In the River of Sasmuan, a man with short dark hair that covers his forehead, black pupils and pale skin was currently swimming in various poses. He swam face down, alternating arm strokes reaching forward and pulling through the water. The hand enters the water in front, pulls under the body, and exits near the hips. Then, a flutter kick propels the body forward, with the legs moving in an alternating, scissor-like motion.
Just like that, Caleb enjoyed the River alone while practicing all types of swimming techniques, from freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, and sidestroke, to elementary backstroke. Thanks to his enhanced body, things that he couldn't do in his past life, he can do them now.
'Well, this day is really satisfying.' Caleb became motionless. He moved his arms a little to stay afloat in the water. He looks at the bright moon in the sky in a daze. The gentle moonlight illuminates the River, giving it an ethereal type of atmosphere. When looking at the moon, he couldn't help but think if he was just on another planet but in the same Universe as the Earth. That thought, for some reason, gives him comfort.
However, there's also a possibility that he was in a different Multiverse or even Omniverse altogether. Worst case, he might even be in a different realm or plane! He doesn't know what the river of time is after all.
'Well, it's time to come back.'
It's been three hours since they came back from the Forest of Death after his last hunt. Fushigiro, Dunn, and the others haven't come back yet from their hunt. Jin decided to cook in advance so that after the others came back, they would eat. Athena helped Jin prepare. While he, on the other hand, decided to bathe in the river.
He was exhausted and his body was filled with dried sweat, blood, and other scents that lingered on him from the forest.
...
Just like that, another thirteen days passed. Caleb's thirty-day training would end after one last session with his captain. A lot of things happened during those thirty days.
First of all, he could do 2000 sword slashes now and his stamina improved due to it. Not only that, he doesn't know how, but even without paying much thought or attention, his breathing became more slow and controlled. If before, he would slump to the ground after 1500 slashes... Now, even after 2000 slashes, he barely feels any strain in his breath.
The benefit of 2000 slashes had already shown itself with his hunts. Sometimes, even if the ambush fails, he can handle just fine most wild beasts using his Odachi. Well, except for the Octavian Bears. It could be said that Octavian Bears is really one of the top predators in the Forest of Death. Jin even said to him that if there were only three of them, without Fushigiro, and they encountered one, one day... Flee on the spot! With it, he has also mastered the three-four combination that Miles had taught him.
"You are really something. You reached the level of Miles in such a short time. Although you're still far from doing four steps, I don't doubt you will be able to do it one day."
Caleb nodded. Yes, he has successfully learned Deka Step. He was still at entry level, but progress was progress. Thinking of this, he clenched his fist. The thirty days of training were very rewarding, to say the least!
He didn't only learn how to wield a sword. He has improved comprehensively. Knowledge, skill, and experience wise!
"Thanks for your teaching, captain!"
Hearing this, Fushigiro gave Caleb a gentle pat on the back and sighed wistfully. "Don't mention it. You're now a member of the team. Treat us like a family. Brothers and sisters. And remember, if you can truly master the Deka Step. I'll teach you another one of my techniques, like Jin?"
"Really!?" Caleb exclaimed in surprise.
Who would have thought!? The captain was really generous! Caleb took a deep breath, trying to suppress the excitement in his heart.
"Don't be surprised. I would have taught the others of my technique. But they can't even master the one I taught them. Although they reached a satisfying level, it was not enough for me to entrust the techniques my master imparted to me. Although I really want to pass it to them, even if that's the case. However, I have to honor my master's will."
Caleb frowned. "Your master's will?"
"Yeah, he told me to only pass one technique per person. But if they can master it, I can pass another. And if they master it once again, I'll pass another one, and so on. So I could actually teach all the five powers to every member, provided that they can master each! As of now, Only Jin has managed to master one. That's why I taught him another, which was Tesai. And if he masters Tesai, I'll teach him another..." He purposely trailed off and gave Caleb a meaningful look.
"One..." Caleb continued.