A dull ache shot through my skull.
I groaned again and rolled over, attempting to pull my pillow over my head to muffle the constant metal clashing sound.
But instead of my pillow, I came away with a handful of damp leaves.
Frowning, I tried to sit up straight, but that simple act triggered an agonizing pain in my ribs.
Moving my body also caused the insides of my head to slosh, making it harder for me to focus or even open my eyes.
After a long struggle, I did manage to open my bleary eyes and used them to scan my surroundings through a bottle-glass blur.
I recognized my surroundings after a little drowsy confusion. I remember now.
I was using Infernal Demonic sword art, First Form: The Sword of Madness.
But after swinging my sword two times, I don't remember anything at all!
What happened to me?
The cave's shadows danced in flickering candlelight, casting eerie shapes on the walls. The memories were fragmented, like shards of a broken mirror. I recalled the intense surge of power, the uncontrollable frenzy of the Sword of Madness, and then... darkness.
My body protested as I attempted to push myself into a sitting position. The air felt cold and damp, and the metallic scent of blood hung in the air. A quick survey revealed Yato nearby, focused on some task, his silver hair catching the dim light.
"Master," I croaked, my voice hoarse. Yato glanced over, his expression a mix of relief and concern.
"Lucas, you're awake. How do you feel?" he inquired, his tone carrying a measured calmness.
"Rest now, Lucas," Yato advised a rare gentleness in his tone.
I nodded, however, there was something I had to ask him first.
"Master, how do I get my body ready for the sword of madness?"
Yato looked at me put his hand on its chin and thought a bit and after a moment he said,
"For me, I don't have to read my body at all because I was way stronger than you are but the first thing you should do is strike 10,000 sword strikes in a day so your body will become familiar with the sword of madness."
'10,000 strikes a day? That incense, I don't have that much time for this.'
"Is there any faster way, master?"
Yato considered my question, his gaze focused on some distant memory. After a moment, he spoke, "The path to mastering the Sword of Madness requires not just physical training but a deep connection with the essence of the art. There might be a more efficient way, but it will be more painful than what to are feeling right now."
"Please tell me!"
"Are you sure?"
I nodded my head with determination as Yato asked.
"There is a gravity chamber back at Nova Academy, all you have to do is set gravity ten times of Eatheria but let me tell you it would be more painful because you would be swinging your sword ten times of gravity and your body also take serious damage."
'Gulp.'
I gulp as I hear the training regiment,
'There is no need to worry, Lucas I have Isla who would make potions for me. So I do have to worry.' I said to myself.