OLD-WORLD EXTRA-Chapter 170: Kiera’s Training

Standing mere inches apart, Emir and Jamal maintained their gazes on each other.

Then, in a swift and unexpected motion, both of them simultaneously raised their hands and interlocked them, pulling each other into a half-embrace, a sign of camaraderie and respect.

"My man... I like you; I'm happy that Kiera invited you aboard our sinking ship." Emir said, his amusement evident in his tone.

Jamal matched Emir's energy tenfold, reciprocating the half-hug with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, boss, man. Glad to be with yall!"

Raymond, who observed their exchange with wide eyes, couldn't help but sigh and mutter to himself:

"I don't understand the youths of today. Don't mind me."

Jamal reassured the old man with a friendly tone:

"Is fine, old man. I like having you around."

Emir chimed in, adding:

"Don't worry, as long as you guys do your job correctly, I won't have any complaints."

'Fulfill your job as if that is your only life's purpose.' He added inwardly.

"Anyways, enough... Waffling, was it?"

Seeing Jamal nod, Emir continued:

"I've got some things to get done if you guys want this ship to float; see you guys later." "Good luck!"

"See you, boss man!"

They bid him in unison as he exited the shop.

Emir stood outside for a moment, arranging his thoughts:

'Hmm... I said that, but I don't have much else to do now. My counterattack began. I can only wait for the results.'

'... Why don't I check up on Kiera? Let's see what specializations they've chosen, and maybe get some sweat in...'

With his next actions decided Emir headed towards the slums.

...

Knocking on the gate, Emir waited for a few moments until it was opened by the gang leader herself.

"Emir!" Kiera exclaimed while hugging him.

He gently patted her head.

"Thanks for the warm welcome as always, little lady."

She puffed her cheeks as she looked up at him.

"I won't be so little soon, I've become a Gun Mage you know?!"

'Gun Mage?.... Not bad.' He mused.

"Good on you," he snickered while silently encouraging her to let go.

She complied and walked in front of him, leading him into the base.

"What about the others? I've come here to let out some building stress."

"Oh, they're training right now."

Emir nodded while commenting:

"You guys have a training room now?"

"We've upgraded, you know?!" She said while gesturing towards the back of the warehouse.

Arriving near the entrance moments later, Kiera held the door handle to the training room while saying:

"This used to be an empty room that we filled with any relics that we'd found, but now.... We send them to your shop, so we had the opportunity to make something out of it."

"I see.... So you re-purposed it, not bad at all, Miss Gang leader." He said slyly.

Letting out a "humph," she opened the door and led him into their training ground.

The room was utilitarian in design, with sturdy racks lining one side, showcasing an array of melee weapons, ranging from swords to spears.

Positioned in the center were two dueling arenas, each demarcated by boundary lines on the floor.

On the left side of the room, sets of training equipment were arranged meticulously. Dumbbells and various exercise machines, like treadmills and rowing machines, stood ready for use.

They occupied the space in front of a large mirrored wall that reflected the dynamic activities taking place within the room.

On the opposite side, an empty expanse stretched out.

Mounted on the wall above this area was a holoscreen, appearing to be displaying various training program options catering to the diverse needs of the six people present.

Lyra's work.

Within the room, the gang members were deeply engrossed in their sparring sessions, not noticing Emir and Kiera's entrance.

Leo and Jack were locked in combat within one arena, with Jack being the obvious winner in their duel.

In the other arena, Hiro and Evan engaged in their own duel, appearing to be locked in a standstill.

Observing the bouts stood Sarah, positioned at the sidelines, her watchful gaze steady.

'A referee, is it?' Emir inwardly snickered.

He then turned to Kiera, who appeared to have been waiting for his reaction the entire time.

"You did great... This looks like a nice place."

Her face immediately brightened, and his words stopped the constant clashes of the duelists as they all paused and silently looked at Emir.

Noticing that, he turned to them and said:

"Pretend I'm not here and continue on. But for those of you that have already caught on, I'll be judging your performance, so do your best to entertain me, alright?"

All their faces lit up with excitement at the mention of being judged by someone as strong as Emir, except for Sarah, who remained standing with a sad expression.

So to conform with his underlings' wishes, Emir rebuked himself: "Actually, never mind that. Why don't we have all of you fight me?" His proposition was met with instant, loud gulps from all six of them.

They weren't concerned about hurting Emir in the least; instead, they were terrified of what might happen to them.

"You guys are under me, so don't think that I'll hurt you too much.... You've all probably just returned from tracking your target all day so why don't we have a fun night to let out all the

stress?"

Kiera walked in front of Emir and turned around to face him.

"Six on One?" she asked simply.

Emir confirmed with a nod.

"But before that, let's see what the gang leader has in store for me. Now ready yourself, I'll be

expecting a lot from you five..."

They all nodded hastily and collectively ran out of the training room.

"Are they getting some old-world medicine?" Emir asked as he walked towards the center of

the arena.

Grabbing an assault rifle from one of the racks, Kiera confirmed his words:

"Yes. They need to be in top shape to even think about giving you a chance to sweat."

"Good. Now c'mon, I don't have all day..." He provoked her while gesturing with his right

hand extended.

Kiera didn't participate in his game and remained focused, stepping into white formulate

with her rifle in hand.

Not giving him the time to announce the start of their duel, she chanted:

"Fire Shot."