章節 43: Training

Such a commitment. I'm touched.

[What do we start this training with?]

"For now two things. In the morning we will study swordsmanship and in the afternoon etiquette."

Wait, did he just say etiquette? We are in a forest right now, aren't we? What would be the purpose of that?

"Are you wondering why?"

*Nod*

"What do you think swordsmanship is?"

[It is how to kill the most efficiently possibly and to avoid dying, right?]

"Some view it like that, but no. It is much more. It is an art."

Hum, I guess. I feel like there are two schools of thought toward that. The first one carefully researching every movement and taking training very seriously. Then the others that are just getting better with real experience.

There is often the concept of swordsmanship beginning complex and returning to simplicity. I wonder if there is such a thing here. In any case, this mentor of mine seems to be part of the first group.

[So how do we go about this then? And when do we start?]

"Simple, you will run, and I will chase. You will wish to avoid me catching you believe me."

[Why do this?]

"If you can't even run how do you plan on dodging your opponent's attacks?"

I guess he does have a point. I'm not sure if this vessel of mine can even gain muscle. Is it a fixed power based on the mana invested in it? This would have the upside of being really good for endurance.

Physical growth being impossible might be a downside, but it might be possible to upgrade it by learning more about magic. Is it growing as a plant would? So many questions. I guess I will have to figure out all of this slowly.

[So when do we start?]

He smiles.

"10."

[10 what? 10 days, 10 hours, 10 minutes, 10 flying pigs? Units are important!]

"9."

What?!

"8."

Oh, fuck!

I start rushing away as fast as my legs will carry me.

"7."

This is unfair! I'm almost already out of time! I keep running. Not looking behind. You wouldn't either in my shoes.

Eh, I'm barefoot actually. Have I been this whole time? Think so. But seriously I don't want to turn around and see a ghost floating after me!

It's fine when he's hovering peacefully, but not now! I get the feeling I am getting chased by a vengeful revenant. This is crazy!

Just focus on going faster! Right now I'm totally the fastest man alive! I can do this, I can outrun …..

What the fuck! In front of me appears an ethereal silhouette out of a tree. How?! How is he in front already?

180 degrees rotation! Now! No time to waste! He seems to be floating my way … ….is that his sword he is holding?

Will he really slash me?! How is he even holding it! He should be immaterial. Actually, him interacting with the physical plane… …Can only mean one thing! He can beat me up! Big time!

I run and run. But no matter what he always appears a few paces in my face. I run and run. But the more I run, the more I despair. There is no way at all to lose him!

He's persistent! He's fast! He just passes through all the trees without ever slowing down! What about the sword? How is it dematerializing?! No time to question this! Gotta run!

In this manner, he keeps toying with me. I am not getting physically tired at all. I keep telling myself that this is all to become strong. However, I am that close to a mental breakdown! *insert pic of 2 objects glued together*

Yes, I'm seriously considering the chances that he'd let me go. Should I beg for forgiveness? Should I try and find help? Should I beat myself, so he doesn't get the satisfaction to do it? The last one is ridiculous. Or is it?

After all, what if he still beats me up again? It would make me feel better if he somehow dropped the sharp weapon! This is legit a tool of murder.

That's when I can feel a cold draft on my neck. No! no! NONONONO! I don't wanna die just yet!

Then comes the pain. A weird kind of pain. Feeling myself getting shredded. Sliced extremely thinly by a swordsman that is way too proficient. Right now he seems to be peeling layers upon layers of my skin.

This is the worst! I don't wanna do this training anymore! My agony doesn't stop. He isn't finished yet. Not far from finished in fact.

It almost seems to last an eternity. Until finally it stops. I am still conscious and sane. If I didn't live a few years in Yggdrasil's consciousness I would be defeated.

I would have already given up. But no, because I have felt loneliness longer than this. I can endure for a little while.

"You will have to run faster than that. You will have to navigate the forest better. You will have to keep track of your opponent at all times!"

Is this part of the lesson? What happened to the swordsmanship is an art?! Then I guess that one masochistic painter might agree. Except that right now I'm not losing my ear, but my skin. I'm glad this is over at least.

"Let's start again."

Wait, what did he say?

[I think I misheard.]

"No, you heard right. Let's retry this. Try to run longer this time."

No! What kind of madman is training me! What happened to the sophisticated elf?! What happened to the ally that would help me grow?!

I didn't want it to happen this way! This gotta be illegal! I will definitely lodge a complaint with Yggdrasil! This is straight-up abuse!

[How about we take a break! I have some stuff to do.]

"As if it would be this easy. A warrior never gives up no matter what."

[Hum you see I'm perfectly fine with being a mage you know! How about I …]

"10."

Ah, fuck! Not again! Thus, I start running again. When will this nightmare end?!

****(POV)

He shows a bit of reluctance. Still, he reacts quickly. He talks back a bit, but that doesn't change that he's properly running. This will be the first step. No better way to learn than to stimulate one's survival instinct.

I swear I will keep at it until he becomes sufficiently strong...