Today marks the seventh day since our arrival on this western mountain range.


    "Haaah! Haaah! Haha!"


    If it sounds like I was tired, it''s because I was tired.


    The reason, you ask? Well, I had been running up and down the mountain all day long.


    And as if that weren''t enough, I had also subjected myself to perform one thousand blocks, parries, thrusts, and shes before doing this.


    My body ached, muscles screaming with every step I took.


    Fatigue seeped into my bones, and my eyes burned in this cold wind pressing against my face as I logged uphill.


    All I want to do is to return to my apartment and copse onto my bed! I want to lie down and just sleep!


    And of course, I want to eat some food, like real food. Yato just give me one cup of noodles a day and he eats meat.


    I tried toin several times to him but every time he said that I had to beat him up in a sparring session then he would let me eat some meat, and then I had to eat cup noodles.


    Grrrrrr—!


    Ugh! Just the mere thought of food has triggered another hungry growl from my stomach.


    These days, our practice sessions have be an endless marathon.


    We don''t even take that many breaks between training anymore. From dawn till dusk, all I do is swing my sword trying to perfect my basics and exercise!


    If I happened to pass out, Yato would give me a stamina potion to revive my energy, and we would return to training again.


    If I ran out of mana, he would give me a mana potion which would help me replenish my mana pool.


    If I became too slow or sluggish, Yato would critique my movements and push me harder. There was no escape from the relentless cycle of training.


    "Haaah! Haaah! Haha!"


    Despite the fatigue, I pressed on. The mountain air was crisp, and the snow-covered terrain stretched endlessly. Each step echoed with the determination to ovee my physical limits.


    Yato, always a step ahead, observed my struggle. "Lucas, your endurance is improving, but true strength lies in pushing beyond your perceived limits. Embrace the challenge, for it is the crucible that forges resilience."


    His words spurred me on, driving me to find strength in exhaustion. The sword, an extension of my will, became apanion in this relentless dance of discipline.


    As we reached a teau, Yato called for a brief halt. I seized the opportunity to catch my breath, the mountain wind cooling the sweat on my forehead.


    Seeing the state I''m in, Yato gave me a [Stamina recovery potion] and said, "Drink this, Lucas. It''ll help replenish your stamina and give you a moment of respite."


    Gratefully, I epted the potion and downed it in one gulp. The effects were immediate, a surge of revitalizing energy coursing through my fatigued body. The weariness didn''t vanish, but it became more manageable.


    "Thank you, Master," I said, my voice reflecting both exhaustion and gratitude.


    Yato nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of acknowledgement and expectation. "You''re progressing well, but the journey to mastery is relentless. Now, let''s resume our training."


    With a renewed sense of determination, I rose to my feet, the potion''s effects rekindling the fire within me. Yato, everposed, led the way as we ventured further into the mountainous terrain.


    The training continued, each swing of the sword carving a path toward proficiency. The mountain, a silent witness, echoed with the sh of des and the rhythmic steps of a swordsman honing his craft.


    ''I wonder what is going on in the academy?'' I thought as I ran behind Yato in the cold mountain.


    ''By this time I''m sure he would have received another duel challenge.'' I couldn''t help but smirk.


    Those who challenge him are idiots. Because of what happens at Silva City Adrian bes much more popr and some young arrogant master doesn''t like this.


    Who are these young arrogant masters? Of course students from [2-Hero-1], first year students of ss number two.


    Well, it doesn''t matter if Adrian is going to win anyway.


    ''But it would be nice to see their ass get beaten by Adrian.''


    "Pace up Lucas!" Yato shouted as he pushed forward, his figure almost disappearing in the snowyndscape.


    "Haaah! Haaah! Right behind you, Master!" I responded, picking up my pace to keep up with Yato''s relentless stride.


    The mountain path twisted and turned, challenging our stamina and focus. Yato''s form remained a distant goal, an elusive target urging me to push beyond my limits.


    As we ascended, the air grew thinner, and the biting cold pierced through my worn-out clothes. The exertion and harsh conditions intensified the physical strain, but Yato''s unwavering presence propelled me forward.


    "Endurance isn''t just about physical strength, Lucas. It''s a harmony of body, mind, and spirit. Find that bnce, and you''ll endure even the harshest trials," Yato''s voice echoed through the mountain winds, carrying wisdom with each word.


    His teachings resonated within me, merging with the rhythmic sound of our footsteps on the snow. The journey wasn''t merely a climb up a mountain; it was a pilgrimage to self-discovery and mastery.


    We reached a precipice, the panoramic view of the mountain range unfolding before us. Yato halted, allowing a moment of contemtion.


    ''Maybe the fight might already be started against Adrian and the one who challenged him...what was his name again? I forget it.'' I thought as I took a moment to catch my breath.


    ***


    Nova City, Nova Academy training ground.


    loud cheering reverberated across the ce as students could be seen leaning on the handrails of the arena grounds excitedly talking to one another as they all had their eyes glued towards a certain tform below them.


    Emma and Evelyn sitting sides also nced at the tform, toward Adrian''s standing figure.


    "Why I''m sitting here with you?" Evelyn asked as she nced at Adrian.


    "C''mon, it''s not that bad thing. Let''s see how the match will unfold." Emma''s said excitedly to Evelyn.


    Evelyn just rolled her eyes at Emma being a fan girl over Adrian, but she knew she couldn''tin about it after all she was also the same at some time in past.


    Thinking of her past Evelyn thought about Lucas.


    ''When is that idioting anyway?'' There was so much she wanted to ask him, for example, what was he doing at Evergreen n.


    She had tried to ask Isabe but she didn''t answer anything.


    "Look it''s starting," Emma said bringing Evelyn''s attention back to Adrian.


    The duel was starting.