” Viola’s eyes were filled with determination. She took every fight seriously, which is why she had never lost. After all, how could she fight alongside an Alpha if she weren’t capable?
Hazel nodded. Attack was her weakness, and this time, she had to give it her all. She could feel Cyril’s gaze fixed on her, curious to see what kind of power her petite frame could unleash.
“Begin,” Carlotta stepped aside and yelled.
Hazel heard the signal and immediately lunged at Viola. Viola was briefly surprised by this sudden attack, but she quickly evaded, showcasing her agility. Despite her height, she moved like a nimble cat, climbing walls and trees to avoid Hazel’s strikes, leaving Hazel unable to make contact.
“Hazel, learn to anticipate your opponent’s next move,” Carlotta called out sternly as Hazel had yet to touch Viola’s hand.
Upon hearing Carlotta’s words, Hazel observed Viola’s movements carefully, searching for an opening.
Hazel launched another attack, this time closing the gap with Viola. Her speed had increased, but Viola wasn’t going to give her the chance.
Viola quickly glanced behind her; there was no obstacle, just a gray wall. She swiftly retreated, and as Hazel approached, she moved from her original spot, causing Hazel’s fist to slam into the wall.
“Time’s up,” Viola suddenly spoke and halted her steps.
Hazel could hear Rankin cheering for Viola.
Breathing heavily, Hazel felt a bit defeated.
“Don’t be disheartened, Hazel,” Viola consoled her, walking over.
Hazel might be down, but she wouldn’t stop learning. Her ambition and courage shone in her eyes.
“I surrender,” Hazel smiled, realizing she’d expended a lot of effort without getting closer to Viola.
Cyril’s lips formed a straight line. He could see Hazel’s determination, but he also knew her current strength fell far short of what she needed. She required more training.
Hazel raised her head and locked eyes with Cyril, who watched her in silence.