As the sun began to rise over the horizon, Shinon woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the gentle flow of the nearby stream. He sat up and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air, feeling rejuvenated after a restful night's sleep.
His night wasn't bad at all. But in the daylight, he realised a lot needed to be done to change the makeshift camp into a solid base of operations.
However, there was one thing he needed to do before anything else: Take a quick dip in the stream to wash off the sweat and grime from the previous day's journey.
He got rid of his clothes quicker than dispatching a Walker and jumped into the stream. The water was cold and refreshing, and Shinon felt his muscles relaxing under the gentle pressure of the flowing water.
As he emerged from the cool, refreshing stream, droplets of water cascading down his tanned, muscular frame, he couldn't help but feel a sense of renewal. The crisp morning air filled his lungs, invigorating him as he stood there, taking in his surroundings.
Like his creations, his body was a work of art, honed to perfection through years of training and forging in extreme temperatures.
His broad shoulders and well-defined chest rippled with muscle as he moved while his arms bulged with strength from wielding his trusty sword. His abs were chiselled, a testament to the gruelling physical regimen he subjected himself to daily.
As he ran his fingers through his damp, tousled hair, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasure of being alive, of feeling the sun on his skin and the earth beneath his feet. Moments like these made all the hardships and sacrifices he had endured worthwhile.
"Let's start training," He mumbled before pulling his sword from his shadow.
Without wasting a moment, he began to practice his swordsmanship right there in the middle of the stream. He moved with grace and fluidity, his strikes precise and deadly.
Each movement was executed with breathtaking speed and accuracy, the sound of steel ringing against the rushing water.
Practising swordsmanship in the water had many benefits. The resistance of the water made every movement more challenging, helping to build strength and endurance.
The water's unpredictable flow also helped improve balance and stability, forcing Shinon to adjust his footing with every stroke. The water also provides a cushioning effect, reducing the risk of falling and injuring oneself.
Not to mention the cooling effect of the water to lower one's temperature, making it easier to train for extended periods without becoming over-exhausted.
And lastly, the calming sound and sensation of the water helps focus the mind and achieve a state of mental clarity, improving the overall performance in swordsmanship.
As he continued training, Shinon felt his muscles burn with exertion, his breath coming in quick gasps. But he pushed himself harder, determined to be the best swordsman he could be.
Shinon was in the middle of his sword practice, the sound of his blade slicing through the water as he moved through the stream. He was so focused on his movements that he didn't notice the presence of anyone else until he heard a twig snap nearby.
Stopping his movements, he saw a young woman in her twenties hiding in the bushes, watching him intently. Shinon narrowed his eyes, his hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his sword.
"Who's there?" he called out sternly, ready to defend himself if necessary.
The woman stumbled out of the bushes, her face red with embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to disturb you. I was just... curious."
Shinon couldn't help but notice the girl's toned physique as she emerged from the bush. Her body was lean and athletic, with defined muscles that hinted at her skill in combat.
Her short dark hair was tied back in a practical ponytail. Her face was angular and sharp, with piercing green eyes that seemed to study him intently.
She looked like she could hold her own in a fight. Maybe she was a warrior or even an assassin, judging from her agility and stealth. But regardless of her background, Shinon knew better than to let his guard down around someone who had been spying on him.
Shinon scowled at her. "Curious about what? My swordsmanship skills?"
The woman nodded, looking down at something else. "Yes, I've never seen anything like it before. It's so... graceful."
"That's not a good enough reason to spy on someone. It's disrespectful." Shinon relaxed his grip on his sword and shook his head.
"I know. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
"Your words don't agree with your lingering gaze." Shinon scoffed, realising where the girl had been looking the entire time.
He was in his underwear, but thanks to the water... some areas had become with the skin.
"You should leave. It's not safe to be out here alone." Shinon warned the girl.
The girl pointed at the berries at a distance before replying, "I was here for the berries..."
"Do you live nearby?"
"Yes, I live in a small settlement not far from here," she replied, keeping her eyes locked on his. "My name's Kira, by the way."
"Shinon," He replied, studying her for a moment longer before returning to his practice. "Very well, Kira. You're free to go, but if you're thinking of spying on me again, I suggest you think twice about it."
Shinon snapped his fingers, and the shadow swords hovering over Kira's head disappeared into the darkness.
Kira gasped, realising that the blades had been hovering just inches above her head without her even noticing. She looked up at Shinon in awe.
"How did you do that?" she asked, her eyes wide.
"Let's just say I have a few tricks up my sleeve," he said, twirling his sword. "Now, I suggest you leave before you get yourself hurt."
Kira seemed to understand the warning and nodded before disappearing into the bushes. Shinon continued his training, feeling a sense of unease at the encounter.
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Kira than she had let on. And after what happened with the Phoenix and Selena, who could have blamed him for doubting Kira?
"Damn it!"
Just thinking about Selena filled him with anger, which Shinon quickly channelled towards his training.