Adam tumbled across the ground, his body twisting mid-fall. Gritting his teeth, he slammed his hand onto the dirt, forcing himself to rise quickly.

His eyes darted forward, searching for Jordan. But to his surprise, Jordan wasn’t there.

Panting, Adam raised his sword defensively, his body tense. A flicker of movement caught his eye to the left, just within his peripheral vision. He turned his head sharply, but it was too late.

Thwack!

Jordan’s wooden sword struck Adam’s cheek—the same spot where it had landed before. Pain exploded across his face as he staggered to the right, falling face-first into the dirt.

This time, however, Adam refused to let go of his sword. Ignoring the sharp sting and the warmth spreading across his cheek, he pressed his free hand to the ground, using the momentum of his fall to roll to the side.

His movements were swift, precise. With a sharp breath, he was back on his feet, his grip on the wooden blade tightening.

With his other hand, Adam touched his aching cheek, wincing as he rubbed the tender spot. His eyes locked onto Jordan, who now stood a few feet away, calm and composed.

Taking a cautious step back, Adam’s thoughts raced. I can’t keep up like this. Jordan’s speed is too much for me. If I don’t use my magic, I’ll never stand a chance.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Jordan vanished again.

Adam cursed under his breath, frustration bubbling inside him. Jordan was too fast for his eyes to follow, and the realization gnawed at him.

He gritted his teeth, raising his sword in preparation for the next attack.

Before Jordan’s next strike could land, Adam shouted in English, “High Senses!”

In an instant, his perception sharpened. The world seemed to slow around him. Every rustle of leaves, every faint sound of movement became painfully clear.

His enhanced senses honed in on Jordan, now visible mid-air, descending rapidly toward him with the wooden sword aimed straight at his head.

Finally, I can see him! Adam thought. But even with his heightened senses, Jordan’s speed was overwhelming.

As Adam prepared to block the attack, he felt it again—the oppressive weight of the devices strapped to his wrists and ankles.

The mana powering his spell drained into the devices, amplifying their load. His limbs grew heavier, his movements sluggish.

“No...not now!” Adam growled, his hands trembling under the strain.

Jordan’s wooden sword struck.

The blow landed hard on Adam’s head, forcing him to stumble backward. He crashed onto the ground, his back slamming against the dirt. His wooden sword slipped from his grasp, clattering beside him.

The weight of the devices intensified, pressing Adam into the ground. His arms and legs ached, the strain unbearable. Gritting his teeth, Adam forced himself to deactivate his spell. “High Senses...off!” he muttered.

As the spell ended, the weight from the devices lessened. Adam lay on the ground, panting heavily. Sweat dripped down his face as he clutched his head, his fingers brushing against the sore spot where Jordan’s sword had struck.

Jordan stood a few feet away, his stance relaxed. He smirked, his voice calm yet taunting. “I forgot to mention—those devices on your limbs? They’re not just for adding weight. They’re designed to suppress a magician’s mana. You can’t cast spells while wearing them without paying the price.”

Adam’s eyes widened. No spells...while wearing these?

The realization hit hard. He clenched his fists, glancing at the wooden sword lying beside him. Despite the pain radiating through his body, Adam grabbed the weapon with his uninjured hand and stood once more.

One hand still on his aching head, Adam rubbed the sore spot before letting his hand drop. His gaze turned steely as he raised the sword in front of him. He pointed it toward Jordan, determination burning in his eyes.

“I can do this all day,” Adam growled. “Come at me!”

Jordan’s smirk widened. He nodded approvingly, his grip tightening on his own sword.

For three grueling hours, Adam and Jordan clashed relentlessly in their sword duel.

The dirt under their feet bore the marks of their battle, and Adam’s body was worse for wear. His arms were heavy, bruises and swelling covered his frame, and sweat dripped freely from his brow.

Jordan finally halted, planting his wooden sword into the ground with a soft thud. “That’s enough for today,” he said, his voice calm and unwavering.

Adam, barely holding himself upright, leaned heavily on his sword, using it as a crutch. His free hand pressed against the ground as he tried to catch his breath.

The world spun slightly, but he forced himself to look up at Jordan. He managed a weak smile before collapsing backward, lying on the ground and staring up at the sky.

His voice broke the silence, hoarse but filled with a hint of humor. “I thought I’d be training as a magician… never imagined I’d have to become a swordsman too.”

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Jordan walked over, his boots crunching against the dirt. He stood above Adam, peering down with a faint smirk. “This is only the beginning,” he replied. “Your training is far from over.”

Adam opened his mouth to retort, but something inside stopped him. No… if I give up now, how will I ever become the strongest? he thought, his mind racing. To be the strongest, I must endure the hardest training. There’s no other way.

Determination flared within him. He gritted his teeth, his fingers curling tightly into the dirt. With sheer willpower, Adam forced himself to his feet, wobbling but resolute.

Jordan watched him rise, noting the visible pain etched on Adam’s face. A flicker of pride crossed Jordan’s features. “Follow me,” he said simply before turning and walking away.

Adam stood there for a moment, his breathing labored. Then, gripping his wooden sword tightly, he began to follow. His steps were slow at first, each one an effort against his aching muscles.

Jordan’s pace, though unhurried, was deceptively quick. Within moments, he had gained significant distance. Adam, noticing the gap widening, quickened his stride.

But the devices strapped to his arms and legs sensed the shift and began increasing the weight on his limbs.

Just a little more... I’ll catch up to him, Adam thought, pushing through the strain. He increased his speed, but each step felt heavier than the last. Sweat poured down his face as his breaths grew shallower.

To his dismay, the closer he seemed to get, the faster Jordan walked. It was as if Jordan was always one step ahead, maintaining an effortless lead.

Frustration bubbled inside Adam. His walk turned into a jog, and soon into a run.

The forest around them blurred as Adam’s legs pounded against the earth. Jordan, meanwhile, didn’t so much as glance back. He continued at his steady pace, the gap between them refusing to close.

Adam’s chest burned, and his vision wavered. He was pouring every ounce of energy into catching up, but it felt futile. The weight of the devices, combined with his exhaustion, was overwhelming.

His breaths came in ragged gasps as his legs gave out beneath him.

With a heavy thud, Adam fell face-first into the dirt.

The forest was eerily quiet except for the sound of his labored breathing. Lush greenery surrounded him, the towering trees casting long shadows across the forest floor.

Jordan, sensing the absence of footsteps behind him, finally stopped. He turned, his gaze falling on Adam sprawled on the ground. With a sigh, Jordan walked back, his boots crunching softly against the leaves and twigs.

When he reached Adam, Jordan crouched and grabbed the collar of Adam’s shirt, hauling him to his feet with surprising ease.

Adam swayed but didn’t fall. His body was trembling, his face drenched in sweat, but he clenched his teeth and forced himself to stand upright.

Jordan’s tone softened, though his words still carried weight. “We’re almost there. Just a little further.”

Without waiting for a response, Jordan began walking again. This time, his pace was much slower, allowing Adam to follow without struggling as much.

Though every step was a challenge, Adam refused to give up. His legs wobbled, but he kept moving, dragging himself forward.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the edge of a river.

Adam and Jordan emerged from the dense forest, their pace slow and deliberate. In front of them stretched a vast river, its crystal-clear waters shimmering under the sunlight.

The riverbank was scattered with small, smooth stones, many of which were partially covered by small plants sprouting between the crevices.

Adam’s legs felt like lead. Each step across the uneven surface of the stone-covered ground sent sharp reminders of his exhaustion coursing through his body.

Unable to go any further, he finally collapsed onto the stones, leaning back with a sigh of relief.

Jordan, walking a few paces ahead, turned to look at him. “This isn’t our stop. You need to get up,” he said, his voice steady and firm.

Adam looked up, his face weary. “I think I’ll rest here for a while,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jordan didn’t argue. Instead, he turned and walked further along the riverbank, his eyes scanning the area. Adam watched him from where he sat, his curiosity piqued when Jordan stopped near a patch of white flowers growing among the rocks.

The flowers were delicate, with thin, almost translucent petals swaying gently in the breeze.

Jordan bent down and carefully plucked one of the flowers. Adam tilted his head slightly, unsure of what his mentor was doing. Holding the flower between his hands, Jordan began to crush it gently, his fingers working the petals into a soft pulp.

As he walked back toward Adam, Jordan continued to press the flower, extracting its sap. Adam watched him approach, the tension of confusion building in his tired mind.

When Jordan finally reached him, he stopped and extended his hands toward Adam. “Open your mouth,” he said.

Adam blinked, taken aback. “What?”

“Just do it,” Jordan insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Still skeptical, Adam hesitated but eventually complied, opening his mouth. Jordan brought his hands over Adam’s face, allowing a few drops of the flower’s sap to fall into his mouth.

The liquid had a strange, earthy taste, but Adam swallowed it without complaint.

Almost immediately, a surge of energy coursed through his body. His muscles, which had been screaming in pain moments ago, now felt revitalized.

The soreness and fatigue faded as if they had never existed. Even the bruises and cuts from their earlier training session seemed to disappear.

Adam’s eyes widened in disbelief as he held up his hands, inspecting them for any signs of injury. His skin was unblemished, and his body felt lighter than it had in hours.

He stood up quickly, his renewed energy giving him a sense of amazement and disbelief.

“What… what was that?” Adam asked, his gaze snapping to Jordan.

Jordan glanced toward the riverbank, where more of the white flowers grew in clusters among the stones. He raised his hand, gesturing toward them. “That is a Life Flower,” he explained.

Adam stared at the flowers, astonished. “Then why don’t we take some with us? If these flowers can heal injuries and restore energy, they’d be invaluable!”

Jordan turned to look at Adam, his expression calm but firm. He shook his finger side to side, silently rejecting Adam’s suggestion.

Confused, Adam frowned. “Why not? Isn’t that exactly what they’re for?”

Jordan sighed. “I only gave you two drops of its sap, and there’s a reason for that,” he said. “While the Life Flower can make you feel as though your injuries are healed and your fatigue is gone, that’s not actually the case.”

Adam froze, his mind struggling to process the words. “What do you mean?”

Jordan continued, his voice steady and matter-of-fact. “The Life Flower doesn’t heal you. It doesn’t take away your exhaustion. It simply tricks your mind into believing you’re fine. Your body is still injured, and your energy is still drained. But as long as you believe you’re healed, your body acts as if it is.”

Adam’s face twisted in disbelief. “So… it’s just making me hallucinate that I’m better?”

Jordan shook his head. “Not exactly. It doesn’t cause hallucinations. It’s more like a drug. It gives you the confidence to push past your limits, but it’s only temporary. The moment the effect wears off, you’ll feel everything—your injuries, your fatigue—all at once.”

Adam’s eyes drifted back to the cluster of flowers growing along the riverbank. Their delicate petals seemed almost innocent, a stark contrast to the power Jordan described. “So, it’s dangerous…” he murmured.

Jordan nodded, his gaze also fixed on the flowers. “Very dangerous. That’s why we can’t rely on them. They’re a crutch, not a cure.”

Adam remained silent, staring at the flowers as the weight of Jordan’s words sank in.

The river continued to flow beside them, its calm and steady rhythm a sharp contrast to the turmoil swirling in Adam’s mind.

And with that, the chapter came to an end.