Chapter 35: Hell Training
It had been one day since the "pond incident." I was currently getting ready for my first training session with Himmel—or my Master.
And since yesterday's meal, Amy was still sulking at me because I said she wasn't cute. She hadn't spoken to me again. In fact, every time we crossed paths, she immediately turned her head, while her cheeks puffed up like a steamed bun.
That made me want to laugh, but I held it in.
I tidied my clothes for the last time and stepped out of the room—even though they would likely get ruined during training. But still, I like neatness! Because my mother always told me to be tidy, even at home.
That trait of mine carried over here, but I guess it's a good thing. My boots tapped the wooden floor with every step.
I went down to the first floor via the wooden stairs which creaked slightly when I stepped on them.
'I'm already getting used to this,' I muttered internally. 'Because of my adaptation—perhaps?'
On the first floor, I saw Amy sitting on the small living room sofa, reading a book.
She heard the sound of my footsteps descending from the second floor, turned, and saw me looking at her.
Her eyebrows furrowed, looking annoyed. "Hmph! What are you looking at? Wanna fight?" Amy playfully stuck out her tongue, then quickly turned her head away.
I raised an eyebrow slightly and chuckled softly, "Kids, that's just how they are..."
[But Host is also a child—]
'Silence.'
A few moments later, I arrived at the house's backyard and saw my Master already waiting for me.
Himmel stood in the middle of a dirt field covered with green grass. He wore black training clothes and carried a wooden staff that looked simple.
But for some reason, the staff gave off a pressure that made the surrounding air vibrate—Okay, that was an exaggeration.
Seeing me approach, he spoke in a sharp tone, "You are eight seconds late."
I tilted my head in confusion, forcing a stiff smile. "How could I be late?"
"When Master didn't even tell me the training schedule," I continued.
Himmel looked at me sharply, then said a little harshly. "Listen, disciple, there is no time to waste if you want to become strong."
He dramatically clenched his left hand and directed it at me.
"Every second you waste on relaxation is one step closer to weakness. The world doesn't wait—it will simply swallow you alive."
Himmel stared at me intently, his eyes like burning embers. "If you want to stand at the peak, you must be ready to be destroyed a thousand times. Only then will your strength have meaning."
I blinked. "...That's a great line, Master. But it sounds a bit like cliché dialogue for a character who will die first..."
"What did you say?" Himmel asked, frowning.
"Nothing," I replied quickly.
Himmel said nothing and cleared his throat softly. "Alright, disciple, let us begin."
I nodded, but my Master's voice came again. "But before starting the training, I want to know your power and class. Could you tell me?"
"..." I paused for a moment, then said in a soft, slightly suspicious tone, "Can I trust you, Master?"
Look, it's not that I don't trust him—I guess. But it's better to be careful before deciding, I just don't want to be betrayed, that's all.
Hearing my question, Himmel tilted his head slightly and said to me with a chuckle.
"You are cautious, I like that. But, you can trust me, kid," he said, his voice sincere.
I nodded. Clenching my fist slightly, I answered. "My class is Magic Swordsman. Have you ever heard of it, Master?"
My answer made Himmel's eyes widen in surprise. He quickly leaned forward.
"Magic Swordsman??"
"Yes..." I replied.
He blinked once, processing what the boy in front of him had said. Then he asked with anticipation.
"So... what can that... class do?"
"Ah... This class allows me to use a sword and magic simultaneously, and also coat the sword with magic or Aura."
That made him gasp and start laughing loudly, which instantly sent shivers down my spine. Himmel looked at me as if I were a treasure.
"Hahaha! I knew I chose the right disciple!" he said. "You are truly something..."
Himmel immediately stood up straight, still chuckling softly. He slowly started walking away and spoke in an eerie tone.
"Now, let's begin the training."
I remained standing still, saying to him, "About my affinities—"
I was interrupted by Himmel's voice. He slowly raised his hand, waving it toward me. "I know, you have lightning affinity, right?"
"Yes.... But—" I was interrupted again.
"Let. Us. Begin." he said while throwing the wooden staff at me.
I caught it quickly, but before I could do anything with the staff—Himmel attacked. His staff immediately aimed for my chest.
Clack!
The sound of wood clashing echoed in the yard. I parried it at the very last second. I hastily jumped backward.
"What the hell, Master!?" I asked loudly, glaring at him.
Himmel pointed the tip of his staff at me and said in a sharp tone.
"When fighting or warring, there is no time for silence." He lowered his staff slightly.
"You can use your class if you want," Himmel continued.
I let out a small sigh, then grinned widely. Lowering my stance slightly, I said to him. "If that's what Master wants, fine."
I gripped the staff with both hands, taking a position. The staff was now resting by my right side. My mouth hissed, letting out smoke and small lightning bolts.
Then with a soft murmur, lightning crackled on my body and staff. Himmel, observing from a distance, narrowed his eyes slightly.
"A strange and new sword technique..." he murmured softly.
I looked into the eyes of my Master, Himmel, with a smirk on my face, and with lightning speed, I disappeared.
I reappeared behind him, lightning crackling on my staff as I slashed. He, Himmel, spun around with such blurry speed that my eyes struggled to follow him. Our staffs clashed again, this time harder.
My eyes widened, shocked.
'How is that possible!? He's not even using his aura!' I screamed internally.
"Don't daydream when fighting."
Himmel's voice sounded in front of me as he lunged the staff at my chest. I tried to dodge but was too late.
I was thrown back five steps. But that wasn't enough; Himmel came toward me, attacking me with a slash from the side.
I avoided his attack by ducking very low until my face almost touched the ground—both my legs were wide apart.
"Hoo... An interesting move, my disciple!"
He was about to forcefully stab the back of my head, which was undefended. Instinctively, I quickly tilted my head.
Himmel's staff passed my ear with a strong whooshing sound and hit the ground, creating a deep hole.
I swallowed hard as I quickly turned and used the Stealth Technique I gained from fighting Calez. Although I didn't know how to use it, I just hoped for luck.
Fortunately, I vanished like mist from the ground and reappeared seven steps away from where I was lying. My breath was ragged, holding back my rapidly beating heart.
"I did it...!" I said, my chest heaving with adrenaline.
Sweat started to bead on my temples as I spoke with a slight stutter, pointing at Himmel fearfully.
"You! Are you trying to kill me or what!?" I yelled loudly.
Himmel tilted his head and said to me in a slightly amused yet threatening tone. "As I said earlier, disciple..."
He tapped the ground with his staff, creating a thud sound that echoed throughout the yard.
"In this training, I am not just training your muscles. I am destroying the limits of your body and soul."
His eyes glowed sharply. "Because only when you are on the brink of death will your body learn the meaning of life."
I was silent, still panting, my breath caught in my throat.
"This world doesn't care if you are tired, scared, or even dying," he continued in a heavy tone. "You fall? The world keeps going. You stop? The world will move you ruthlessly."
He raised his staff, pointing it at my chest from afar.
"That's why I am not gentle in training. Because your future enemies... won't give you time to breathe."
I was silent, staring at him without speaking. Small lightning bolts still crackled on my skin, but somehow... my body trembled not from fear—but because my resolve was burning brighter.
"Now, rise, my disciple," he said in a flat but firm tone. "The hell training... has just begun."
....
Author's Note]
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