CHAPTER 05
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The number of demons I've been encountering in the forest has noticeably increased. I can't help but think it might be because Master Yoru is currently absent.
"Master, just where are you?" I muttered to myself as I continued sprinting through the dense, sprawling forest.
This grueling task is another training exercise Master Yoru set for me. He instructed me to run through the entirety of the forest at my full speed while keeping a meticulous count of every single tree I passed. The forest is so vast and sprawling that this task could take several hours to complete.
Despite the challenge, I am fully committed to this training. After all, I have no other choice but to push through and give it my all.
Today marks the second day since that girl arrived in the forest. I'm still uncertain whether or not I should fully trust her. However, I can't simply send her away... I can't cook, after all, so it's not as if I have many options.
I've already been running for an hour or two, and I find myself reflecting on the intensity of my training. At only 10 years old, my training regimen is already this demanding?
Determined, I pushed my speed to its limits once more, continuing to count each tree with painstaking accuracy. "106, 367... 106, 368... And done," I said aloud, leaning forward and gripping my knees, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
"It took longer than I expected," I thought to myself. "But Master mentioned that my physique would gradually improve as I grow older. I suppose this means it will be worth it in the end."
My clothes were thoroughly soaked with sweat, and as I thought about it, I realized my entire lower body felt numb and heavy, almost as if it were leaden. I could barely move it, and my eyes felt incredibly tired. This exercise was intended to enhance my agility, speed, stamina, balance, endurance, and visual acuity.
*Growl*
My stomach, too, was voicing its complaints loudly. I decided I should rest for a few moments before continuing.
After a brief period of rest, I stood up and began stretching my sore muscles. "That feels better," I said, relieved to alleviate some of the stiffness.
"Now, where exactly is the house again?" My eyes had been so intensely focused on the trees and counting them that I had lost my sense of direction.
"How am I supposed to find my way back?" I wondered aloud. With no other choice, I resolved to keep moving and try to retrace my steps in hopes of locating the house.
After what felt like another hour or so of wandering through the forest, I finally spotted the familiar outline of the house in the distance.
"I hope there's food waiting," I thought as I opened the door. Inside, I saw her in the kitchen. Her small frame was hunched over a counter where a pot of stew was gently simmering. When she noticed me, she looked up with a start, then her face broke into a bright, welcoming smile.
"Uhm—" I began, but my stomach chose that moment to growl loudly, interrupting me. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me as a flush crept up my cheeks.
She giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You must be really hungry after that run," she said, her voice warm and understanding.
I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. "Yeah, I'm absolutely starving."
She gestured to the table, which was set with a simple yet appetizing meal of rice, vegetables, and a hearty stew. The mouth-watering aroma of the food made my stomach rumble even louder, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of relief.
"Come on, sit down," she said cheerfully. "I made this just for you."
I trudged over to the table and sank into a chair, feeling the weight of my fatigue. My legs still felt heavy from the exertion, and I was struggling to shake off the lingering tiredness. She moved with practiced ease as she served me a generous helping of stew and rice.
"So," she asked, glancing at me with a hint of concern, "how was the training?"
I took a spoonful of the stew, savoring the comforting warmth and delicious taste. "It was really tough. Counting all those trees was far more difficult than I anticipated."
She nodded, taking a seat across from me. "Your Master's training is meant to be challenging. I think he designed it to make you stronger, to push you beyond our limits."
I quickly finished my meal, feeling much better now. As I wiped my mouth and pushed my empty plate away, I felt a renewed sense of ease and gratitude. Her kindness and the nourishing food had made a significant difference.
"Thanks," I said, looking up at her with genuine appreciation. "I really needed this."