Chapter 26

Doflamingo proved with actions that his words were not mere rhetoric.

The next day, early in the morning, Abel and Law were rudely awakened and brought to a specially cleared training field outside.

Their first lesson was to be given by the incessantly mocking Diamante!

Despite Doflamingo's orders, he wouldn't harm these two brats, but since Doflamingo had personally asked him to teach them swordsmanship, he naturally wouldn't show mercy and was determined to make them suffer a bit.

"Pick up your weapons. From today onward, I, Diamante, will be teaching you how to wield a sword."

"If you fail to satisfy me, your fate will resemble this rock."

Bang!

With a casual flick of his wrist, Diamante's longsword shot out like a snake, shattering a large rock beside him!

Abel and Law exchanged glances, realizing that any doubts voiced now would only serve as an excuse for their tormentor. However, Law noticed Abel's bandaged arm and instantly recognized the adversary's malicious intent!

Just as Law was about to voice his concern, Abel stopped him, and forcefully flexed his arms. In front of them both, he unwrapped the bandage and removed the splint from his arm.

"Abel, don't push yourself. Your arm injury..."

"Has already healed."

Abel nonchalantly tossed aside the discarded items.

Law was stunned momentarily but observing Abel, he didn't seem to be pretending, so he couldn't help but ask, "How could it have healed so quickly?"

Abel promptly met the cold gaze of a certain individual and said fearlessly, "Perhaps the injury wasn't that severe to begin with. At that time, it felt like a mosquito bite. Who would have thought that you would make such a fuss about it later."

With these words, not only was Law, who had bandaged him, flustered, even Diamante's initially amused expression froze on his face, feeling subtly ridiculed.

"Bitten by a mosquito? Very well, kid, you're the first one to provoke me like this. I hope in an hour, I can still see your current defiance."

"Now, pick up your swords!"

Suppressing his rage, Diamante prepared to discipline Abel within the bounds of the rules.

Having vented his frustration and had his fun, Abel didn't give Diamante the chance to retaliate easily. Being 'obedient', he silently picked up the weapon on the ground.

"Hmm? This weight..."

In Abel's hand was a moderately sized, blunt iron sword, which was of a perfect length for them at that time, but unexpectedly heavy.

Even Abel, whose gourmet cells had already undergone one evolution, found it a bit strenuous to pick up, let alone Law, who was considerably less skilled in all aspects.

"So heavy!"

Law, with a reddened face, finally managed to lift the sword with both hands.

"Hold the sword up, watch my moves, I'll only demonstrate once."

"Draw!"

"Thrust!"

Diamante, who was demonstrating, indeed had some real skill in swordsmanship. A simple sword thrust from him gave the illusion of striking like a lightning bolt.

Although they were still far away, both Law and Abel had the feeling that if they didn't dodge, they would die, yet they felt paralyzed, unable to move.

Only when Diamante retracted his sword and released his killing intent did they manage to break free from this dreadful sensation.

But when they came to their senses, they found their backs soaked in sweat.

They only truly experienced the terror of Diamante's strength when he became serious!

If Diamante had started the day with this attitude, Abel would have had no chance to rebel at all.

"Do as I just did, practice a sword thrust a hundred times."

"I should warn you in advance, don't even think about slacking off or cutting corners. If I find even one move that isn't standard, you'll face a penalty."

"Believe me, if you die in the process, even if Doflamingo comes, he won't say much."

"Because worthless trash only has one fate - to be discarded and burned!"

Diamante's words were cold, extremely mocking, and sharp.

But at the same time, they were painfully real!

Because here, people without value indeed do not deserve to survive.

Without a word, Abel calmly gripped the sword with one hand, copying Diamante's move, drawing back and forcefully thrusting out!

Fortunately, his body had been strengthened, his physical fitness greatly enhanced, otherwise, he really wouldn't have been able to execute this so accurately.

In fact, even Diamante, who was waiting to continue his mockery, was slightly surprised inwardly.

"I didn't expect this kid's strength to be better than I imagined, but this is just the beginning, hehe."

Even just repeating the simple thrust action a hundred times correctly was not easy, especially as the weapon was relatively heavy. The task became more challenging as they progressed.

Seeing Abel successfully begin the training, Law gritted his teeth and attempted to hold the sword with one hand as well.

His thrust was successful, but his form was off, looking twisted and unsteady, and he nearly toppled over.

Observing this, Diamante, who had been waiting for an opportunity, immediately scoffed, "Are you planning to kill the enemy with laughter at your absurd movements? Try again!"

Simultaneously, his long sword, precise as a serpent, landed a strike on Law's back.

What does it feel like to be whipped with a 'whip' made of steel?

Law gasped, his facial muscles twitching. His face turned red from the pain, but he bit his lip hard and made no sound.

"Don't worry, I will control my strength," Diamante said, grinning widely with a satisfied sneer.

Seeing all this, Abel narrowed his eyes. Even if the force was held back, if the number of punishments increased, they could easily be beaten to death or die from the pain.

Indeed, even though they had chosen to find a protective umbrella for themselves, it didn't mean they were truly safe.

However, this 'whip' served as a wake-up call for Law, making him realize the gap between his physical talents and Abel's!

So, once he recovered, he finally stopped trying to show off and honestly began to use both hands to hold the sword for training.

This time, his movements were finally correct.

The power of both hands combined was undoubtedly more stable.

This was Diamante's original expectation.

So, he was waiting for a spectacle, not believing that Abel could complete a hundred sword thrusts using only one hand.

Soon, twenty repetitions passed.

Abel continued at a steady pace, meticulously executing each move.

Sheathe the sword.

Thrust!

Meanwhile, the cells in his body started to brim with vitality as he completed sets of movements.