章 9: Chapter 9: One Month
**
In the world of pirates, training evolves into a solitary journey after a certain point, where one either practices alone or spars with others to grow through combat. A mentor typically serves to lay a strong foundation, guide students through initial steps, and occasionally solve doubts.
Thus, after becoming recruits, a significant degree of freedom is granted. There's no obligation to assemble for mandatory training sessions; individuals must plan their daily routines.
However, freedom does not equate to idleness.
Beyond the mandatory year-end evaluations, the sporadic combat missions serve as a constant reminder to train diligently.
Of course, in a world where strength is revered, anyone with ambition seldom wastes time. Additionally, Baltigo isn't exactly brimming with entertainment options—it's boring to the extreme.
---
In a private training room on the second level of the headquarters, Rhodes preferred to practice alone rather than in the bustling main hall under the watchful eyes of others.
"One thousand nine hundred and ninety-five, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six..."
Shirtless, Rhodes was engaged in a rigorous workout, performing push-ups to strengthen his core, arms, and waist.
Sweat pooled on the floor beneath him, but despite his heavy breathing, he maintained the unique breathing technique he had recently mastered. Over the past few days, this method had seamlessly integrated into his physical regimen, allowing him to maintain it even under extreme exertion.
"One thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine, two thousand!"
Even after completing two thousand push-ups, Rhodes didn't pause. He pushed his limits further, determined to extract every ounce of potential from his body.
Finally:
"Two thousand two hundred and thirty-two… Two thousand three hundred and thirty-three..."
As he attempted one last push-up, his arms gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor, utterly spent and unable to rise, breathing heavily.
"So, two thousand three hundred and thirty-three is my current limit?"
Though his body felt drained, his eyes shone with satisfaction. The sensation of growing stronger each day was nothing short of intoxicating.
---
Elsewhere, in the recruits' training hall, Reiz was immersed in weighted exercises. Since mastering the unique breathing technique, his physical strength had steadily increased.
He was confident that if he were tested for his combat power again, he would easily surpass 400 units, if not more.
"Reiz, has Rhodes skipped today again?"
A tall, short-haired woman approached Reiz and asked.
"Captain Nia, Rhodes seems to prefer training alone," Reiz replied respectfully. "I believe he's been using the training room for his sessions. He leaves early and returns late, so we rarely cross paths."
The recruits were divided into ten squads, and both Rhodes and Reiz were under Nia's command. While she didn't exercise authority over their daily activities, she led them during missions.
For Nia to have risen to the rank of captain, especially as a woman, her strength was undoubtedly formidable. She could easily crush someone like Reiz in combat, which earned her his utmost respect.
"Hmph, what a loner," Nia snorted with dissatisfaction before walking away, her disapproval of the unsociable recruit evident.
"Uh…"
Reiz offered a silent moment of sympathy for Rhodes before diving back into his training.
---
A month passed swiftly.
During this time, Rhodes lived an extraordinarily disciplined life, with every minute meticulously planned.
At night, he utilized electric currents to strengthen his body, replacing traditional sleep.
In the mornings, he devoured meals large enough to feed an elephant, replenishing his energy reserves—a feat made possible by the ample food provided to recruits at no cost.
His days were split between physical training to harness his growing strength and speed, and swordsmanship practice paired with experiments to refine his lightning-based abilities.
Day by day, Rhodes felt himself grow stronger. Far from feeling bored or weary, he reveled in the process.
---
One afternoon, after devouring a meal as hefty as a small mountain, Rhodes returned to his training room to continue practicing his swordsmanship and lightning control.
*Crackle…*
Bathed in the dazzling blue light of electricity, Rhodes appeared godlike—a being of awe and power.
"The intensity of the lightning has increased," Rhodes observed, his voice calm but satisfied.
Indeed, as the energy stored in the Book of Knowledge accumulated, his mastery of lightning surged in tandem.
The current's strength had advanced significantly from when Rhodes first began. Initially, his control over electricity could only cause mild paralysis and was limited to his body. Now, he could release bolts capable of neutralizing ordinary individuals within a five-meter radius.
Rhodes focused, channeling the lightning along the blade of his sword until it radiated a faint blue glow. As he increased the intensity, the entire training room filled with crackling sounds.
Soon, the sword gleamed brilliantly, encased entirely in lightning. Rhodes slashed at a test stone in front of him. Without feeling any resistance, the stone was cleanly sliced, with a chunk falling to the ground.
Witnessing this, Rhodes smiled faintly, satisfied with the result.
Although his current lightning power couldn't yet produce jaw-dropping attacks akin to those in legend, when combined with his swordsmanship, it unleashed significant destructive potential.
The penetrating quality of lightning, when channeled into a direct stab, enabled him to pierce through steel effortlessly. Even when used as an augmentation, it significantly enhanced his weapon's sharpness.
Despite wielding an ordinary steel sword, the lightning imbued it with a sharpness comparable to a famed blade.
Feeling the surging power within him, Rhodes smirked, his voice tinged with excitement.
"With this much improvement, it's time to find a real challenge."
*(Chapter End)*
I hope you're enjoying the story so far! If you're liking it, please consider leaving a review and dropping a Power Stone. Your feedback and support mean a lot to me and help keep the story going.
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