Since I started training with my mother, my daily routine had completely changed. Each day I followed a simple routine, if you could call that daily hell simple.

I would wake up at dawn, leave the castle, and run with my mother until I was completely exhausted. Then, I would drag myself back home and have a late breakfast before going to rest.

Rest? Ha, as if I could rest with my whole body aching, I thought while collapsing onto the bed, groaning in pain.

When my body recovered in the afternoon, which seemed like a miracle each time, I would go out again. And run. I would run until I was exhausted again and return home after dinner. And then, as if it wasn't enough torture, I would run and run again until I couldn't anymore.

When I finally finished my daily routine, I felt it was possible to reach the limit simply by running. Since I always ran until I couldn't take another step, my body always ended the day in pieces. There were many days when I had to hold onto the walls to support myself.

This continued for days and finally, one day, I missed my morning exercise. Well, almost missed it. I had passed out the night before and, when I regained consciousness, someone was shaking me.

I opened my eyes and saw my mother smiling cheerfully at me. I felt a fear that I couldn't express in words. Why was she smiling? An unsettling chill ran down my spine.

—Uhahhhh —was all I could articulate.

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—You must have been very tired yesterday, Ars. But you've already rested for a whole year, haven't you? —my mother said with a smile that didn't bode well.

—Uhahhhh —I repeated, unable to form coherent words.

—Yes, yes. But you still have to run. If you skip one day, there will be a second time, and then a third and fourth time. Let's go together now —she said while dragging me out of bed.

"Is this a joke? Can't she see I can barely move?" Still, I was dragged out of the house.

There was a saying that going to the gym was the hard part, and once there you end up exercising. So, once I was outside, somehow I ended up running.

Recently, since I went through a cycle of exercising, eating, resting, exercising again, eating and sleeping every day, my health inevitably improved. Of course, I felt like I was dying every day.

—Running is perfect for you right now, Ars —my mother told me while we ran.

I understood this part now. I had heard it so many times I could recite it in my sleep.

—It develops cardiorespiratory function, endurance, general body strength, and much more. There's no more suitable training for someone who desperately needs to improve their athletic ability —she continued.

Yes, yes, I know. I thought, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

I understood that this exercise was necessary. But I was also human, and I was sick of looking at the same landscape every day while running. If I have to see that same tree one more time, I think I'm going to scream, as we passed by the same spot as always.

—I know. I know. Since I can't fly or run, at least I try to walk here —I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

—Before walking, you also need to know how to get up. So that even if you fall, you try to take one more step. Do you understand, Ars? —she asked, her voice full of concern and love.

—I understand, mom.

Remembering the conversation I had with my mom, I started moving my legs again while gritting my teeth. One more step. Just one more step, I repeated to myself.

Time passed smoothly and soon more than a month had passed since I started running. Despite my initial resistance, I had to admit that I was starting to see results.