Chapter 5: A Warrior's Path

The morning sun cast long shadows across the village as Alex made his way to the tannery. Thal was already waiting outside, his muscular form silhouetted against the rising light. In his hands, he held two wooden training swords, their surfaces worn smooth from use.

"You're here early," Thal remarked with a nod.

"Figured I'd get a head start," Alex replied, trying to mask his nervousness with a smile.

Thal handed Alex one of the wooden swords. "Let's see what you've got."

They moved to an open area behind the tannery, a makeshift training ground bordered by the forest. Thal stood a few paces away, his stance relaxed yet commanding. Alex mirrored his posture, trying to remember the basic stances from his past life.

Thal struck first, his movements a blur. Alex barely had time to raise his sword before the impact sent a jolt through his arms. He staggered back, trying to regain his footing.

"Not bad," Thal said, his tone neutral. "But you'll need to be faster."

Every time Thal struck, Alex could only see a blur followed by pain. Whenever he looked at Thal, he was already back in his striking position, ready to attack again.

Thal observed him closely. Whenever he was able to disarm Alex, Alex would resort to hand-to-hand combat. Whenever Alex was at a disadvantage, he would always be looking for new ways to attack. Yet Thal noticed that Alex's attacks were never meant to kill him.

In fact, Alex had a lot of techniques. Despite lacking stamina and strength, he executed everything smoothly. But Thal could see that all of his techniques were too systematic, not versatile.

Alex's combat style relied heavily on pre-planned scenarios and his ability to remember counterattacks or counter moves. It didn't feel natural. Moreover, his aim was always to immobilize the enemy, not kill. While this was just a spar, Thal could not see any of his techniques thriving in life-and-death situations. No matter how much he tells him to attack with all his might, Alex still haven't done a killing blow.

Whenever it happened, Thal would correct Alex, and they continued sparring, the sound of wood clashing echoing through the clearing. Alex fought to keep up, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated compared to Thal's precise strikes. It became clear very quickly that Thal was far more skilled than he had let on.

After an hour, Alex was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching. Thal, on the other hand, seemed barely winded. He lowered his sword, signaling a break.

"You're out of shape," Thal observed bluntly.

Alex nodded, panting. "I know. It's been a while since I did anything like this."

Thal's expression softened slightly. "We'll work on that. Strength and stamina will come with time. For now, focus on technique."

Over the next few weeks, Thal put Alex through a grueling regimen.

They started each day with intense physical training: running through the forest, climbing trees, lifting heavy logs. The afternoons were dedicated to swordsmanship. Thal taught Alex the basics first: footwork, grip, and the fundamental strikes and blocks. It was frustratingly slow at times, but Alex appreciated the thoroughness.

Despite the demanding schedule, Alex managed to complete his daily training. Sometimes he would ask Thal for an hour to complete quests that required hunting. Thal noticed Alex's unique training methods and found out about his hellish routine, always pushing his muscles to the limit without resting.

The villagers also noticed the relationship between the two. They didn't find it strange, aside from the occasional groans and the sound of clashing wood when they visited the area near Thal's tannery.

As days turned into weeks, Alex noticed his body beginning to change. His muscles, once frail and weak, were growing stronger. His stamina was increasing, and he could run longer distances without feeling winded. The system seemed to acknowledge his efforts, updating his stats incrementally.

[Strength: 25/100]

[Stamina: 32/100]

The progress was encouraging, but Thal was relentless. He pushed Alex to his limits and beyond, never satisfied with anything less than perfection. Each mistake was met with a swift correction, often delivered with a painful reminder of what not to do.

During one particularly brutal session, Thal had Alex practice parrying. Time and again, Thal's wooden sword struck out, and Alex struggled to deflect each blow. His arms felt like lead, his vision blurred with sweat.

"Focus, Alex," Thal barked. "You're leaving yourself open."

"I'm trying," Alex grunted, frustration boiling over.

"Try harder." Thal's next strike came faster, catching Alex off guard. The impact sent him sprawling to the ground, gasping for breath.

Thal stood over him, his expression unreadable. "Again."

Alex groaned but got back to his feet, his body screaming in protest. He raised his sword, ready for the next onslaught. Thal's training was harsh, but Alex could feel the improvements. Each session left him stronger and more resilient.

During their brief breaks, Thal would share bits of his own story. He had traveled far and wide, seen battles and conflicts Alex could only imagine. Though he spoke sparingly, it was clear Thal had his own reasons for teaching Alex.

"The world is a dangerous place," Thal said one afternoon as they sat by the edge of the clearing. "You need to be prepared for anything."

Alex nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "I get that. But why me? Why are you taking the time to train me?"

Thal was silent for a moment, staring out at the forest. "Let's just say I see something in you. Potential. And maybe a bit of myself when I was younger."

Alex pondered Thal's words. There was more to his mentor than met the eye, and though he was curious, he respected Thal's privacy. He had his own secrets, after all.

Their training continued, each day a grueling test of endurance and willpower. Thal introduced new techniques, more advanced maneuvers that required precision and speed. Alex struggled but persevered, driven by a newfound determination. The routine became a rhythm, a dance of swords that slowly but surely honed his skills.

One morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, Thal called Alex to the clearing. "Today, we're going to spar for real."

Alex's eyes widened. "For real?"

Thal nodded. "No holding back. I need to see what you've learned."

They took their positions, the wooden swords feeling heavier than usual in Alex's grip. Thal's stance was relaxed, but Alex knew better than to underestimate him.

Thal struck first, a flurry of blows that Alex barely managed to parry. He countered with a strike of his own, but Thal deflected it effortlessly. They moved back and forth, the rhythm of their movements like a dance. Alex's muscles burned with exertion, but he pushed through the pain, focusing on each strike and block.

As they sparred, Thal's strikes became more aggressive, testing Alex's defenses. Alex fought to keep up, his mind racing to anticipate Thal's next move. Sweat poured down his face, but he refused to give in.

A particularly fierce strike from Thal sent Alex stumbling back, his wooden sword knocked from his grasp. He fell to the ground, gasping for breath.

Thal stood over him, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Not bad. You're getting better."

Alex groaned, struggling to sit up. "Feels like I'm getting beaten up better."

"That's part of the process," Thal said, extending a hand to help him up. "You learn from your mistakes. Each time you fall, you get back up stronger."

Alex sighed and said, "That sounds like a masochist, and I sure am not one."

As Alex got to his feet, he realized the truth in Thal's words. The training was brutal, but it was working. He was becoming stronger and more skilled. The system reflected his progress, and so did his body. Yet in his mind, he always denied being a masochist.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting session, Thal and Alex sat by the fire. The night was quiet, the sounds of the forest a soothing backdrop.

"You're improving faster than I expected," Thal remarked, staring into the flames.

Alex nodded, too tired to respond.

"There's something you should know," Thal continued, his tone serious. "The world is more brutal than you realize. There are threats out there that would make your past seem like child's play."

Alex looked at Thal, curiosity piqued. "Why are you telling me this?"

Thal's gaze was intense. "Because I need you to understand why this training is important. You came here seeking peace, but peace is fragile. You need to be ready for when it shatters."

Alex absorbed Thal's words, the weight of them settling in his mind. He had transmigrated in this body seeking a peaceful life, but perhaps Thal was right. Perhaps being prepared was the only way to truly find peace.

"Alright," Alex said quietly. "I understand."

Thal nodded, his expression softening. "Good. Now get some rest. Tomorrow, we push even harder."

As Alex lay down that night, his body aching, his mind was filled with new resolve. Thal's training was brutal, but it was necessary. He was no longer just a refugee trying to survive. He was on the path to becoming a warrior—perhaps the correct term would be, he was on his path again as a second-chance soldier.

The days turned into weeks, and Alex continued to train under Thal's watchful eye. The villagers began to notice the changes in him. He was no longer the frail young man who had arrived with nothing. He was stronger, more confident. He walked with purpose, and the respect in the villagers' eyes was unmistakable.

Each evening, Alex would bring his game to Thal, their relationship deepening with each passing day. They had started as mentor and student, but there was a growing camaraderie between them.

One day, as Alex handed over a fresh kill, Thal gave him a rare smile. "You're becoming quite the hunter."

"Thanks to you," Alex replied, feeling a swell of pride.

Thal nodded. "You've worked hard. But remember, this is just the beginning. The real challenges lie ahead."

Alex knew Thal was right. The world outside the village was filled with unknown dangers, and he needed to be ready. The training was tough, but it was preparing him for what was to come.

As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the village, Alex felt a sense of accomplishment. He was no longer the same person who had transmigrated here with a weak body. He was stronger, both physically and mentally. And with Thal's guidance, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Thal's offer had been unexpected, but it had changed everything. Alex had found a new purpose, a new path. The journey was far from over, but he was ready for it. And with Thal by his side, he knew he could face anything. His respect for him was beyond what a mentor and student should be.

Thal had become the father Alex yearned to have. It explained why he got attached to the old man so easily.

As he lay down to sleep that night, his body aching from the day's training, Alex felt a sense of peace. It was a hard-earned peace, forged through sweat and determination. And it was just the beginning of his journey.