Arden flinched, his shoulders tightening. He clearly didn't want to talk, but Garion wasn't the type to let things slide.

Garion let out a long sigh and crossed his arms.

"You've been acting strange lately. Dahlia says it's been a month already. So talk to me. What's going on?"

Arden shook his head. "It's nothing, Master. I'm fine."

Garion frowned. "You're lying. I can hear it in your tone."

Arden stayed silent for a few seconds before quietly asking. "Master… do you know my full name?"

Garion raised an eyebrow. "Your full name? Of course, it's..."

He stopped, realizing he didn't actually know.

Arden frowned bitterly. "Arden… Avenora."

Garion blinked, stunned. "Wait... Avenora? As in the Avenora Clan?"

Arden nodded slowly.

Garion laughed. "No wonder! I was wondering why you look so damn handsome and a bit too elegant for a fighter."

He flicked his finger. "It all makes sense now. You're from the clan of beautiful ladies!"

Arden sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's not exactly something I'm proud of."

Garion tilted his head in confusion. "Why not? Most men would be bragging about that, including me."

Arden's expression darkened slightly. "Because, Master... in the Avenora Clan, it's a curse."

Garion blinked, even more confused. "A curse? What kind of course?"

Arden looked away, sighing. "Because I was born... too handsome."

Garion froze, eyes narrowed. "Come again?"

Arden sighed. "I'm serious. The women in my clan, many of them, used to chase me constantly. Some even tried to force themselves on me."

Garion blinked, then raised an eyebrow. "Wait, so your problem is... you were too popular?

Arden only chuckled weakly. "It sounds stupid when you say it like that, but yes."

"It caused me nothing but trouble, and because of that, all men in the clan hated me."

Garion frowned. "Men? Weren't tehy all sypposued to be... you know, good-looking too?"

Arden shook his head. "No. That's the thing. For some reason, most of the Avenora men aren't... attractive."

"They're strong, but their look is quite... rough. It's rare for a man there to have a handsome face."

Garion rubbed his chin, trying not to laugh.

"So let me get this straight. You're born in a clan full of beautiful women and cursed with a really handsome face."

"And thanks to this handsome face of yours, many women wanted you, and all the men hated you for it."

Arden nodded quietly. "That's right."

Garion sighed, struggling to stay serious. "And let me guess, you left because of that."

Arden nodded again. "Yes, I couldn't stand it anymore. The gossip, the jealousy, the attention. All of it was suffocating."

"One day, I heard the rumors about the God Gym... that the sect leader was quite different and can be said to be a real man, so I came to God Gym."

Garion chuckled lightly. "A 'real man,' huh? And how's that working out for you so far?"

Arden smiled faintly. "Honestly? better than I expected. You made me realize strength isn't about looks or talent... it's about effort. But still..."

He looked down at his hands. "The memories of that place... it's hard to shake off."

Garion only smiled and gave Arden a light tap on the shoulder.

"Listen, kid. You ran away because you wanted to change, right? That's not weakness. That's courage."

Arden looked up, surprised.

Garion grinned. "And you've already changed more than you realize. You don't need to prove yourself to that clan anymore."

He clenched his fists. "Just keep training, and when the time comes, you'll show them what a real Avenora man looks like."

Arden let out a small breath, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Thank you, Master."

Garion nodded, standing back up. "Good. Now rest for a bit. We've got a long trip ahead, and who knows..."

His grin widened. "Maybe you'll get the chance to make a few people pay for all that bullying back in your clan."

Arden blinked in surprise. "Revenge? I… don't know about that."

Garion chuckled. "Don't think of it as revenge. Think of it as payback through improvement. You don't have to hit them."

His grin widened again. "Just make them realize how much stronger you've become."

Arden smiled faintly. "That… sounds more like you, Master."

Before Garion could reply, Dahlia walked over from the other side of the ship, stretching her arms.

"I heard everything."

Garion raised an eyebrow. "You always do."

Dahlia ignored him and looked straight at Arden.

"Listen, Junior Brother, you're a direct disciple of the God Gym. Don't let that fancy name of yours make you feel small."

Arden tilted his head. "You mean my Avenora name?"

Dahlia nodded. "Exactly. When we reach their territory, show them you've changed. You're not the same nervous boy who left."

She clenched her fist and grinned. "You're a cultivator of the God Gym now. That means you don't hide and face things head-on."

Arden gave a nervous chuckle. "Easier said than done."

Dahlia smirked. "Then say it and do it anyway. That's how we work around here."

Garion grinned. "She's right. The God Gym doesn't raise weaklings, Arden. You've trained, endured, and grown. The only thing left is for you to prove it."

Arden nodded slowly, determination starting to show in his eyes. "I'll try."

Dahlia crossed her arms. "Also, stop saying your handsome face is a curse."

Arden blinked, embarrassed. "Huh? You heard that part too?"

Dahlia rolled her eyes. "Of course I did. If the twins were here, they'd mock you for a week straight."

"Not only are you handsome and smart, but you're still the most timid one of us all. You're basically giving them free material."

Garion snorted. "She's not wrong. Rynar and Rynor would never let that go."

Arden rubbed his neck, smiling awkwardly. "Right… I'll keep that in mind."

Dahlia gave him a small, approving nod. "Good. Next time, instead of calling it a curse, call it a weapon."

Arden chuckled softly. "You sound just like Master."

Garion grinned. "She's learning."

Dahlia smirked at him. "Of course I am. Someone has to keep you from breaking your disciples before they reach their goals."

Garion laughed. "Fair enough."

He turned back to Arden. "You heard her. No more self-pity. From now on, you hold your head high, got it?"

Arden straightened in his seat. "Yes, Master."

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