After the talk they had where Adam decided to up their training by a whole lot and William constantly trying to tell him not to do it, albeit unsuccessful in his endeavor, William didn't really dislike it much as he could see the huge improvement that it would bring to him.
So starting the next day they started doing intense training that would make the workers who worked beside the room and upwards it wonders what the hell were they doing there almost every day.
A New Day
In the training room, resonant sounds reverberated through the space as it quaked under the intense movements of two figures flashing about. Whenever these figures neared each other, a thunderous, explosive noise filled the room, causing it to tremble even more violently.
The flashes of movement were so rapid that the human eye couldn't possibly discern what was happening. But that was only true for ordinary human eyes. If we consider those with supernatural abilities enhanced by mana, then it's a different matter altogether.
Take Clawdia, for instance, who was seated at a safe distance, far enough from the flashes and vibrations to remain unaffected. Even if the force tried to reach her, her formidable defensive capabilities would render any impact futile.
At this moment, she sat with a calm demeanor, her gaze fixed on the battle unfolding before her. Thanks to her already extraordinary eyesight, a gift of her genetics, she didn't require any mana-based enhancements to clearly perceive the events transpiring.
To her, the flashes were her Master and the swordsman her Master had recruited just a few days prior. Both were locked in a fierce duel, each one striving to gain the upper hand.
However, Clawdia had already anticipated the outcome. She knew that no matter how fervently her Master fought, he wouldn't be able to overpower the swordsman unless he acquired an extraordinary boost in strength.
What puzzled her was why her Master had invited this man and why he seemed so willing to endure defeat at his hands every day. Was this some sort of tradition, a rite that men like her Master participated in? Or was there something else at play?
Before she could arrive at a conclusive answer, a deafening sound erupted, followed by a powerful vibration. She turned her gaze toward the source of the noise and saw her Master sprawled on the cold, unyielding floor, which, despite countless battles, remained unscathed.
William cracked his knuckles as he slowly rose from the ground, having been knocked down for the 19th time. Yes, the 19th time. They had been training for nearly seven hours, and neither man showed any signs of conceding.
If one were to observe closely, they would notice the sweat glistening on their faces, the labored breaths they exhaled. They occasionally lowered their guards, not as a feint to bait the other, but because maintaining such high defenses for so long was exhausting. Even a brief respite, just a few seconds, was a welcome relief.
Adam observed the young man from his vantage point in the air— yes, hovering. The training had escalated to such an intense level that Adam had resorted to using spells and every skill at his disposal during his sessions with William.
"What kind?"
"Swords."
"Swords, huh." William pondered for a moment before responding, "I think I'm proficient. I can wield them fluidly, and the sword techniques you've taught me have advanced to a level where I'm confident I could best a master— albeit one who is close to my strength."
"Yeah, I figured," Adam replied, considering for a moment before asking, "Axes?"
"Heavy, but I've found ways to wield them unpredictably to land a strike."
"Warhammer?"
"Very heavy, but with precise timing, it's a guaranteed one-hit kill."
"Ring Sword?"
"I'm able to defend with it and also attack at close to mid-range by throwing it."
"Spear?"
"I'm developing a variety of styles with it. It's versatile, effective at almost any range, especially long-range when thrown."
"Dagger?"
"Fast, with less damage, but it's invaluable when used unexpectedly."
Adam continued asking similar questions, nodding thoughtfully after each response. Just then, the door to the training room swung open, and Delmar entered with a broad smile, announcing, "Boss... We got our invite."