A Test?

After that run, they finally finished their first day at 3 PM, giving them a long free time to adjust to the new environment.

However, Theo didn't have the time to waste as he quickly put his luggage above his bed, showing that it was his according to the number Major Sam gave him earlier.

He then came out of the place with his spear and entered the Dense Forest. Of course, he made sure that Alea didn't see him or she might suspect him. 

It turned out that his master was waiting for him in the deeper area of the Dense Forest.

Passing the boundary that had been set by the military, he ran straight according to the instruction.

Suddenly, he sensed something from his left, which turned out to be a small log, attached to the tree branch with a rope, swinging toward him.

"!!!" Theo instinctively took two small steps to the right since he knew it was enough. And his master told him not to waste any movement, so this was the best option. "Master's test? Really? I just got into the training camp today… There wouldn't be any improvement or whatsoever."

He shook his head helplessly, remembering how his master behaved. "Never mind. She must be liking this, so I should try to dodge everything with minimal movement, believing this is just training."

Theo proceeded into the deeper area as more and more logs came to greet him. Unfortunately for him, his master was a sadist. The pace became even faster the deeper he got and those logs kept hitting him on the face and body.

It continued for thirty minutes before he arrived in the middle of nowhere, barely having enough space for his training. It was surrounded by giant trees, so it wasn't really that visible even if Theo used his Magic Bullet.

His master stood in the middle of the area with a smile on her face. "How is it? Do you like it?"

"I'm not a masochist." Theo let out a long sigh.

"Oi, oi. Everything I do has a meaning." She shrugged.

"So, you are saying that taking a beating is also training?"

She made a big smile as if she didn't feel guilty at all. "Anyway, I think you have gotten yourself into trouble."

"Yes. I underestimated Alea Eilric. To think she would have done something like that… I couldn't escape her radar anymore and ended up becoming her teammate."

"Despite that, I know that you like it."

"For the benefit, yes. Other than that, she is annoying."

"Hahahaha!" His master only laughed and said, "Anyway, that's your problem, not mine."

"I understand. That's why I want to ask whether I can stop practicing during Sunday."

"For a date?"

"For another training. Master, can we get a bit more serious here?"

"I'm always serious. I even put my everything into teasing you."

"I don't need that kind of seriousness." Theo sighed. "Anyway, I have agreed to hunt for monsters with her."

"No need to get my permission. Since you will be hunting monsters every weekend, I can focus on training you during weekdays." She contemplated for a few seconds before opening her mouth. "Though, I do have a condition."

"What is it?"

"Unless you get into a life and death situation, hide your Magic Bullet and Clone. I know that it will leave you with Pierce and Monkey Fist only, but trust me, it will let you grow faster."

Although he didn't understand it, he decided to trust her as he remembered something. "That's right. I couldn't understand why Major Sam put a game of tag in our schedule. Although it would give peace of mind, it—"

Before he finished, his master shook her head with a smile. "So, you don't understand?"

"Yes."

"The reason is simple. He wanted you to use your muscles properly. When running around, you must feel that you need to adapt, right?"

"Indeed."

"If it were in a normal condition, you would have adjusted according to your pace. To speed up the process, he used that game to force you into a situation where you needed to adapt faster to the point it became an instinct to your body. This will allow you to fight in a different type of situation without the need to adjust it since you have instinctively done it."

"Ah, I see."

"Anyway." She waved her hand and pointed her thumb to the back. "Look. I have made you your practice partner."

Theo tilted his head in confusion as he took a peek behind her, finding ten thick logs planted on the ground.

"Those will be your training partners. I made them in a way they could endure your Magic Bullet. Anyway, let's start your training from Control to Awareness."

"Understood." Theo nodded as he put down his spear and started practicing.

When it was time for dinner, his master cooked another delicious meal as a reward for working hard. Theo savored everything without hesitation and returned to his training right after.

Unfortunately, because of the schedule and harsh training he would receive tomorrow, his master reluctantly allowed him to return at 9 PM.

"Master, I'm going back now."

"Yes. And I want you to know that I will be teaching you the basics for only a month. The rest will be your own study. Of course, I will be observing you for six months and give you advice from afar. Other than that, I don't think I will make another appearance."

"Why?"

"Well, I have my reason."

"…" Theo looked down, feeling a bit sad. Although their bond was just forged a few days ago, it felt like it had progressed more than a year.

"Don't be sad. I'm still with you during that time, so don't you dare to procrastinate, alright? Or you will be facing my wrath."

"Yes. I will keep training according to Master's schedule."

"Good." She smiled and patted his shoulders.

"Then, I will see Master tomorrow."

"Actually, I have something to say about Alea Eilric." She narrowed her eyes as she was a bit hesitant to tell him.

"What is it, Master?"

"There is no way for you to keep up with her. Your level and fighting prowess are still too low compared to her. However, I do believe that you have something in you that can allow you to reach her. I have seen it in you and you need to understand that yourself. When you do, put a leash on her…" She smirked and grasped his neck, imitating how a leash would feel on his neck. "Will you?"