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The sound of Childe's blade cutting through the air filled the training area. He was welcomed into Zhongli’s favorite training ground where it is only accessible for Adeptis. It was the perfect place to train his deadly moves without the worry of hurting an innocent Liyuean.
Zhongli sat not too far away from the harbinger, enjoying his tea below the gingko tree. He was observing Childe’s every move. It would be an understatement to say that he was amazed at his weaponry. He wanted to appreciate how much power he could put in one move, though a bit reckless.
Childe heaved heavily as he finished his last move. He wiped off the sweat that was trailing down his neck and looked towards Zhongli. The brunette smiled indicating that he had been watching this whole time. The flustered ginger chuckled before approaching along with his spear.
“Are you finished for today?”
“Nah, I'll probably continue after a short break,” Childe flopped on the chair across Zhongli, “I really want to try the spear kicking that you always do.”
Childe put his elbow on the table and laid his chin on his palm, curious to Zhongli's reaction to his eagerness to learn his move. Out of all the list of reactions, Childe wasn't expecting a chuckle from the man.
“If you're not opposed to it, would you like me to teach you how?”
Childe's eyes blew wide and his mouth fell open. His reaction wasn't taken well by the Ex-Archon as he thought that the ginger felt offended by the suggestion. He tried to take it back but the ginger was too eager to correct him.
“No, it's just that I thought you'd never ask.”
After Childe was well rested, the two dive onto the training ground together. Childe couldn't contain his excitement as he kept battering about silly things. Zhongli didn't mind, of course, he enjoyed his endless burst of energy and excitement.
When they finally found a spot they liked, Zhongli took out his spear and stood beside the ginger. After confirming that he was ready he demonstrated his move following his executive attacks.
Childe was in awe of everything he got to witness the Archon holding his weapon. Every move was precise and calculated. The flow of each movement was smooth, nothing was wasted. It was like he was dancing with his spear.
“Alright, I'd like to see your take.”
Childe realized he hadn't been paying attention because he was too absorbed in his grace. The last thing he wanted to do was admit it. So he had no other choice but to try it and possibly make a fool out of himself.
Right off the bat, Zhongli noticed his stance was way off. He wondered where Childe's mind was when he explained the steps not too long ago. Fortunately, it didn't bother him too much, rather find it amazing how clumsy Childe was being.
Zhongli approached him from behind and held him still by the shoulder.
“Do not hold your spear too high.”
His hands then travel to his thigh, just below his buttocks. Childe unknowingly screeched, holding Zhongli's wrist to prevent it from going anywhere else
“You're too stiff, it would be hard for you and your body.”
Childe mentally slapped his face for letting out such an embarrassing noise when Zhongli was just trying to teach him. He wasn't used to being touched by the consultant.
Hours went by and they kept training. Childe was determined to learn this move by sunset. Zhongli cherished his determination and stayed beside him the whole time.
“Zhongli, I did it!”
The spear had plunged through the dummy right on the red target. It was terrifying how much power he could still put behind his every attack that Zhongli started to wonder if the ginger ever got tired.
“I'm impressed, Childe,” Zhongli applause.
“Hehe… Thanks!” He laughed like a kid that was praised by his crush. “Let's go back, I really could use a bath.”
“Right behind you.”