Chapter 252: Cruise Was My One True Love
[Chapter 253: Cruise Was My One True Love]
Sylo, Los Angeles, at the Artel Mountain Shooting Range.
On the outdoor training field, Hawke crouched on the ground, examining a broken twig. Wearing full camouflage, he slowly rose and advanced forward. His keen eyes tracked the ground's changes before he abruptly halted.
Between two trees, some dry grass had grown, and a thin line stretched across the underbrush. Hawke didn't take a step forth; instead, he began to retreat along the same path he had come. His ears picked up distant sounds from behind him, which made him feign ignorance and step back a few more paces, leaning against a nearby tree.
From the other side of the grass, Erica suddenly launched herself off the ground, her toned legs propelling her forward with the speed of a cheetah as she lunged at Hawke. He caught her wrist, which was clutching a paint-coated military knife, and used her momentum to throw himself down, rolling forward.
Erica's other hand quickly steadied herself on Hawke's waist. They both tumbled to the ground. However, Hawke was able to pin Erica down, pressing both of her hands above her head with his own.
Lying on her back, Erica looked at his knee resting on her neck and sighed, "I lost again."
Hawke stood up, pulling her to her feet, and praised, "You've improved! Your ambush was more secretive, and your strikes were quick."
Erica sheathed her fake dagger. "I just can't compare when it comes to hand-to-hand combat."