Gym Debut at Brilliant Fitness Club
A gym.
Also known as a fitness club or gym, this is a space created for honing the human body.
To build stamina, bulk up muscles, or maintain a figure.
Everyone visits with their own goals in mind, but I was heading there for a pretty casual reason.
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I quicken my steps, flapping the ticket in my hand—it has a fancy, upscale vibe to it.
I'd normally never give this place a second glance, but since Ravi went out of her way to give me a free pass, I figured I'd check it out.
With my indefinite vacation from the organization, I've been lazing around the house every day, so building some stamina doesn't sound half bad.
'Plus, we're an evil organization, so I wanna boost my combat power anyway.'
Even as a lowly grunt, getting taken down by a girl like Ruri bruises a guy's pride.
Sure, she's an active magical girl, so her superhuman strength is unavoidable, but it was still a shock to me—the guy who'd nearly hit a grip strength of 50 back in high school without much exercise.
I've got time to kill anyway, so maybe I'll train here until I've got enough power to even surprise Ravi.
"Haa, I thought the supplements were finally over, and now it's workouts?"
...with Amber, who'd been chilling at home.
"It's not a big deal. We weren't doing anything anyway."
"It's so sudden! Why get into gyms at a time like this?"
She's puffing out her cheeks, grumbling because I kinda dragged her along.
"I didn't force you—I just felt weird going in alone."
I'd never even been to a neighborhood gym before, so stepping into a pro place like this felt even more daunting.
But with someone from the "normal" world like Amber, it's different. She's got the kind of affability that could befriend a saber-tooth tiger on the street.
I can just have her ask about how to use the machines and equipment while I slack off and work out at my leisure.
"I was gonna relax at home during summer break. Grumble grumble..."
"You've been saying you've put on weight lately. Perfect opportunity, right?"
"Ugh, don't say it so bluntly—it hurts!"
Girls think a bit of meat is healthy, but she must have her own standards.
I soothe her complaints as we walk another five minutes, and finally, the sign for our destination comes into view.
Brilliant Fitness Club
A massive building with its entire facade made of reinforced glass.
I'd already checked photos, but seeing it in person like this, it's still a sight to behold.
"Brilliant... oh, Diamond's place, huh."
"Opened about a week ago, I think. Talk about tentacles everywhere."
The global conglomerate that's already dominated countless fields is now targeting the hardcore gym crowd, it seems.
I figured bodybuilding wouldn't be trendy in a world with magic, but apparently not.
"The whole building looks like one giant gym."
"How much cash did they pour into this...? It was just an empty field three months ago."
Here, they can build with magic, so development speed defies imagination. Rumor has it Jewelry Academia was completed in just two years.
Factoring that in, it makes sense for a company like Brilliant to go on an aggressive expansion spree.
As we enter the gym, a female staff member at the counter greets us warmly.
"Mr. Jade and Ms. Amber—confirmed. I'll escort you to the VIP room, so please follow me."
She checks the ticket I hand over, confirms our names, and says that.
"VIP? First time here—why the special treatment?"
"Miss Diamond instructed us personally. She said you're both precious friends."
"Heh, Diamond, huh..."
It feels a bit excessive, but she's got that childish side, so this tracks.
No reason to turn down the kindness—let's roll with it.
Just one thing nagging at me—
'For a new opening, the place seems awfully empty.'
No offense to gym rats, but I pictured a gym packed with macho dudes showing off their bodies and sweating buckets.
But here, there are just a few scattered female customers—no one else.
Hasn't caught on yet? Feels like it'd be in the red given the building size.
'Could just be the area's not bustling...'
As I ponder that, we arrive at the VIP room.
It's loaded with all sorts of equipment, and there's even a small corner for ping-pong or billiards.
"This is the changing room. As VIP members, you can use the private rooms too—please feel free to choose whichever suits you."
The staff wraps up the tour matter-of-factly and heads off somewhere.
"I'll go change then. Senpai's... already in gym clothes, huh."
"Take your time—I'll wait."
While waiting for Amber in the changing room, I spot a familiar woman's back.
"Hoo, hoo..."
She's got a massive barbell on her back but squats repeatedly without breaking a sweat.
Definitely Ruri. Build and hair match perfectly.
'Brilliant's place, so no issue with the maid using it.'
I figure I'll just watch her nail those perfect-form squats.
"......"
But her form's so seductive, it's hard to stare directly.
'Wait, no—this isn't right.'
She's not as violently curvy as Diamond. More like a slender, toned fighter type that fits her martial artist vibe.
But lowering her waist like that emphasizes her hips, creating an indescribable view.
'Why wear leggings that cling like that...'
Her usual boyish aura makes it feel extra taboo. Honestly, a girl like Ruri is right up my alley.
'Nah, if it's comfy for her, what's the harm.'
Criticizing someone's workout outfit is rude when they're grinding hard.
Appreciating her effort and taking in the sight feels more appropriate.
Thankfully, the staff who showed us is gone, and Ruri hasn't noticed me.
So, time to enjoy this brief miracle unfolding right in front of—
"Hold it!! Where are you staring so intently?!"
"Ah, busted."
Ruri finishes her squats and racks the barbell at Amber's noisy outburst.
"...Mr. Jade, Ms. Amber. I trust you've both been well."
"Yeah, something like that. You look healthy too."
"Whoa... you were just ogling my butt, and you say that with a straight face."
Why bring that up?
"Is there something entertaining about my glutes?"
"Well, you're a girl, so that defenseless pose gets a little exciting..."
"Hmm."
She stares at me intently, pondering my lame excuse.
"Um, Ruri? Got a question..."
Amber saves the awkward vibe from escalating.
"Please, just call me Ruri."
"Okay, Ruri! Where's Diamond? Working out solo?"
"Lady Diamond is currently visiting a neighboring country to inspect a new business site—"
Amber slips right into her good graces with that signature charm.
She'd been tutored by Ruri before, so bonding's a breeze.
'Friends with three magical girls? How much of an social butterfly is she?'
Sometimes, Amber's innocent personality makes me jealous.
"Anyway, since we're at the gym, mind showing us how to use the machines?"
"Sounds good! Ruri looks like a total pro!"
"Understood. Let's start with basic squats."
We try squats following Ruri's instructions.
"Huff, huff... this is tough already."
"Come on, you're basically an academy student—how do you tap out after ten?"
Her muscles are already screaming.
"Ugh... you do it yourself, senpai. I'll find an easier machine."
I feel a bit bad—she dragged her tired self off somewhere, stumbling.
I kinda forced her here, and I'd already nagged her over re-exams a few times.
"Guess I'm on my own then?"
"Yeah, go wild~"
A little lonely, but with Ruri here, it'll be fine.
"Alright. Might as well grab a barbell too."
"Very well. I'll demonstrate first—pick up the bar and follow my lead."
One-on-one coaching from magical girl Mica is surprisingly fun.
Diligent, I guess. Feels like discovering a new hobby.
'Is this how people turn into gym rats?'
Not planning to go full beast mode, but I do wanna see Ravi's face when she sees my gains.
As a VIP, no need to worry about other members, so I'll make this a regular thing for a while.