She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother Chapter 433: Breaking the Limits

Alex stood at the center, his chest heaving with labored breaths. His body was a tapestry of bruises, sweat coursing down his face. He appeared utterly spent... yet, as the moments ticked by, his breathing gradually steadied, his formidable regeneration already at work, restoring him. A serene, contented smile graced his lips. He slowly turned his gaze toward the four men, his voice imbued with genuine gratitude. "You gentlemen truly put forth your best effort," Alex stated, his tone radiating respect. "That coordination... that synergy... it was no small feat. I underestimated the combined might of four individuals fighting as one. You pushed me to my absolute limits today. Thank you." The four men exchanged glances, emitting embarrassed chuckles. They had anticipated a swift victory, but the outcome was far from what any of them had foreseen. "You're truly something else, sir," Damien remarked with a grin, shaking his head in clear admiration. Alex offered a slight nod, then shifted his attention to the side. Viktor was present, standing motionless, arms folded, observing the entire scene with a composed yet intensely focused demeanor. Alex looked directly at him, his voice unwavering: "Viktor... do you deem me worthy now?" For a brief period, Viktor remained silent. He simply assessed Alex... noting the visible bruises, the tranquil expression in his eyes, and the satisfied smile on his face. Then, a subtle, proud smile slowly bloomed on Viktor’s lips. He stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Alex’s shoulder. "You are worthy," Viktor declared calmly. "More than worthy." He paused for a beat, his eyes sharpening with a profound admiration. "Your combat intuition... it's nothing short of monstrous. The way you anticipate movements, adapt mid-combat, and reverse the momentum so rapidly... it's an exceptionally rare sight." He paused again, then added with a hint of a smile: "I can guarantee... if you were to face Adrian now, you could defeat him with a single decisive move." Alex listened impassively, savoring the commendation. A small, proud smile touched his face. "However..." Viktor continued, his tone shifting to a more serious register. "I still sense this isn't your zenith. You're failing to unlock the full potential residing within your body and mind. Something remains that restrains you." Alex immediately grasped Viktor's subtle implication and gave a small, acknowledging nod. Viktor met Alex’s gaze directly, proceeding: "I've spent these past few days contemplating how to enable you to unleash your complete capabilities. And I've finally discerned what you require." Viktor’s smile widened slightly... not from arrogance, but from the quiet conviction of a mentor genuinely invested in his student's ultimate success. "You require liberation." He stepped back, gesturing towards the inner recesses of the training hall. "So, come now," Viktor beckoned, his voice now carrying an unmistakable gravitas. "It's time I cease treating you as a student... and begin forging you into the formidable fighter you are destined to be." Alex’s eyes ignited with a quiet, surging excitement. The very atmosphere within the training hall transformed the instant Viktor entered the central sparring arena. He stood there serenely, his arms hanging loosely at his sides, his posture relaxed yet exuding an palpable, unseen pressure. The same individual who had been a mere observer moments before now felt entirely different... akin to a predator finally revealing its lethal intent. Viktor looked directly at Alex, speaking in a level, steady tone: "Engage me with everything you possess." The four men exchanged knowing glances. Without a word, they swiftly retreated, clearing the space between the two combatants. Their eyes gleamed with palpable anticipation. They had been awaiting this precise moment for days. At long last, they were poised to witness something extraordinary. Alex inhaled deeply, his heart pounding with a potent mixture of apprehension and exhilaration. This was what he had yearned for. This was the ultimate trial. 'Finally...' he mused, a faint smile playing on his lips. 'I get to experience his true power.' He adopted his fighting stance, his gaze fixed intently on Viktor. His mind was already a whirlwind of analysis, dissecting every conceivable angle. Without the slightest preamble, Alex launched himself forward. He moved with astonishing velocity, unleashing a sharp jab immediately followed by a potent cross. Viktor remained utterly stationary. He merely inclined his head slightly, allowing the jab to whistle past his ear, and casually lifted his forearm to deflect the cross as if brushing away an insignificant insect. Alex didn't falter. He transitioned seamlessly into a low kick, then spun into an elbow strike, culminating in a knee aimed squarely at Viktor’s core. Each assault was swift, precise, and impeccably timed. Yet, Viktor remained perfectly immobile. He did not shift his footing by even a single inch. He simply moved his hands and body with effortless grace, parrying, evading, or redirecting every single attack Alex mounted. It was akin to attempting to batter a mountain with a fragile twig.

Observers to the side, four men in total, had their eyes widened in disbelief. They found it difficult to even follow the rapid movements unfolding before them.

"His speed..." Dimitri breathed out, filled with astonishment. "How can he possibly be this fast?"

"Indeed," Pavel concurred, his tone laced with a newfound respect. "It's no wonder the boss forbade him from going all out against us earlier. Had we faced this level of speed, we wouldn't have lasted even a few exchanges."

They finally grasped the reason behind Viktor's stringent training methods. Alex's progress was astonishingly rapid, and the vastness of their own limitations was becoming starkly apparent.

Back in the heart of the training space, Alex's breathing grew noticeably heavier. He had unleashed a barrage of dozens of attacks – punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knee jabs, even a fierce spinning backfist – yet none had managed to connect. Viktor, meanwhile, remained unfazed, not even breaking a bead of sweat.

’This is truly unbelievable…’ Alex mused, his mind working at a frantic pace. ’He’s not even moving with proper technique. He's anticipating my every move before I even initiate it.’

Yet, Alex's determination remained unshaken.

Taking a deep, centering breath, he resolved to commit everything to his next action. He feigned a strike towards the face, then abruptly dropped low, exploding upwards with a formidable uppercut aimed directly at Viktor’s jaw.

For a fleeting instant, it seemed as though the blow would land true.

Alex’s eyes flared with sudden hope.

Got him—!

However, at the absolute last microsecond, Viktor’s hand shot out with lightning-like speed. He intercepted Alex’s wrist mid-air, executed a slight body twist, and skillfully leveraged Alex’s own momentum against him.

Whoosh!

In a single, fluid motion, Viktor sent Alex hurtling across the training area as if he weighed absolutely nothing.

Alex soared through the air, impacting the floor with a heavy thud, sliding several meters before finally coming to a standstill.

The four onlookers watched in a state of stupefled silence.

While they had anticipated Viktor's considerable strength, witnessing him so effortlessly dominate Alex revealed the immense chasm in their abilities.

Alex slowly began to rise, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. Yet, his face held no trace of frustration. Instead, a wide, exhilarated grin spread across it.

He had not succeeded.

***

Viktor approached Alex with an unhurried gait. Without uttering a word, he extended his hand towards him.

Alex looked up at Viktor, then grasped the offered hand. With a seamless upward pull, Viktor assisted him back to his feet.

For a shared moment, they stood facing each other in the center of the sparring ground.

Viktor regarded Alex with composed, steady eyes.

"You performed quite well just then," he commented. "However, you possessed the potential to achieve much more."

Alex listened intently, still regaining his breath.

Viktor continued, his voice low and measured—the cadence of a man who had witnessed countless battles over the years.

"Firstly... your movements are excessive. With every attack you launch, your entire body shifts. Your shoulders rotate, your hips turn, your feet slide more than necessary. All of these are forms of telegraphing. I can anticipate your punch long before your fist even leaves your shoulder."

He raised his hand, demonstrating a minimal, contained motion.

"A skilled combatant does not move their whole body to execute a punch. They move only what is absolutely essential. The rest remains stationary. This is how one conceals their intentions."

Alex nodded slowly, his mind absorbing each word.

"Secondly," Viktor proceeded, "you expend energy wastefully. That uppercut you attempted at the conclusion? It possessed considerable power, but you channeled your entire being into it. You leaped. You twisted. You employed three times the energy required. Against an opponent like myself, such extravagance is instantly exploited."

He stepped closer, placing a light hand on Alex's shoulder.

"True strength is not derived from the force of your swing. It originates from the efficiency of your movements. Achieving maximum impact with minimal expenditure. That is the distinction between a strong fighter and a truly dangerous one."

Viktor paused, allowing his words to settle.

"Thirdly... and this is the most crucial point I wish for you to grasp at this moment."

He met Alex's gaze directly.

"Your reactions are too pronounced. When I made a subtle shift, your body responded before your mind could process the decision. That is perilous. A fighter who reacts to every feint, every twitch, every minor movement has already forfeited control. The individual who maintains composure, who waits, who only acts when they deliberately choose to act... that is the one who emerges victorious."

Viktor's voice gained a touch more firmness.

"Composure is not a sign of weakness. Composure is a source of power. When your mind is tranquil, your body operates with peak efficiency. When your mind succumbs to panic, your body squanders vital energy and divulges all your intentions."

He took a small step backward, gesturing towards the middle of the mat.

"Come. Let us commence anew. This time, I want you to concentrate solely on three principles:

1. Execute movements only where necessary.

2. Conceal your intentions.

3. Remain calm and focus on your breathing."

Alex nodded, his eyes now sharp with focused determination.

They advanced back to the center.

This subsequent engagement felt distinctly different.

Viktor did not hold back his strength, but neither did he utterly overwhelm Alex as he had previously. Instead, he adjusted his pace to a level that permitted Alex to concentrate and refine his skills.

Each time Alex faltered, Viktor provided immediate feedback.

"Excessive movement. You are expending energy inefficiently."

Alex adapted accordingly. His subsequent attack was more precise, more streamlined.

"Far too predictable. Your strike is visible from leagues away," Viktor remarked, his eyes sharp.

Alex gave a nod, adjusting his approach. He focused on concealing his intent this time, making it less apparent.

"Your reaction speed is excessive. Just breathe. Maintain your composure," Viktor advised.

Taking a slow, deliberate breath, Alex managed to calm his reflexes. He allowed Viktor's feints to pass by without any sign of panic.

This back-and-forth continued for half an hour.

With each passing round, Alex's skill grew, not dramatically, but perceptibly. His motions grew more efficient, his intentions became more difficult to discern, and his breathing remained unruffled under duress.

Viktor offered minimal praise, opting instead to offer corrections, guidance, and persistent challenges.

However, a subtle, pleased smile would flicker across Viktor's face whenever Alex demonstrated even the slightest progress.

What had begun as a mere spar had evolved into something far more significant.

This was genuine training.

And Alex was absorbing every lesson.