Day 8:

Me and Eric are standing next to the big tree.

"Losing your sword means death, that's why you have to improve your grip. That's why i've prepared this log and a rope."

Eric ties the rope to the log, then throws the rope over one of the tree branches.

"I want you to pull this rope until the log reaches the top, then drop it and repeat. Not only does this improve your grip strength, it also strengthens your sword strikes. I picked out a suitable log for your size so it shouldn't be too light or too heavy. Give it a try."

I approach the set up and take hold of the rope.

"How did you come up with all these lessons?"

"Pretty much everything I've taught you so far came from my time in the military."

"Uh huh."

I pull the rope down and the log lifts up.

It has noticeable resistance to it, but it's light enough so that i can do the exercise for at least a few hours.

"Yes, just like that. I have some errands to run, so i'll come back later to check on you."

He opens the backyard door and turns to me.

"And don't over do it, remember to take breaks."

He adds and leaves me by myself in the backyard.

Well then, let's get to it.

I pull the rope to lift the log again, then let it slowly fall back down before pulling it back up again.

A simple, if not a little boring exercise, but one that will definitely make me stronger.

As i keep training, my eyes wonder to my sword, which is leaning against the tree trunk.

Its origin still vexes me, why did it appear on the day i was born?

It's evident that it isn't a regular sword.

Since i don't have anything else to do at the moment, i'll go over the facts i've observed.

Appearance wise it doesn't look regular either.

It's pitch black all over and doesn't reflect much light.

There's a big red gem at the base of the blade, which does glow brightly when hit by light.

It doesn't give off any other-wordly vibes when i touch it.

It feels oddly natural when in my hand, as if custom made for me and it's unnaturally light for it's size and material, which Eric thinks is high-quality steel.

And no one else except me can lift it, Eric tried and failed.

It's the same age as me, but doesn't show any signs of damage or wear, despite being stuck on the ground all this time.

Those are all the things i've gathered about it.

Hmm, maybe Gondo could have a look at it and give his expert opinion?

If we can spare some money, we should probably ask him to make a scabbard for it too, i don't want to hurt myself again.

I'm not much for aesthetic, but maybe something to match it with?

If i remember correctly, Eric's original sword's scabbard was made out of leather.

Maybe brown or black would suit mine?

Later in the day, Eric returns home and makes his way to the backyard, where he sees me still training.

"Any progress, son?"

He walks up to me with his arms crossed, observing my progress.

"No answer, huh? It's the same as back then."

He reaches over to grab the rope, snapping me out of my trance.

"What the...? Oh, you're back, didn't notice you. It's a rather boring exercise, so i got tuned out."

I say exhausted and wipe my forehead on my shirt.

"It's alright. Military training could be quite mind-numbing sometimes. Ugh, why is the rope sticky?"

He let's go of the rope and looks at his hand.

"What's this? Wait, is this... blood?"

He looks down at my clutched fists and sees blood dripping through my fingers.

"Alex, show me your hands."

"Huh, why?"

Perplexed by his request, i do as he says and open my hands.

"Oh, looks like i over did it a little."

"A little? Your hands are bleeding."

I shrug at him.

"They'll heal eventually and they don't even hurt that much."

I go on to grab the rope again but the sudden pain forces me to let go.

"Ah!"

Damn that hurts, I must've been really into it if i didn't even notice my hands tear up.

"Sigh, you have to be more careful, you hear me? Come on, let's get Anna to heal it."

I feel a bit reluctant but decide to follow him.

We find her in the living room and Eric pushes me towards her before leaving.

"I'll be waiting outside."

Anna is sitting on the couch and knitting, then she notices me.

"Oh, hello, dear. Need something?"

She smiles at me and i find myself unable to approach her.

Ever since that incident a week ago about her wanting me to call her "mom", i haven't interacted with her much.

It's been over a week but i'm not sure if she's still upset about it and is just trying to hide it, not that i particularly care.

I take a deep breath, walk up to her and show her my hands.

"Can you heal my hands?"

I avoid eye contact and wait for her answer.

"Sure, honey."

She takes my hands into hers and closes her eyes for a silent prayer.

For a moment my hands glow gold, the bruises and cuts on my palms and fingers slowly closing, taking the pain with it.

"There, try to be more careful dear."

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Without a word, i begin to walk away, but just as i'm about to leave her sight, i stop.

I don't know why it bothers me so much, but if i don't deal with it right now, i'll never get a piece of mind.

What makes it even harder is that i have no idea what to say.

I can feel her eyes on my back which is starting to piss me off.

My lips purse and fists ball up, but i force myself to take a deep breath and relax.

My back still facing her, i slightly turn my head and speak up.

"Thanks... Mom."

With wide eyes she gasps silently, covering her mouth with her hand.

Her eyes well up and i quickly leave.

Now that's done, i don't want to deal with this bullshit ever again.

All i want is to focus on my training and become stronger without unnecessary distractions.

"Ready to continue?"

Eric asks me as I enter the backyard.

"Yeah, let's continue."

Day 10:

"I know you've been training your grip for only a few days, but we have to move on to the next step. Defense as you know is all about, well, defense. And the best way to train defense, is by being attacked."

"Do you mean sparring?"

"Not quite, but similar. I'll be attacking you while you try to guard against me."

"Are we going to use our own swords or continue with the wooden ones?"

"We'll continue using the wooden swords. Don't want to risk any unnecessary injuries. I'll be going easy on you anyways."

I take my wooden sword and we make our to the center of the backyard.

I swing it a few times before taking a stance, both hands firmly on the handle.

"Ready? Remember, your objective is to guard, not evade or attack me. I'll only be hitting your sword."

Eric asks and takes a stance, holding his sword with his right hand.

"Ready."

"Here i come!"

He dashes towards me and brings his sword to his left side.

I grit my teeth and steel myself for impact.

With one sweep of his sword, he strikes my sword off my hands, sending it flying.

Blink, blink.

What just happened?

I look at my empty hands, which are trembling and feel numb.

"Sorry, did it hurt too much?"

"N-No! I wasn't expecting that, you just caught me off guard. I want to try again."

I run over to get my sword and return to my spot.

"Come on!"

I tighten my grip even more, causing my knuckles to turn white.

He nods and dashes towards me again, this time striking from the right.

Wood strikes against wood loudly and my sword is sent flying again.

"Mmh!"

I try to muffle my pain, the impact of Eric's strikes reach all the way to my nerves.

"Want me to useless strength?"

"No! Again!"

I fetch my sword again and assume my stance.

"Come at me!"

Eric prepares to dash again.

"I'll lower the power slightly. Just a little so that he doesn't notice."

He dashes, striking from the left.

His sword connects with mine and i grit my teeth as the force tries to disarm me again, but i persevere.

Yes!

I take a step back, steeling myself for the next strike.

Crack!

The second strike sends my sword flying.

"Ah!"

I wince from the pain, but before Eric gets to say anything, i run to get my sword and return to my spot.

"Again!"

I shout at him, far from being done.

"Are you sure you don't want me to lower my strength?"

"Shut up and come at me!"

I grin at him, my determination burning hot.

"Heh, cocky. Prepare yourself!""

He dashes towards me, raising his sword before swinging down.

I block it, but the force causes me to drop on one knee.

"Hng!"

I try to ignore the pain and quickly look for his next strike.

Right!

I manage to block his second strike, but it sends me flying backwards.

I roll on the grass for quite a distance before swiftly getting back up.

My eyes go wide as he's already coming at me for another strike, this time from my left.

He slashes and i brace for impact, but just before our swords connect, he switches sides, striking me from the right.

"Wha-!?"

It was a feint, and my sword goes flying once more.

I drop on my knees, my hands trembling.

"Huff, huff..."

"You're doing good, Alex, but you have much to learn."

I scoff at him, did i seriously fall for that?

In the WWEF, i was quite good at sensing the intent of my opponent.

I didn't become the strongest for nothing, so why?

Is it because i'm using a sword?

I get up and pick up my sword.

"Again. I'm not done yet."

Day 13:

Eric slashes with his wooden sword and i duck under it.

Before he can strike from above, i quickly step back to create some distance.

He has modified the previous lesson by allowing me to move around and dodge while he attacks me.

This time however, he's allowed to hit my body too, and i already have a few bruises.

"You're improving quickly, but you still have much to learn!"

He dashes towards me, unleashing a series of strikes.

I manage to block most of them, but some slip through my guard and hit my body.

Since i can't strike him back, all i can do is back off and prepare for his next attack.

I haven't told him but i realized he has lowered the power of his strikes while increasing the number of attacks.

Maybe he fears causing damage to my hands or it's part of the training.

We both run towards each other, Eric raises his sword up high with both hands.

His sword descends with greater power compared to his previous strikes, i widen my stance to anchor myself to the ground and brace for impact.

But just as his sword is about to connect with mine, a voice calls out to us.

"Eric, Alex! Lunch is ready!"

Anna steps through the backyard door, carrying a tray and is followed by Ava.

"Great, i was starting to get hungry."

Eric drops his sword on the ground and joins her.

I exhale loudly and drop on my knees.

I was holding my breath, waiting to receive Eric's strike, just to be interrupted by Anna.

And i was starting to get into it too.

Eric picks up two chairs and sets them next to the outdoor table.

Anna sets the tray down, which is filled with sandwiches among other things.

"You've prepared a feast, Anna. What's the occasion?"

I hear him ask as he sits down and grabs a sandwich.

"It would be a waste to leave uneaten food behind after we leave, so eat as much as you want. It'll also make traveling easier as we won't have that much to carry."

"Munch, true, but it's also a little risky. Your new job at a church isn't guaranteed. We should leave some for the road."

Anna smiles at him approvingly and he returns it with a smile.

"You look like you're in a good mood. Did something happen?"

"You could say so."

She answers him, sounding secretive.

While sitting on the grass, i watch them eat and talk.

Just the three of them: Eric, Anna and Ava.

If you ignore the burned house, they look like an ordinary family, without anything missing.

Do i belong to this family?

"Alex, come eat!"

Anna calls out to me and i snap back to reality.

I approach the table, sitting on an empty chair and reach out for a sandwich.

As i eat, Ava walks up to me holding something.

"Big brother, a cookie!"

"That's a cracker."

She eats it and smiles at me happily.

I quickly finish my sandwich and get up.

"You're not hungry, Alex? You usually eat more."

Anna asks me as i leave the table.

"I'll eat later."

Walking back to where i left my sword, i pick it up and swing it a few times.

"Ready to continue?"

Eric suddenly approaches me from behind and taps my shoulder.

"Of course."

Day 15:

"For our last defense lesson, i want to teach you a martial technique."

"A martial technique, huh? Hmm, i admit i've been rather curious about those. They remind me of spells."

"Hmm, i can see the similarity. You could say that spells are for mages while martial techniques are for physical fighters like us."

"I see. So, what martial technique are you going to teach me?"

"I'll be teaching you a martial technique called 'Endure'. It's a defensive technique best used when guarding against a single, powerful strike. I used it once in my fight against Grem."

I rub my chin in thought.

"Interesting. Sure, i'm willing to learn it."

"Excellent. Pick up your training sword and stand over there."

I do as he says and stand at the designated spot.

"Take your stance and hold your sword in front of you. Just like in one of our previous lessons, i'll be striking your sword and your objective is to not fall over. My strike won't be fast but i'll be adding more push to it. You do know the feeling when you're preparing to receive an attack?"

I take my stance.

"Sure. What about it?"

"'Endure' is the same thing, but more refined and stronger. To use 'Endure', your body has to be mostly relaxed and when an attack is about to hit you, you take a deep breath, tense your whole body and anchor yourself to the ground."

I think i can recall the moment when Eric used this 'Endure' technique.

Eric was completely able to stop Grem's attack without being pushed back.

"Anchoring yourself to the ground is the hardest part of this technique. You can't really do that with your feet, especially if you have shoes on, seems impossible. Once you figure out how to do that, you'll be able to use this technique."

"Got it."

I relax my body and take calm breaths.

"For your safety, i'll only be using half of my strength."

"Huh? Only-"

He rushes towards me, his training sword on his right side.

I quickly tense my whole body and his sword connects with mine.

The force is too much for me and i'm sent tumbling backwards.

"You didn't tense your body enough or take a deep breath, and you certainly didn't anchor yourself to the ground. Get up and try again."

"Ugh..."

Easier said than done.

I return to my spot and assume my stance.

Relax, calm breaths.

"Here i come!"

Eric dashes and just as his sword is about to hit mine, i take a deep breath and tense my body.

But it didn't work this time either and i roll on the ground.

"Again, you didn't tense your body enough and you did it too late. The effect of 'Endure' is short, so you have to time it perfectly, otherwise it's effect will be reduced."

"G-Got it!"

I grunt loudly and get up, returning to my spot.

"Huff, huff!"

Relax, calm breaths...

Eric strikes again and i fill my lungs with air, tensing up every muscle in my body.

Our swords collide, and i could feel myself stop his sword, if only briefly, before being sent flying again.

"That's better. You tensed up your body enough and activated it within an acceptable time frame. However, you still failed to anchor yourself to the ground."

He watches me struggle to slowly get back up.

"I'm starting to think you might have some talent for swordsmanship, Alex. In the military, it took at least three months for my comrades to learn 'Endure' to an acceptable level."

I say nothing and take my stance.

There was also something else I felt, specifically at my feet.

I think i understand what he meant by "anchoring" myself to the ground.

Eric walks away from me and returns to his own spot.

Our eyes meet and he grins.

"Oh? Did you figure out how 'Endure' works? Good, show me!"

He dashes towards me and just like before, i fill my lungs with air and tense the muscles i've spent training to their absolute limit.

And finally, i "anchor" myself to the ground.

KLACK!

I feel myself being pushed back with tremendous force, well, compared to someone of my size.

The air i held in my lungs escapes loudly and i slowly open my eyes, surprisingly, still standing.

The grass in front of me is roughed up, creating a linear trail to where i once stood, evident that i didn't fall over but was instead pushed back.

"Congratulations, son. You learned 'Endure'. It's not perfect, you still learned it. What took my comrades months, you learned in a day."

I can't help but to grin, i've learned my first martial technique.