It took me a few weeks to fully recover but I bounced back up and we resumed my training. The old man didn't become even the slightest sympathetic. He went all out with me. Not only was he strict but he was cruel too. However, deep down he was just as kind. At least I hoped he was.
All the sweat and tears were worth it. Even running around and dancing at the siren's songs were worth it too: probably. From here on out, things moved fast. My daily routine included practice drills, fishing, and sleeping. But then there were the weekly drills that required me to run around, hunting sirens. I never forgot about why I was here and I never forgot about what I was going to do. But for now…. I felt at ease.
On the 62nd day, we officially dueled with bamboo sticks. The old man had gained a few kilos. I had similar gains. Though most of my new weight came from my muscles. Perhaps I could finally stand tall, saying I looked decent.
