The incident in the alleyway, though minor, had left an indelible mark on Kyle. His 'Basic Urban Survival' and 'Basic Threat Assessment' skills had served him well, but he knew they were just that – basic. As his empire expanded and his profile grew, the threats would inevitably escalate. He needed more than just instinct; he needed training. He needed to be able to defend himself, and more importantly, to protect his growing harem.
He tasked Scarlett with finding the best personal combat trainer in Chicago, someone who specialized in self-defense and martial arts, and, of course, someone who was a beautiful woman. Scarlett, with her usual efficiency, returned with a name that resonated through the city's underground combat circles: Anya Sharma. She was a former MMA fighter, known for her brutal efficiency in the ring and her striking, almost intimidating beauty. Her body was a testament to discipline and strength, every muscle honed, every movement precise.
Kyle arranged a meeting at Anya's private training facility, a no-nonsense gym tucked away in a converted warehouse. It was a stark contrast to the opulence of his mansion, filled with the scent of sweat, leather, and determination. Anya, in a simple black tank top and combat pants, greeted him with a firm handshake and an appraising gaze that seemed to strip away all pretense.
"Mr. Carter," she said, her voice low and gravelly, "Scarlett tells me you're looking for… personal development." There was a hint of skepticism in her tone, as if she doubted a man of his apparent wealth and comfort could truly commit to the rigors of combat training.
"I'm looking to be prepared," Kyle corrected, meeting her gaze evenly. His 'Basic Charisma' and 'Advanced Seduction' skills were subtly at play, aiming to convey seriousness and respect. "My life has changed dramatically, and with it, the nature of the threats I face. I need to be able to protect myself, and those I care about."
Anya's eyes narrowed slightly. "Combat isn't a hobby, Mr. Carter. It's a discipline. It's pain. It's sacrifice. Are you willing to bleed for it?"
"I'm willing to learn," Kyle replied, his voice firm. "And I'm willing to pay for the best. Name your price."
Anya studied him for a long moment, then a faint smile touched her lips. "Alright, Mr. Carter. I'll take you on. But don't expect any special treatment. In here, you're just another student." She quoted a figure that was substantial, but well within Kyle's means. He immediately transferred the funds.
> [Ding!] Cashback System Activated! Spent $50,000. Critical Hit x10! You earned $500,000. Funds deposited to Account XXX-XXX-XXX]
> [Spent on Beautiful Woman (Combat Training): 1 Skill Unlock Awarded. Use it now?]
> [YES] [NO]
Five hundred thousand dollars. For combat training. The system truly valued self-improvement and protection. He quickly hit YES.
> [Skill Unlocked: Basic Martial Arts. Your understanding of fundamental combat techniques, defensive postures, and offensive strikes has increased. You will find it easier to engage in physical confrontations.]
Kyle felt a new awareness of his own body, a subtle shift in his balance, a newfound understanding of leverage and force. He could almost feel the phantom movements of a punch, a block, a kick. He was no longer just a man; he was a potential weapon.
His training with Anya began immediately, and it was brutal. She pushed him beyond his limits, physically and mentally. He learned basic stances, how to throw a proper punch, how to block, how to evade. He sparred with her, and she showed him no mercy, her movements a blur of controlled power. He was sore, bruised, and exhausted, but he never complained. He absorbed every lesson, every correction, his 'Basic Martial Arts' skill rapidly improving with each session.
Beyond the physical training, Anya also taught him about discipline, about mental fortitude, about reading an opponent. She was a stern teacher, but her dedication was absolute, and Kyle found himself respecting her immensely. He also found himself increasingly drawn to her raw power, her unwavering focus, her quiet strength. She was a different kind of beautiful, one forged in the crucible of combat.
During their cool-down sessions, they would talk. Kyle learned about her past, her struggles, her philosophy on life and combat. He shared snippets of his own journey, carefully omitting the system, but conveying the essence of his transformation. He found her insights surprisingly profound, her perspective grounded and pragmatic.
He noticed her affinity level on his tracker slowly but steadily climbing. It wasn't the rapid surge he saw with Lily or Scarlett, but a gradual, hard-earned increase, a testament to the respect and trust they were building through shared effort and pain.
One afternoon, after a particularly grueling session, Anya watched him execute a complex sequence of moves with surprising fluidity. "You're a natural, Carter," she grunted, a rare compliment. "Most people would have quit by now. You have grit."
"I have a lot to protect," Kyle replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "And I have the best teacher."
Anya's lips curved into a faint smile. "Don't get soft on me now. This is just the beginning. The city is full of shadows, and you're starting to cast a very long one."
Kyle nodded. He knew. He was no longer just a man who bought luxury; he was a man who could defend it. He was building an empire, and now, he was learning to protect it with his own hands. And with Anya Sharma by his side, he knew he was in capable hands indeed.