The dark grey mist cloaked the morning sky, its faint light hanging just above Ser.
Ser, dressed in sleeveless black top and fitted black pants, his light footwear suited for moment, was standing just below the cliff the house rested upon. The air was cool, carrying the scent of dew and earth.
He tugged lightly at his new clothes, feeling slightly awkward in them, then glanced toward Liana, who stood a few meters away, arms folded, watching him with a knowing smile.
"Uh... I think I am ready." Ser said, uncertainly scratching his neck.
Liana's smile widened as she nodded. "Good. Then listen carefully; I will explain your training regime."
After a brief pause, she continued.
"To handle Rii, your body must first be capable of sustaining it. A weak vessel cannot carry power for long. So, each day will begin with physical training, followed by Rii training."
Ser nodded attentively, already feeling seriousness in her voice.
"Now," She lowered herself to the ground, palms pressing against the dirt, body balanced evenly.
"Watch closely."
She bet her elbows, lowering herself until her nose and chest lightly brushed the ground, then pushed back up with controlled strength.
"This,"
She said between movements, "is called a pushup. You will start with this. Now, copy me."
Ser, obeying, knelt and placed his palms on the ground, adjusting his posture to imitate her stance.
"Form is everything," Liana reminded him, circling him once. "Your back must stay straight, no bending. Lower yourself slowly using your elbows; not your shoulders; until your chest and nose nearly touch the ground. Then, rise."
Ser took a deep breath and did as told. His elbows trembled, his arms shaking as he descended. He barely brushed the ground before gritting his teeth and pushing back up, his breath uneven.
"Good!" Liana exclaimed with a bright grin. "You have got it."
Ser allowing himself a small breath; until she added. "Now, do that five hundred times, and we will move to the next one."
Ser froze, eyes wide. "F-Five hundred?! But- "
"No buts." Liana raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk tugging her lips. "Didn't I warn you this would be hard? What's wrong – backing off already?"
Ser hesitated, recalling his words from the night before. He clenched his fists, resolve shining in his eyes.
"I will do it!" he said firmly.
Liana crossed her arms, a proud glint in her gaze.
"That's what I wanted to hear."
***
A few hours went by.
The sound of Ser's strained breathing filled the air, his voice hoarse as he counted.
"Four hundred ninety… four hundred ninety-one..."
His arms trembled violently, sweat dripping from his face onto the dark green grass below. Every muscle screamed in protest, but he didn't stop; not until the final number left his lips.
"Five hundred..."
He collapsed onto his back, panting heavily, the cool blades of grass sticking to his sweat-drenched skin. His chest roe and fell rapidly as he tried to catch his breath.
Moments later, Luana approached, her footsteps light against the grass.
"Oh? You actually did it," she said with a wide grin, resting her hands on her hips. "Not bad, Ser."
Ser unable to reply, simply focused on breathing, his lungs burning.
"Alright," Liana said after a pause, "sit up. It's tine for your Rii training."
Ser, frowned between gasps. "Already...?"
Liana nodded, still smiling.
He groaned quietly but obeyed, sitting cross-legged on the grass. His arms hung limp at his sides, still trembling slightly.
Liana moved behind him and gently placed her palm on his back.
"Now, I will manipulate your Rii, so you can feel it. Close your eyes, and focus on your heartbeat."
Ser closed his eyes, doing as told. A faint glow shimmered across his skin, soft and unsteady. He flinched at the sensation; a warm blooming inside his chest.
"There is… something warm in my chest, Miss Lia." He murmured.
Liana smiled faintly. "That's your will. Focus on that warmth, and try to make it move."
Ser's brows furrowed as he tried to guide the warmth through his body.
Nothing happened.
"I will push a little more," Liana said, her tone turning serious. "Try again; focus."
Ser nodded slightly.
The glow around him pulsed brighter. Then; crack. Tiny sparks flickered across his arms, threads of electricity crawling over his skin.
His eyes opened wide.
Liana stepped back, arms crossed, watching him proudly.
"That's it, Ser. That's your infusing property."
The sparks faded as quickly as they appeared, leaving Ser staring at his hands in awe.
"But don't overdo it," Liana warned. "Forcing more now will only strain your body. That's enough Rii training for today."
Ser blinked catching his breath. "Then… today's training is over?"
Liana smirked, shaking her head. "Oh no. Now we run; to build your stamina and strengthen those legs."
Ser groaned, his shoulders slumping. "Of course…"
Liana chuckled softly. "Come on, apprentice. Let's see how long you last."
The two began their run.
At first, Ser's steps were light, matching Liana's pace easily. The air was cool, the distant trees swaying gently as if to cheer him on. But before long, his legs started to ache, and his breaths turned shallow.
Liana, however, ran effortlessly ahead of him, her movements smooth and measured. She glanced back every now and then, a teasing grin on her lips.
"Come on, Ser! Don't fall behind already!"
Ser gritted his teeth, his fists clenched. "I'm… trying… Miss Lia!" he gasped.
Minutes passed. His body screamed to stop, but something in him refused to yield. Every step reminded him of his past; the chains, the helplessness, the fear. He didn't want to return to that. Not anymore.
His lungs burned, his legs wobbled, yet he pressed on, chasing after the dark silhouette of the woman ahead of him.
Liana finally stopped at the edge of a small hill, turning to watch him approach.
By the time Ser reached her, he fell to his knees, panting, his vision swimming. Sweat trickled down his chin as he clutched at the grass to keep himself from falling over.
"You lasted longer than I expected," Liana said softly, her usual teasing gone. She kneeled beside him, handing over a water pouch.
Ser took it with trembling hands and drank deeply, unable to form words.
"You've got spirit, I'll give you that," she continued. "Your body may still be weak, but your will…" she smiled faintly, "your will's stronger than most."
Ser raised his head slowly, his lips curving into a tired smile. "You… think so?"
Liana nodded. "I know so."
The cool wind brushed past them as silence settled between them for a moment.
Then, standing up, Liana stretched and said, "Alright, that's enough for today. You've done well."
Ser tried to stand but stumbled. Liana caught him effortlessly, her hand firm on his shoulder.
"You don't have to push yourself beyond your limit every time," she said softly. "You'll have many more chances to prove your strength."
Ser lowered his gaze, a faint smile forming. "I just… don't want to be weak anymore."
Liana's expression softened. "You won't be, Ser. I'll make sure of that."
As the sun began to set, painting the clouds gold and crimson, the two walked back slowly toward home. Ser limped beside her, exhausted yet content.
For the first time in his life, he didn't feel like a burden; he felt like he was moving toward something.
And Liana, watching him from the corner of her eye, couldn't help but smile.
"Tomorrow," she said, "we begin again."
Ser nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "Yes… Miss Lia."