Adam finished cutting the deer into smaller, manageable pieces under Jordan's watchful eye.

But all this work takes the help of Jordan, due to which he is able to do this work very well.

The task had been grueling, but Adam had managed to push through. Without wasting any time, Jordan gestured toward the kitchen. Adam followed him closely, carrying some of the meat.

Adam wants to learn everything from Jordan that Jordan can teach him. He wants to become a very powerful warrior at any cost and for this Adam is ready to do anything.

The kitchen was a simple setup—a wooden counter, basic utensils, and a small stove that ran on mana-infused stones. The smell of wood and herbs lingered faintly in the air. Jordan set his portion of the meat on the counter and turned to Adam.

Adam stays behind Jordan the entire time while Jordan enters the kitchen and places more pieces of meat on the kitchen counter.

"Watch carefully," Jordan said in his usual commanding tone. "Cooking isn't just a chore. It's a warrior's responsibility to ensure they can feed themselves in any situation. If you can't take care of your own survival, you'll only be a liability."

Adam nodded, absorbing every word. He had never thought of cooking as part of a warrior's skill set, but Jordan's perspective made sense. For the first time, Adam focused intently on the process, determined to learn.

Adam can't believe that he is getting to learn so much from Jordan. Not even a day has passed but he has learned a lot from Jordan today.

Jordan began preparing the meat with efficiency and precision, his movements swift yet deliberate. He reached for a small knife, slicing the meat into uniform pieces. "The key," he said while working, "is to manage your resources. Use what you have and make it last."

Adam observed closely, occasionally assisting Jordan by handing him utensils or fetching ingredients. He asked questions whenever he didn't understand something. "Why are you cutting the pieces this small?" Adam asked at one point.

"To cook them evenly," Jordan replied without breaking his rhythm. "A mistake here can ruin your meal."

As Jordan worked, he also prepared a small batch of herbs and spices. The aroma began to fill the kitchen, making Adam's stomach growl softly. Jordan smirked slightly at the sound but didn't comment.

Soon, the meat sizzled on the stove, and the smell became irresistible. Jordan expertly managed multiple tasks, preparing breakfast while also arranging portions for lunch. Adam continued to assist, gaining a deeper appreciation for the effort required.

Before today, Adam had not helped his mother as much in cooking as he is helping Jordan and with utmost seriousness so that he can learn all these things and work further.

After some time, breakfast was ready. Jordan served the food—grilled meat with a side of foraged vegetables. Adam sat opposite Jordan at the wooden table, eating quietly but savoring every bite. The taste was simple but satisfying, a result of Jordan's skill and resourcefulness.

Once they finished, Adam quickly gathered the plates and washed them. His hands moved with newfound diligence, a reflection of his growing respect for even the smallest tasks.

Drying his hands, Adam turned to Jordan and asked, "Now what?"

Adam is very excited about what Jordan is going to teach him next. He can't wait and that's why he asked Jordan in excitement if he is right.

Jordan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pointed toward the door with a slight motion of his hand. Adam followed the gesture, stepping outside.

The moment Adam stepped out, he paused. The house was surrounded by dense forest, its towering trees forming an almost impenetrable barrier.

But directly in front of the house lay a large, open clearing. The ground was bare, a patch of dry, compacted earth surrounded by scattered rocks and patches of grass.

Adam has not seen this scenery properly since yesterday. He is standing there carefully and walking slowly forward and watching the whole scene.

To Adam's right, he noticed the same wooden table where they had butchered the deer earlier. The sight reminded him of the hard work they had just completed.

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Adam stops a little further ahead and starts looking at the trees and plants around him and also at the empty space near the outpost house.

Adam stood still, taking in the scene, until the sound of the door opening behind him made him turn. Jordan stepped out, holding two wooden swords.

Adam's eyes narrowed slightly as he pieced together the purpose of the swords. "Are we practicing sword fighting?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and readiness.

Adam knows that Jordan doesn't know about magic, but he doesn't know if Jordan is going to teach him swordsmanship or something else.

Jordan didn't reply. Instead, he walked a few steps forward, stopping at a distance. Without a word, he tossed one of the wooden swords toward Adam.

The sword spun through the air, and Adam reacted instinctively. He lunged forward, catching it with both hands. The impact jolted his arms slightly, but he managed to keep his grip.

Adam looked down at the sword, turning it over in his hands. The craftsmanship was remarkable for something made of wood.

Its surface was smooth, the edges carefully sanded, and the grip wrapped with leather for comfort. "This is impressive," Adam said, studying the weapon. "Even though it's wooden, the detail is incredible."

He glanced up at Jordan and asked, "Did you make this, Master?"

Jordan's response was brief, as always. "Yes."

Adam nodded, running his fingers over the handle once more. The weight of the sword felt right in his hands, and his respect for Jordan's skill grew.

Before Adam could say more, Jordan spoke again, his tone firm. "From today onward, we'll spar every day after breakfast. No exceptions."

Adam's expression grew serious as he processed Jordan's words. He nodded silently, gripping the wooden sword tighter.

Jordan's calm yet authoritative presence loomed before him, and Adam knew this was just the beginning.

The two standing in the clearing, the air between them charged with anticipation for what was to come.

Adam’s focus sharpened as he tightened his grip on the wooden sword. Jordan’s words hung in the air like a commandment: “No matter what the fight is, give it your all.” Adam nodded, his resolve clear, his body ready.

Jordan took slow, deliberate steps forward, his movements calm and calculated. Adam mirrored him, raising his wooden sword defensively.

But just as he began to anticipate Jordan’s next move, something unexpected happened—Jordan disappeared.

“What—?!” Adam’s thoughts were interrupted as his instincts flared. He caught sight of a sudden blur on his left. It was fast—too fast. His eyes barely registered it before the wooden blade struck him square on the cheek.

The impact sent Adam stumbling backward. He fell to the ground, clutching his face where the blow had landed.

The dull thud echoed in his ears as he groaned in pain. The spot on his cheek throbbed, a searing reminder of Jordan’s speed and precision.

“Ah...!” Adam gasped, trying to catch his breath. The sting was sharp, and to his dismay, he felt the weight of his body increasing again.

The devices strapped to his wrists and ankles responded to his faltering focus, amplifying their load.

Jordan appeared beside him, his voice calm but firm. “Pain, Adam. A warrior’s greatest friend is pain. If you fear it, you’ll always be running from your battles. But if you embrace it, you’ll find strength in it.”

Adam lay on the ground, his body writhing slightly, his face twisted in discomfort. Jordan’s words reached him, but they felt distant, like an echo in a storm.

Clenching his teeth, Adam forced himself to focus. He took deep, measured breaths, ignoring the pain radiating from his face.

Slowly, the mana that had been leaking from his body stabilized, and the oppressive weight of the devices eased.

With a grunt, Adam pushed himself off the ground, his breathing still uneven. He looked at Jordan, who stood a few steps away, his wooden sword resting casually in his hand.

Jordan’s expression didn’t change, but a glimmer of approval shone in his eyes.

Adam tightened his grip on his sword, holding it firmly this time.

He wasn’t about to let his guard down again. Jordan, noticing this shift, offered a brief warning: “Control your anger. It’ll blind you faster than any opponent.”

Before Adam could respond, Jordan vanished again.

Adam tensed, his eyes darting around the clearing. He knew Jordan wouldn’t make the same move twice.

His heart pounded in his chest, his muscles coiled in anticipation. But Jordan was quicker than his thoughts.

A sharp blow struck Adam square in the chest. The force knocked him backward, sending him sprawling to the ground. The wooden sword slipped from his grasp as he clutched his chest, groaning loudly in pain.

“AHHH!” Adam’s scream echoed through the clearing as he rolled on the ground, the pain overwhelming. He gasped for air, his hands pressing against the spot where Jordan’s sword had landed.

The ache in his chest was intense, but it wasn’t just physical—it was a harsh reminder of how unprepared he was.

Jordan stood nearby, watching silently. He thought to himself, No matter how talented you are, Adam, you’re still a novice. You weren’t trained like a soldier. You lack the discipline to endure this.

Adam’s breathing slowed as he gradually regained control. He gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain, his resolve hardening with each passing moment.

His hand reached for the wooden sword lying a few feet away. With determination, he picked it up and stood on shaky legs, his eyes locking onto Jordan.

Jordan’s voice cut through the tense silence. “Remember this, Adam. If you ever let go of your sword during a fight, you’re as good as dead.”

Adam didn’t reply, but his grip on the sword tightened. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

Jordan gave a small nod, and then, without warning, disappeared once more.

Adam’s body moved on instinct, his senses heightened. But this time, the attack came faster than he could react.

The wooden blade struck his chest again, harder than before. The force sent him tumbling across the ground, his body rolling two or three times before coming to a stop.

The chapter ended with Adam sprawled on the ground, gasping for air, the echo of Jordan’s words lingering in the air.