Chapter 91: Gym hangout

Mark pushed himself up from the ground. His arms trembled slightly from the effort, and he rose to his feet with a stagger before walking toward her.

"Well, there are some people who still have problems with muscle endurance and work. The gym will say it all when we’re done with today’s workout," Mark defended himself as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

The faint pain from his muscle strain lingered, but he ignored it. He didn’t want Hermione to think the failed jog had completely defeated him.

"I didn’t even have to use mana to beat you. I guess you really needed my suggestion for today’s workout, don’t you?" Hermione said as she supported him toward the gym entrance.

"Me neither. I wouldn’t even resort to that even if I’m at the edge of you. At least I’m no cheater," Mark replied with a scoff.

Hermione scowled slightly before releasing her support of Mark, causing him to stagger a little.

He chuckled as he watched her move forward without him. Despite the defeat, he felt somewhat pleased with himself for managing to change her mood, even if only slightly. Their teasing had made the journey more entertaining, and he knew the challenge wasn’t truly over yet.

The gym entrance opened into a large, spacious facility filled with the sounds of physical activity. The rhythmic clanking of weights, the low hum of exercise machines, the occasional impact of training equipment, and the voices of people talking created an energetic atmosphere. The scent of rubber flooring, metal equipment, sweat, and cleaning products mixed together throughout the air.

Just then, a slightly burly man wearing a cap over his head, a fitted sports undershirt, shorts, and a pair of sneakers appeared. He had a welcoming smile on his face when he saw Hermione and the other teen.

"Oi, welcome to one of the branches belonging to Pain N’ Gain Gym, one of the top gyms in the city. It’s ranked for its unrivaled equipment, visited by prestigious bodybuilders and professionals, and known for its special and assured tutorials from excellent trainers, like myself," the macho man said proudly.

His introduction came with the confidence of someone who had clearly delivered the same speech many times before. He gestured toward the gym around them, seemingly proud of every piece of equipment visible across the spacious interior.

"I know. You don’t have to say this again like it’s my first time," Hermione said with a raised eyebrow.

The macho man only chuckled slightly.

"Nah, it wasn’t for you, of course. It was for the guest over there."

He gestured toward Mark. Mark froze where he stood. His eyes moved from the man to Hermione.

A sudden thought entered his mind as he realized that Hermione had apparently been attending this gym regularly. The trainer seemed familiar with her, and judging from his casual manner, their interactions were clearly not new.

Mark’s mind immediately began connecting possibilities.

Gyms were usually places where people trained and tested their physicality, but they could also become places where people spent considerable time together. Regular visits, personal training sessions, and repeated interactions could naturally create familiarity between people.

The possibility of something more between Hermione and a well-built and specialized gym trainer was something Mark didn’t particularly want to think about.

He knew it was only a thought, but the possibility still managed to bother him.

"Is there anything wrong? You aren’t blinking or moving, with that absent-minded look on your face."

Hermione’s voice knocked Mark out of his thoughts.

Mark quickly readjusted his expression before standing straighter with a smile.

"Oh, I appreciate the nice introduction. I can’t wait to go through the gym with my workout partner here and see it all."

He gestured clearly toward Hermione.

Her face turned slightly red, caught between uncertain embarrassment and being flattered by the way he had referred to her.

The trainer glanced between them with a curious expression but didn’t comment.

"Okay. Well, I’m David Yoke, the head trainer of this branch. But you can just call me Dave for simplicity. I’ve worked for thirteen years and have accumulated plenty of experience to guide you through today’s program."

David extended his hand. Mark shook it firmly.

The trainer’s grip was noticeably strong, though Mark didn’t allow himself to react to it.

"Other trainers besides me are all occupied. Due to the higher cost of my services compared to the standard payment, I mostly handle exclusive tutoring sessions using the advanced workout equipment because it is fitted for summoners. I’ll reel you through all these things. Maybe a year or more is enough," David offered confidently.

Mark chuckled nervously.

"Thanks, but he thinks we’ll pass on that. He only needs to test his current capacities and get used to it. Maybe next time, or never, but we’re here only to exercise a little." Hermione quickly stepped between them before David could continue.

She seemed to know exactly how to prevent Mark from getting dragged into a long-term training arrangement he hadn’t requested.

"But you always say this same thing every last time you come here," the man said with a shrug of resignation before leaving them both.

Mark watched him disappear farther into the gym before turning toward Hermione.

"Geez, thanks for handling something that I probably could’ve handled myself," Mark finally said.

Hermione nudged him lightly with a knock against his rib.

"Well, I knew that you needed it when you were beginning to perspire. Your eye movements, your speechless freeze from your throat locking up, and your irregular body composure gave it away."

Mark chuckled at her acute observation before scoffing playfully.

"You got all this from what? A thousand-page psychological book from the library?"

He received a knowing look from her.

The look alone told him that his joke was closer to the truth than he wanted to admit.

Hermione simply ignored his teasing and continued walking deeper into the gym. Mark followed beside her, still recovering from the jog while taking in the enormous training area around them.

There were several sections throughout the building, each dedicated to a different kind of physical activity. Some people were lifting weights while others were using machines designed to test endurance. A few summoners were practicing controlled movements while monitoring their mana consumption, while others appeared to be working under the supervision of trainers.

The equipment looked more advanced than what Mark had expected.

Some machines had magical components incorporated into their designs, allowing summoners to test strength and endurance while accounting for their supernatural abilities. Others seemed designed to measure physical reactions, balance, speed, and energy expenditure.

The sight immediately brought back memories for Mark.

"You know, now that I’m here, I’m kind of reeled up to get used to my old workout from the feeling and moments of my childhood gym. If you’ve ever heard of the Dragon Gym, then you must know that it’s no joke for young summoners. And I can’t wait to show what I’ve learned from back then," Mark stated confidently.

His expression brightened as memories of his earlier training returned. The place had reminded him of a time when exercise had been less about proving himself to someone else and more about learning what his body could actually accomplish.

Hermione looked around the facility before turning her attention toward him.

"Hmm, nice catch of experience there. Well, I don’t really do names for gyms, but as for me, let’s just say that I have an inbuilt one where I live. It was always fun while I lasted there."

She winked as she made the statement, treating it almost like a casual fact.

Mark stared at her for a moment.

There was something amusing about how casually she had described having a personal training environment at home. Considering her background and upbringing, he probably shouldn’t have been surprised.

"So, um, what are we starting with from here?" Mark finally asked.

Hermione looked toward the various training sections around them.

Her expression shifted into one of quiet consideration as she began deciding where they should start. Mark stood beside her, still slightly sweaty from the failed ten-kilometer challenge but already feeling more energized at the thought of the workout ahead.

The race might have ended with him collapsing before the entrance, but the real challenge was only beginning.