Let’s get one thing straight, no one in their right mind would volunteer for this knowing everything I’m going through. I’m going to find the person who said, “No pain, no gain,” and drag their asses from the end of Chronos’ truck and drive across the entire city. Yet, here I am, willingly subjecting myself to the kind of mornings where even the sun seems to think twice before rising. Never in my life have I ever begun to get PTSD from waking up and not seeing the sun out yet. I’m even starting to complain about the damn birds being too loud.
My daily grind under Chronos’s watchful eye is a masterclass in physical torture, disguised as ‘training,’ of course. It’s all about transforming me into a being worthy of, well, more training. Combat skills are off the menu until I've apparently earned the right to throw a punch by practically becoming a punch. Or at least that’s how he tried to sugar coat it. Each day is meticulously carved up to stretch, strain, and test every muscle I’ve got
Some I’m pretty sure don’t exist in human anatomy, but I sure as hell can feel whatever this is supposed to be.
The week kicks off at an hour only insomniacs and roosters can appreciate. How do I start my glorious day you ask? A run that feels like a marathon and a half, around Chronos’s vast, seemingly never-ending property. The stars are still out, likely placing bets on how many laps before I collapse.
Then, it’s off to the weights. The gym is my new best frenemy, filled with equipment that I suspect was designed by someone who deeply dislikes humanity. Chronos pushes, prods, and occasionally grunts a semi-approving, “Not bad,” as I lift, pull, and press every piece of metal that isn’t bolted down.
Okay I know I’m projecting but just humor me here, I have never done this before. I’ve only ever read such intense training regiments in my manga or shows. Only difference is they have time skips, I on the other hand, do not. So me saying “seemingly never-ending property” isn’t entirely hyperbole. I asked and found out that running around the perimeter of his estate is roughly over 4 miles. Yes, I’m not kidding. There are roughly 12 buildings I round around every day when I’ve only been in 3. At least, I think it was 3… 4 maybe? Well whatever.
By evening, I'm engaging in what Chronos calls ‘active recovery,’ which is just a fancy way of saying ‘find new and creative ways to hurt in the name of health.’ Stretching sessions are where I contemplate life choices and wonder if my muscles have always been this vocal about their displeasure.
After surviving another day of relentless physical drills, the kitchen became an unexpected battleground where I could actually take charge. Cooking had always been more than just preparing food for me; it was a slice of normalcy, a piece of home I could hold onto even here. And now, it was also becoming a shared ritual between Chronos and me.
As I added a dash of turmeric to the skillet, Chronos picked up another spice jar, examining it curiously before handing it to me. “Why this one?” he asked, nodding towards the cumin in his hand. The casual nature of his inquiry showed how our kitchen interactions had evolved into something more akin to friendly banter.
I took the jar, smiling as I unscrewed the cap and let the earthy aroma mix with the sizzling contents of the pan. “Cumin’s good for more than just flavor,” I explained, sprinkling a measured amount into the dish. “It adds a warmth that complements the turmeric well, and it’s great for digestion. My mom always says that a spice should always serve multiple purposes in a dish, not just taste good.”
Chronos watched as the spices transformed the simple ingredients into something aromatic and inviting. He seemed to consider my explanation, then nodded thoughtfully. “Your mother taught you well. It’s about using what you have to enhance, not overpower, right?”
“Exactly,” I agreed, stirring the pan. The spices mingled, filling the kitchen with a comforting scent that made even Chronos relax a bit. “Each spice has its role, much like each part of our training. Right?”
Chronos smiled, “Well at least you understand that much.”
The conversation drifted naturally from spices to training techniques, each of us sharing insights and learning from the other. It was during these moments, with the gentle hum of the stove and the clink of utensils, that I realized how much I valued these exchanges. They were lessons in themselves, not just about cooking or training, but about building respect and understanding through shared experiences.
As we sat down to eat, the warmth of the meal seemed to echo the warmth growing between us, a mentor and his student, finding common ground beyond the training.
“Rai, these meals might just be the best part of my day,” Chronos admitted as he took another bite, his usual stern demeanor giving way to something softer.
I laughed, “The best part of my day is taking a shower and sleeping.”
“Oh don’t you worry, I have something planned for tomorrow,” He said with a sadistic tone.
I flipped him off.
image [https://i.imgur.com/QdHVgVk.png]
As days blend into a relentless loop of exertion, each session builds on the last. My body begins to adapt, muscles toughening up, endurance creeping upward. It’s a slow, painful ascent towards whatever peak Chronos has in mind.
I just want to fight again…
Each day closes with a silent acknowledgment between us that this is just the beginning. If I can get to the proper physique that Chronos is seeking, then I’ll be able to fight again. My only solace is the gradual strengthening of my resolve, matched only by the stiffness of my limbs. All to end with food, a warm shower, a funny pill, and sleep. Sleep was the best part. I’m totally sleeping in when I get back home.
As Friday's training drew to a close, Chronos and I gathered our gear in the fading light. My body was a map of aches, each muscle a testament to the week’s labor. I was ready for a break, looking forward to two days without the relentless schedule that had defined my life since Saturday.
Why couldn’t he have waited until Monday to pick me up for this?
They say the early bird gets the worm, but I’m also going to want to talk with the person who came up with this saying as well. If they are the same person that came up with “No pain, no gain,” then hey, I can kill two birds with one stone. In the literal sense of course.
"Rai, you’ve pushed hard this week. Well done," Chronos said, his voice reflecting a rare note of approval. "This weekend, though, while your body rests, we’ll begin sharpening another tool, your mind." He said this while acting like he’s attempting to hypnotize me.
My interest perked up at his words, fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Meditation, right? To help with aura awakening?"
"Yes, glad you caught on quickly" Chronos nodded, clearly pleased with my eagerness. "Meditation is critical. It’s not just about stillness; it’s about deep connection. You'll learn to sit in the lotus position, focus on specialized breathing techniques, and use your senses to truly feel and monitor your body. This awareness is your first step towards sensing and eventually controlling your aura."
The concept wasn’t new to me; aura was the power of our world, after all. The prospect of tapping into my own, of potentially awakening it, sent a thrill through me. To think that meditation could pave the way to such power was both exhilarating and daunting.
"How do I start?" I asked, already imagining myself mastering this new skill.
"Tomorrow morning, I’ll guide you through your first session. Think of it as quiet strength training," Chronos explained, his demeanor serious yet encouraging. "The techniques I'll teach you are about grounding yourself, feeling every part of your being, and starting to sense the energy that makes up your aura."
Understanding the significance of what he was proposing, I nodded, excitement building within me. "I’m ready. It sounds like a whole new aspect of training."
"It is," he confirmed. "And it’s just as important as the physical workouts. Meditation will not only help in developing your aura but also in maintaining focus and resilience in everything you do."
As we walked away from the training grounds, the promise of what was to come filled me with anticipation. The weekend would indeed be for recovery, but it would also be a time for growth in another area I had yet to explore.
The dawn brought a soft gray light that filled the quiet corner of the training hall where I sat across from Chronos. The cool stillness of the morning was a stark contrast to the usual vigorous start to our days. I am honestly expecting him to throw a large medicine ball at me and say, ‘Let’s play catch.”
Wait, no I never thought of that. I can give Chronos any ideas.
"Comfortable?" Chronos asked in a low, calm voice, setting a tranquil tone for the session. He was kind of over doing it but nonetheless I settled in.
I shifted slightly on my mat, settling into the lotus position. "As comfortable as one can be with muscles as tight as a fat person in skinny jeans," I managed, with a yawn.
"Good. Now, close your eyes. Focus on your breathing, deep, slow inhalations, and equally slow exhalations. Feel the air fill your lungs, and with each breath, try to relax a little more," Chronos instructed.
I followed his directions, letting each breath loosen my body further. As my muscles relaxed, a sense of calm began to envelop me.
"Now," Chronos continued, his voice softer, "visualize a cup sitting on a table in front of you. It’s an ordinary cup, but it’s going to help you understand your aura."
In my mind’s eye, I pictured a simple ceramic cup on a wooden table, bathed in the gentle light of the morning that seeped through my closed eyelids.
"Imagine that with each breath you take, you’re gathering your energy, your aura. And as you exhale, you’re going to fill that cup with your aura. See it as a color, a light, or even a feeling, however it appears to you," he guided.
Concentrating, I envisioned my breath as a stream of water flowing into the cup from the bottom. Initially, my mind wandered to the aches in my body, the sound of my breathing. But gradually, with continued focus and guided by Chronos’s voice, the image of the cup filling with a glowing light became clearer.
"Keep filling that cup," Chronos encouraged. "Each breath pushes more of your energy into it. Visualize your aura growing stronger, more tangible with every exhale."
Time seemed to stretch on as I deepened my connection to the cup, to the aura I was visualizing. This exercise, creating something visible from my own energy, felt empowering. It helped me focus and gave me a tangible sense of my own power, something wholly new and exhilarating.
"Now, gently, when you’re ready, open your eyes and come back to the room," Chronos instructed after several minutes.
I obeyed, opening my eyes slowly. The room snapped back into focus, the imagined cup and table fading away, but the sensation of energy coursing through me lingered.
"How do you feel?" Chronos asked, watching me intently.
I paused, taking stock of myself. "Energized. More... aware, somehow," I replied, surprised by the profoundness of the experience.
"That’s your aura you’re beginning to connect with," Chronos said, nodding with satisfaction. "With practice, this visualization will not only help you harness your aura but also control it. Think of it as the first step towards truly awakening your potential. But don’t think the cup is going to remain, soon you’ll develop your own forging technique soon after you awaken."
Okay, now we’re talking.
image [https://i.imgur.com/QdHVgVk.png]
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
As I pulled on the clothes I had arrived in, the fabric felt slightly stiff against my newly sensitized skin. Adjusting the collar, I couldn't help but notice how restrictive my old jeans and shirt felt compared to the athleisure wear I'd gotten used to at Chronos's facility. The gear there was designed for movement, for ease, and admittedly, I had grown to prefer it.
I hope this preference for stretchy pants is just temporary.
I thought this to myself with a wry smile, half-joking but also half-concerned that my wardrobe preferences were shifting along with my physical and mental boundaries. While I did bring a bag that had some simple shorts and a t-shirt, I’m glad Chronos bothered to get me some clothes to train in. I’m sure my thanks was kindly delivered to his stomach.
Just as I was patting down my shirt, a knock came at the door. It swung open to reveal Chronos, his expression unreadable.
“Got a minute?” he asked, stepping into the room.
I nodded, half-expecting another surprise session or a last-minute drill.
“I’m giving you a key to my place,” Chronos said, his voice casual as he placed a small, metallic key on the dresser. “I’ll pick you up Monday at 3 AM. We’re starting the week off earlier.”
I stared at him, my mouth open. “Three in the morning? Seriously?”
He smirked, clearly anticipating my reaction. “You’ll be surprised how easily you’ll wake up. Today’s meditation was just the beginning. You’re adjusting faster than you think. But to answer why so early, it takes 30 minutes to get here, so you are going to need time to not only get here, but also get changed and prepared.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. It seemed my weekends were going to start feeling a lot like the weekdays, short. But it makes sense, unfortunately.
As I pocketed the key, feeling its weight against my thigh, Chronos held out two pills, similar to the Steel Forged Pill but smaller, with a deep blue hue.
“These are for your meditation sessions over the weekend,” he explained, his tone shifting to something softer, more serious. “It’ll help relax you and enhance your sensory perception. It should make it easier for you to connect with your aura, to feel it more intimately.”
I took the pills, examining them closely. “Are they safe?”
“Of course it is,” Chronos assured me. “Have I ever given you something that would harm you?”
I wanted to mention the grueling training I'd endured this past week but thought better of it. His semantics were tricky, technically, he hadn’t given me the training; he’d made me do the training.
I slipped the pills into my pocket next to the key. “Thanks. Do these pills also have an intimidating name like ‘Auric Echo Pills’?” I asked, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
Chronos raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Yes… that’s exactly what they’re called. How did you know?”
My eyes widened, and I stuttered for a moment. “What? Wait, they’re actually called that?”
“No,” Chronos answered, barely concealing a smirk.
I gave him a deadpan look, momentarily thrown by his sense of humor. It was unsettling when he was this playful.
Chronos clapped me on the shoulder, a gesture that had become familiar over the week. “Enjoy your weekend, Rai. Rest, meditate, and be ready for Monday. Don’t think that I’m going to start taking it easy on you.”
With that, he led the way out of the training facility and into the early morning light. The drive home was quiet, filled with my own thoughts about how things will develop over this summer. The key in my pocket felt like a tether, pulling me back to this new reality I was still adjusting to, while the pills were something that I was excited to try.
image [https://i.imgur.com/QdHVgVk.png]
After Chronos' car pulled up to the curb, I stepped out, my bag slung over one shoulder. The familiar sight of my family's house, with its welcoming porch light, was a wave of both relief and comfort. Taking a deep breath, I walked up to the front door and knocked.
The door swung open almost immediately, and there stood my father, his face breaking into a wide smile. He peered past me to give Chronos a wave as he drove off, then turned his attention back to me. "Back already? How’d it go?" he asked, stepping aside to let me in.
I barely had time to open my mouth when a blur of motion caught my eye. My mother, ever the bundle of energy, rushed over and pulled me into a tight embrace. "Let me look at you! Are you eating enough? You're not too exhausted, are you?"
Her hands fluttered over me, checking for any sign of undue strain or injury, her questions firing off like shots in the dark.
Before I could muster a response to either of my parents, footsteps thundered down the stairs, and Iris appeared. Her hair was tousled from sleep, but her eyes were bright with curiosity. "Rai, you’re back! Tell us everything! Is it as tough as they say? Did you learn any cool moves?"
I chuckled, overwhelmed but touched by their concern and curiosity. "Can I at least get in the door?" I joked, finally stepping fully inside and dropping my bag by the entryway.
As my family gathered around, eager for details, I realized how much I’d missed this, missed them. "It’s tough, yeah," I started, glancing from my mother's anxious expression to Iris's excited one. "But I’m learning a lot. No cool moves yet, though. It’s all about building up endurance and... other stuff," I added, thinking of the meditation and the aura work that Chronos had begun to introduce.
My mother finally seemed to relax a bit, though I could tell she was already planning a meal to 'fatten me up'. My father clapped me on the shoulder, a silent message of pride.
"I’ll tell you all about it, but maybe after I’ve had a chance to sit down," I said, my legs reminding me of the week’s exertions.
Iris nodded, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet. "Deal. But you're telling me everything, Rai. Every single detail!"
“Oh, are you planning on following the footsteps of your cool older brother?” I smirked.
Laughing, I agreed, grateful for the normalcy of home, for the familiarity of family fussing and sibling curiosity. It grounded me, reminded me of why I was pushing myself so hard. With a deep, satisfying sigh, I sank into the couch, ready to share stories of my training, knowing that no matter how tough things got, coming home would always be the best part of my week.
As I settled into the familiar comfort of our living room couch, the whole family gathered around, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. I started recounting the week’s training, glossing over the toughest parts to spare my mom from immediate panic. Despite my efforts, her worry was palpable, and more than once, she reached for the phone.
"Mom, really, I’m okay," I reassured her each time, gently lowering her hand away from the phone. "Chronos is tough, but he knows what he’s doing. There’s no need to call him."
Each mention of the day's intensity or a particularly grueling session had her on edge. "He's not overworking you, is he? That man needs to know there are limits!" she exclaimed, her maternal instinct in full throttle.
"No, Mom, it's all planned out. It's supposed to be intense. That’s how the training works," I explained, trying to inject a tone of confidence I only half-felt myself. It seemed to work, as she settled back, though still eyeing me with a look that said the jury was still out on whether Chronos would receive a concerned call from her.
Chronos, you owe me one for dealing with this.
Meanwhile, my dad’s interest grew with each story of endurance and strength training. "You think you could show me some of those exercises? Might be good for my morning routine," he mused, his tone half-joking but clearly intrigued by the idea of incorporating something new into his own workouts.
"Sure, Dad. Some of them can be done without any fancy equipment. I’ll show you tomorrow," I promised, amused by his eagerness to try out the routines that had left me exhausted.
Iris, ever fascinated by the mystical aspects of our world, was more interested in how the physical training tied to the awakening of one’s aura. "So, does all this help with your aura? How does that work? Will you be able to do cool aura stuff soon?" Her questions tumbled out faster than I could answer.
"It’s not just physical," I explained. "There’s a mental aspect we’re starting to work on, too. Meditation and stuff. It’s supposed to help me connect with my aura more effectively. But it’s going to take a lot of practice."
"Wow, that sounds amazing. Can’t wait to see when you start using it," she replied, her eyes wide with a mix of pride and wonder.
I chuckled, patting her head. “When I do, I’ll show you first. Sorry, Mom and Dad, but Iris has first dibs.”
Iris turned to them with a smug grin, clearly pleased with her ‘victory.’
“That’s not fair,” Dad protested, trying to look stern but the twinkle in his eye gave away his amusement. “As your father and the leader of this household, I should have first rights by default.”
Mom laughed, joining in the playful dispute. “Oh, please, if anyone should get first dibs, it’s me. I’m the one who keeps this warrior fed and healthy.” Seems like ever she is showing some pride here despite her worry.
The room filled with laughter, the lightness of the moment drawing us closer together. It was these small, joyful exchanges that reminded me just how lucky I was to have their support and love, how it grounded me after all the training.
image [https://i.imgur.com/QdHVgVk.png]
As we jumped from talking about the tough workouts to all the cool stuff about aura and how meditation fits into it, I was really thankful they were so into hearing about everything. It was awesome being able to just spill all the details, the hard parts and the wins, without holding back.
After a while, though, the chat started to die down, and I figured it was about time to head up to my room. I needed a bit of a break to sort through all the stuff we talked about—not just the training stuff but also just being back home. It’s weird, but in a good way, how being here feels so normal but also kind of not, especially after such an intense week.
"Thanks for listening, guys. It means a lot," I said as I stood.
"Anytime, Rai. We’re here for you, always," my dad said, giving me a supportive nod.
"Get some rest, honey. And remember, no pushing too hard!" my mom called after me as I headed up the stairs, her voice still tinged with worry.
"Yeah, and don’t forget, you promised to teach me those moves!" my dad added, his tone light and encouraging.
I smiled to myself, feeling the weight of their love and concern, a comforting counterbalance to the intense pressures of training. In that moment, I knew that no matter how tough the training got, coming home would always recharge and ready me for whatever lay ahead.
Climbing the stairs to my room, I couldn't shake the words my family had thrown my way. It's weird how even a simple "we're here for you" sticks with you, mixing with all the tough stuff from the week and what's still to come. I was starting to get why Chronos sent me home for the weekend. It wasn't just about chilling out from all the physical stuff, it was like he knew I needed a mental and emotional pick-me-up too. I’ll be sure to thank him on Monday.
Once I was in my room, I rolled out my mom’s yoga mat that I had yoiked from her and Dad’s room and settled down to meditate. Legs crossed just like Chronos showed me, I tried to sink into the calm. The room was quiet, enveloping me like a soft, cozy blanket, perfect for meditation.
But as soon as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, instead of peace, a montage of the week's grueling training flashed through my mind. Visions of sprinting until my lungs screamed, Chronos shouting "Just one more rep, Rai! If you fail here I’ll tell your mother you were slacking off!" and the relentless clank of weights felt almost comically torturous now. My body tensed reflexively, a smirk creeping up the side of my lips.
So much for clearing my mind.
Shaking off the memories, I reached for the pill Chronos gave me, hoping it would help deepen my meditation as promised. I swallowed it with a sip of water and prepared to follow his specific instructions for the meditation.
Alright, now for real this time.
Closing my eyes again, I tried to steady my breathing and followed Chronos's guidance. "Visualize a cup sitting on a table in an empty room," he had said. I pictured a simple, clear glass cup positioned neatly on a wooden table in a stark, serene room. "With each breath you take, gather your energy, your aura. As you exhale, imagine filling that cup with your aura. See it as a color, a light, or even a feeling, however it appears to you."
I focused on drawing in energy with each inhale, feeling it swirl within me, a mix of potential and power. Then, as I exhaled, I tried to channel that energy into the cup. At first, it was challenging. The visualization was clear, but the execution felt lacking. I could sense only a tiny trickle of something, a faint, shimmering vapor, barely visible, pooling at the bottom of the cup. It was as if my aura was hesitant, only tentatively responding to my efforts.
Despite the initial struggle, I kept at it, breathing slowly and deeply, concentrating on the task. Each cycle of breath seemed to coax a little more from me, a little more of that elusive energy. The bottom of the cup was now coated with a thin layer of luminescent liquid, glowing softly in the imagined light of the empty room.
Though I was far from filling the cup, the small amount of aura I managed to visualize was a start, a sign that with practice, I might be able to do much more. It was a humbling and motivating thought. The deeper connection I sought with my aura would take time and patience, much like every other aspect of my training.
When I finally opened my eyes, a sense of tranquility washed over me, despite the small progress with the visualization. Expecting to see the room still aglow with the evening sun, I was surprised to find darkness instead. The gentle light had given way to night's embrace, the room now illuminated only by the soft glow of street lamps filtering through the curtains.
I glanced at the clock and was stunned to see it was nearly three hours later than when I had started. Time had stretched and bent in the silence of my meditation, hours passing like minutes. The realization made me pause, a mixture of awe and bewilderment stirring within me. I had been so absorbed in trying to fill that imagined cup with my aura, so focused on each breath and the faint glow of energy, that I had completely lost track of time.
The challenge of filling the cup, the concentration it demanded, had drawn me deeper into meditation than I had ever gone before. Though I hadn’t managed to fill the cup as I had hoped, the session had been a profound journey inward. The small shimmer of aura at the bottom of the cup was a tangible sign of my initial connection, and the time spent was a testament to my growing ability to focus and delve deep within.
I felt recharged and realigned, ready to continue this path. The weekend wasn’t just downtime; it was a crucial, strengthening chapter in my training, a reminder that mastering all this training isn’t just about getting physically stronger or smarter; it’s about the heart, too.
As I prepared for bed, the image of the cup, with its faint luminescent liquid, lingered in my mind. It was a beginning, a starting point from which I could only grow. Tomorrow, I’ll try again, pushing a little further, reaching a little deeper.
Just you wait everyone. I’ll make you all proud.