Dana POV

　　Another day has come and gone, yet I still feel a strong determination within me. Despite the challenges I face, I am motivated to continue pushing forward. I decided to take on this task myself, knowing that Anna may push me too hard if I don't take control.

　　She possesses so much power that I must prepare myself before summoning the courage to confront her.

　　Currently, I am behaving as if I conflict with someone. I attempted to kick unseen objects in a secure location, specifically in the training room.

　　"I think you need some help," a man with a rough voice exclaimed. I looked towards him and recognized him as Bathel, just as I had suspected.

　　I am aware of my heartbeat. Anna is strong already, but what about him? He is the Alpha King who leads a group of formidable individuals.

　　I glance down first, then shift my gaze towards him. "Um-"

　　"You don't even need to hesitate," He whispered, interrupting me.

　　I grinned. "I understand that you are occupied, and you may have more pressing matters to attend to. Anna is available to assist me." I offered an excuse while feeling anxious and spoke in a low voice. The intense gaze of the person I was talking to quickened my heartbeat, and my instincts sensed a strong tension between us.

　　I believe it's a dynamic between two individuals who could potentially develop a strong friendship, as I don't think I could ever love another person after experiencing what Ares put me through.

　　I didn't notice when he smiled and shook his head. He whispered, "I'm not concerned about the other issues. There are more important things." I'm speechless about that.

　　I don't want to refuse his help in the end.

　　"Okay..." I responded quietly with a forced smile.

　　"Perhaps it would be advisable to refrain from engaging in the same activities with Anna." He suggested. "You should start with the basics." He added. As I gazed into his eyes, I observed his earnestness and questioned my proficiency in the task.

　　I spoke, "The basics..." murmuring, paying no attention to the specific words that crossed my mind. I focused on his voice and the compassion he showed me.

　　I have never met a man like him before. He came up to me with a gentle gaze.

　　"Do you want me to show you how to do it?"

　　As my head gradually nods, I focus solely on his eyes.

　　"If you attempt to harm me, I will not retaliate. If you try to strike me or use any tactics to defend yourself against an adversary, I will not react." His voice conveyed authority that was hard to resist.

　　"I want you to know how to manage your balance." He suggested, "You should concentrate on improving your agility. Exercising would benefit you."

　　"But considering the current situation, go ahead and attempt to hit, kick, elbow, or knee me. There's no need to worry. I won't retaliate-" Before he could finish his sentence, I attempted to punch him in the face, but he swiftly evaded. He is remarkably quick in his movements.

　　I swallowed nervously as a wave of embarrassment washed over me. Despite Anna's professional training methods, I would still prefer her to train me rather than Bathel, as I feel like my confidence is slipping away in Bathel's presence.

　　"It's fine," He spoke with a deep voice that was also comforting, giving me a sense of courage.

　　"It's okay. I want you to hit me wherever you'd like," I sensed the urge to strike his chest. He recoiled, and I noticed a change in his facial expression, yet he maintained a confident and strong demeanor while looking directly at me.

　　"I was instructed to increase the intensity." I clenched my fists and struck him, hitting his elbows. Though I could hear him groaning softly, he remained standing and did not fall to the ground.

　　I sense the anger building up within me. When I see him, memories of past wrongs flood my mind, causing rage to surge through my veins. I clench my teeth as his piercing gaze meets mine.

　　His gaze angers me. I'm frustrated that he remains upright even after my efforts to bring him down.

　　But no, my mind is consumed by thoughts of Ares as I stand before Bathel.

　　"Why can't you get down?" I whispered.

　　I cried while repeatedly hitting his chest, but he remained unfazed, allowing me to continue. Despite my efforts to increase the force, it did not affect him. A tear rolled down my cheek as I eventually collapsed to the ground.

　　"Fuck..." I muttered a curse under my breath.

　　"Dana," Xia quietly spoke in my thoughts.

　　"I feel embarrassed right now," I thought to myself as his hands suddenly reached out towards me.

　　I gaze at him.

　　"Hold my hand, Dana," He commanded.

　　"I am unable to do it at this moment," I admit while avoiding eye contact. "No matter how hard I attempt, I always feel inadequate in accomplishing these tasks," I explain, refusing his assistance. However, he persists in trying to help me despite my rejection.

　　He pleaded with me to hold his hand, asking, "Please, will you take my hand?" His desperation made it difficult for me to say no.

　　I inhaled deeply as I took hold of his hand. Standing up, I gazed at him.

　　"I will teach you all the necessary things you need to, Dana," He whispered. "There's no embarrassing." He added and I looked at him with embarrassment.

　　"Your performance is great," he commented. "I sense the impact of your punches on my body. I prefer not to fall because I want you to release your emotions. Show me your true feelings." These words reassured me, and tears filled my eyes as I met his gaze.

　　I long to hear those words. It's important to me that someone truly comprehends and recognizes who I am, and he appeared to do just that.