Heretic Trainer: The Gym Is My Cultivation Method

Garion had trained Dahlia mercilessly these past few days.

Every morning began with squats and deadlifts, every afternoon was push-ups, curls, and presses, and every evening ended with sparring drills.

Now, on the tournament day, Dahlia stood tall in the courtyard. Her body had been transformed.

Her arms were firm, her shoulders sharp, and even faint lines of abs traced her stomach.

Garion circles her slowly, nodding in approval.

”Not bad. A few days ago, you would’ve collapsed after ten squats. But now... You look like you could destroy Boulder.”

Dahlia smirked proudly.

”Of course, Master. You didn’t even let me sleep properly without training drills.”

Garion only chuckled.

”Good. At least you’re not whining anymore.”

Over the past few days, he had also taught her simple but effective moves to finish the fight fast.

Garion then stopped in front of her, folding his arms.

”So, Dahlia. Are you ready?”

She clenched her fists and nodded firmly.

”Of course, Master. I’m ready.”

Garion’s lips curled into a grin.

”Good. Then I have something for you.”

Dahlia tilted her head.

”A... gift?”

Garion nodded, smirking.

”Yes. You will represent God Gym now. You can’t just walk in dressed like a beggar.”

Her eyes lit up, sparkling with curiosity.

”A uniform?!”

Garion chuckled, seeing her excitement.

”Exactly.”

He then took out a folded set of black and gray clothes.

The moment Dahlia saw it, she practically snatched it with her eyes.

”Quickly, show me!”

Garion unfolded the outfit, revealing a sleek and simple combat suit.

[Name: God Gym Simple Combat Suit]

[Description: A standard combat set consisting of a sleeveless top, long trousers, fingerless gloves, and lightweight shoes. Built for flexibility, durability, and ease of movement during training or battle.]

[Effect: Improves mobility and comfort in combat. Provides basic protection without limiting speed or flexibility.]

Dahlia took and held the sleeveless top up to her chest and frowned.

”...Master. Isn’t this too... revealing? My stomach and arms will be fully exposed!”

Garion smirked, crossing his arms.

”It’s not revealing. It’s a practical combat suit that lets you move freely. No loose sleeves, nor heavy cloth. Just flexibility and speed.”

She looked down at her toned stomach and flexed arms, embarrassed.

”But still... It feels... strange to show this much skin in front of people.”

Garion chuckled.

”Strange? That’s pride. You worked hard for those muscles. Why hide them?”

”This uniform isn’t just for fighting, but to showcase your strength and body. When people see you, they’ll know immediately just how good you are.”

Dahlia, but her lip, looking at her body again.

She couldn’t deny it. Her body indeed looked stronger and better, far from the frail little girl she had been months ago.

”But still...”

Garion raised an eyebrow.

”Fine. Then wear a robe over it until the fight starts. Once you’re on stage, just take it off.”

Relieved, Dahlia sighed.

”That’s better.”

She then wore the suit, and to her surprise, it was indeed easy to move in and didn’t feel heavy at all.

She could twist her arms, stretch her legs, and even throw a quick punch more easily than before.

”It’s lighter and also quite flexible, letting me move more easily.”

Garion grinned.

”See... You’ll thank me later when you win.”

Still embarrassed, she threw a robe over herself.

”Better. At least people won’t stare too much.”

Garion smirked knowingly.

”Don’t worry. Once you’re on stage, all eyes will be on you anyway.”

Dahlia pouted, tightening the robe.

”... That doesn’t help, Master.”

Garion clapped his hands, ending the conversation.

”Enough talk. It’s time. The tournament won’t wait for us.”

Dahlia inhaled deeply, steadying her nerves.

Garion, on the other hand, just smiled.

”Let’s go. Time to show this world what the God Gym can do.”

Dahlia followed, her steps firm despite the nerves swirling inside.

For the first time, she wasn’t just a disciple but a representative of God Gym.

---

Garion and Dahlia arrived at the arena.

The streets outside were packed with people, merchants selling snacks, and banners waving with great sects’ names.

Dahlia tugged her robe tighter around herself, staring up at the huge gates.

”So many people... Master, are they here for the tournament?”

Garion grinned, hands on his hips.

”Of course. A once-in-ten-years event draws every eye. This is the perfect stage for the God Gym.”

Dahlia’s heart beat faster.

The thought of hundreds, or maybe thousands of people watching her fight made her shiver.

At the entrance, an officer stepped forward.

”Name and affiliation?”

Dahlia handed him the parchment slip, and when the officer unrolled it, his brows twitched slightly.

”Dahlia, age fourteen... Affiliation: God Gym?”

He was a bit surprised, never having heard it, but still he stamped it and returned it.

”Confirmed. Competitor, please enter the waiting room.”

Dahlia bowed politely.

”Thank you.”

The officer then turned to Garion.

”And you?”

Garion smiled. ”Her Master.”

The officer quickly blocked him, explaining the rules.

”Only competitors may enter the waiting area. Master and family must stay in the stands.”

”You may sit in the commoner section. If your disciple advances to later stages, you’ll be moved to higher seats reserved for important people.”

Garion raised a brow, amused.

”Common seats, huh? Fine. I don’t mind. A seat is a seat, and I’ll still see her smash the competition.”

The officer gave him a strange look but didn’t comment.

Before Dahlia entered the waiting room, she glanced back nervously.

”Master... you’re not coming with me?”

Garion flexed his bicep with a grin.

”Don’t worry. Just remember what I taught you. You’ll smash them all.”

Dahlia’s lips twitched, and she couldn’t help but laugh softly.

”Yes, Master.”

Garion nodded, waving her off.

”Good. Now, go.”

Dahlia nodded as she entered the corridor toward the waiting room.

Garion watched her disappear into the waiting room before turning toward the spectator entrance.

It was filled with commoners and also other masters like him, whose disciples were going to compete.

None of them recognised him, and that suited him just fine. He just smirked to himself, folding his arms.

”Doesn’t matter where I sit. As long as she wins, everyone will learn the name of God Gym.”