The next morning, Lam Minh sluggishly arrived at Thong Nhat Stadium. He didn't want to come at all, but Quynh Nhu's threat was still ringing in his ears. Besides, he was also quite curious about the training facility of Blacklight, ASEAN's most elite force.
He found his way to the basement as instructed. A heavy steel door opened to reveal a vast space filled with the most advanced training equipment he had ever seen. From anti-gravity treadmills and virtual reality combat zones to even a mini shooting range.
Quynh Nhu was already there. She was wearing a tight-fitting pink workout outfit that accentuated her small but extremely well-proportioned and toned figure. Her pink hair was tied up neatly in a high ponytail. She no longer looked like a cute loli, but more like a small leopard ready to pounce on its prey.
"Right on time, punching bag," she said, chewing her gum noisily. "Warm up, and then we'll start."
Lam Minh looked around the gym, his eyes lighting up. "Whoa, this is awesome. Can I try some of these machines?"
"Do you think this is a park?" Quynh Nhu glared at him. "Finish your task first. Now, get in the ring."
She pointed to a standard boxing ring in the middle of the room.
Lam Minh sighed and reluctantly stepped up. He had already mentally prepared himself. His plan was: to take the hits as "realistically" as possible. This way, he could pay off his debt, farm some points, and not reveal his true strength. One stone, three birds.
"The rules are simple," Quynh Nhu said as she put on her gloves. "I attack, you can only defend. No hitting back. We stop when I get bored. Got it?"
"Got it," Lam Minh nodded, whispering inwardly, "You don't have to get bored, just beat me half to death and we're good."
The match began.
Quynh Nhu did not hold back at all. She came at him like a whirlwind. Her speed, power, and skill far surpassed any opponent Lam Minh had faced in the tournament. She was a true soldier; every blow was aimed at a critical point but was non-lethal.
Lam Minh, with the strength of a Mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, could have easily dodged or countered. But he had to "act."
POW!
A straight punch to the stomach made him double over.
"So weak! What kind of defense is that?" Quynh Nhu grumbled.
[Attacked by violent loli. Non-critical damage. Received 5 Immortality Points.]
"Huh? 5 points?" Lam Minh was baffled. "That's it?"
BAM!
A roundhouse kick to his ribs. Lam Minh staggered.
[Attacked by violent loli. Non-critical damage. Received 7 Immortality Points.]
"Still pathetic!" Lam Minh started to feel that his plan had a flaw.
Quynh Nhu's attacks grew more intense. She unleashed a flurry of combinations, cornering Lam Minh. He could only pitifully raise his hands to cover his face.
"Hey! Can you defend with a little more spirit? Hitting a punching bag that doesn't react is boring as hell!" she yelled, seeming to lose interest.
It was only then that Lam Minh realized a critical problem. Quynh Nhu was a warrior; she wanted a worthy opponent to practice with, not a literal punching bag. If he continued to take the hits passively, she would quickly get bored and stop. How was he supposed to farm points then?
"Dammit! Gotta change tactics!" he thought.
He decided to "hit back," but to hit back "clumsily" and "luckily."
As Quynh Nhu rushed in, about to throw a hook, Lam Minh suddenly "slipped" and fell backward. Her punch grazed past his face by a hair's breadth. At the same time, his "slipping" leg accidentally swung up and kicked Quynh Nhu in the shin.
"Ow!"
Quynh Nhu lost her balance and tumbled to the floor.
She stared blankly at Lam Minh, who was also sitting on the ground with an equally bewildered expression.
"I... I didn't mean to..." Lam Minh quickly explained.
Quynh Nhu said nothing, just got up and dusted herself off. But a spark of interest had lit up in her eyes.
"Get up! Again!"
This time, her attacks were even more relentless. Lam Minh continued his act. He dodged with great difficulty, occasionally "accidentally" causing some awkward counter-attacks.
Sometimes he'd raise his arm to block, and his elbow would "coincidentally" jab her in the shoulder.
Sometimes he'd step back, and his heel would "accidentally" stomp on her toes.
Sometimes he'd duck under a high kick, and his head would "coincidentally" butt her in the stomach as she retracted her leg.
Each time, Quynh Nhu would yelp in pain, while Lam Minh would apologize profusely with an innocent look on his face.
After nearly half an hour, Quynh Nhu was panting, her body aching, not from exhaustion, but from anger and... pain. She felt like she was fighting a prickly porcupine; the more she hit, the more she got pricked.
"Stop! Stop!" she yelled, plopping down on the floor. "That's enough for today!"
Lam Minh also sat down, panting heavily as if he were exhausted. He checked his system panel.
[Immortality Points: 1250]
"Half an hour of struggle for only 250 points. This is really bad business," he sighed inwardly.
"Hey," Quynh Nhu asked while rubbing her bruised shin, her eyes full of suspicion. "Are you sure you don't know any martial arts?"
"I really don't," Lam Minh shook his head vehemently. "It's probably just the 'aftershock' of my luck from yesterday."
Quynh Nhu narrowed her eyes. She didn't believe him. No one could be that lucky continuously. There was definitely something wrong with this guy. But she had no proof.
"Alright, fine," she stood up. "I'll let you off for today. The debt is reduced to ten million. Be here again the day after tomorrow."
"Huh? I still have to come?" Lam Minh cried out.
"Of course," Quynh Nhu smirked. "Next time, I won't go easy on you. Be prepared, punching bag."
She turned and left, her gait a little hobbled. Lam Minh watched her go, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Alright then. Let's see who's the one calling for a stop next time."
He realized that teasing this violent loli was also a rather elegant hobby.