A few miles into the forest, far away from the ruins of my village—
I had been training for two months.
It felt like a lifetime.
Under Delilah's guidance, I had pushed my limits to the extreme, living in the wild, fighting all sorts of beasts, and swinging the sword I had claimed from the dead bandit. I didn't know how it was possible, but my body had transformed rapidly, becoming more robust and streamlined.
As I swung my sword at a fallen branch, I could feel the strength in my arms, the agility in my movements. I had never imagined I could change so much in such a short time.
"[Your mental stress has reached its peak. Delilah would like to suggest that you sleep.]"
I found it cute how she sometimes slipped and referred to herself in the third person. It made her feel more like a companion than just a voice in my head.
"Okay, Delilah. I'll rest," I replied, smiling slightly. I stretched, feeling the tension in my muscles, and then I returned to my sleeping spot in the branches of a sturdy tree.
The forest was alive with sounds, the rustling leaves and distant calls of animals creating a symphony that lulled me into a sense of peace. I settled into the crook of the tree, allowing my body to relax. As I closed my eyes, I could still feel the weight of my training pressing on me. But exhaustion tugged at my mind, and I surrendered to it, drifting off into a deep sleep.
In my dreams, I saw flashes of my past—a burning village, faces of those I had lost, and the bandit who had taunted me. But intertwined with those memories were images of strength and resilience. I could feel Delilah's presence, guiding me through the darkness, reminding me of my purpose.
When I awoke, the sun had shifted in the sky, casting dappled light through the leaves. I felt refreshed, the mental fog lifting as I opened my eyes. "Thanks for that, Delilah. I really needed the break."
"[You are welcome, Ron. It is important to balance training with rest for optimal performance. Shall we continue your training?]"
"When will I be ready, Delilah?" I asked.
"[Processing…]" She replied after a moment, the familiar pause making my heart race a little. I looked down at my sword, its blade dulled from all the swinging and fighting. I knew it needed sharpening, but it also felt like a reflection of my own progress—battle-worn and in need of refinement.
I jumped down from the tree, landing with a soft thud on the forest floor. The leaves crunched beneath my feet as I headed for the nearby lake, the water glimmering under the sunlight like a mirror.
"[Data unavailable. Outcome is uncertain,]" Delilah stated, her tone steady but lacking the reassurance I craved.
I sighed, a mix of frustration and determination surging through me. "But I need to know! I can't keep training indefinitely without knowing if it's making a difference."
As I approached the lake, I knelt down and examined my reflection in the water. The face staring back at me was one I barely recognized—leaner, more defined, with a fierce glint in my eyes that hadn't been there before. But I could still see the uncertainty lingering beneath the surface.
I looked like a savage with my shirt missing, a result of living in the forest for two months straight.
My skin was tanned, dirt-streaked, and my hair had grown wild and unruly. I used my hands to scoop water from the lake and drank deeply, quenching my thirst.
I wasn't exactly the smartest tool in the shed. Surely, a sword would be a straightforward method for revenge. But the Gorosum Bandits were a powerful bunch; they were many, and they had their boss and Red. Both of those figures possessed greater martial prowess than any average person.
"I should continue training until I am no longer satisfied, huh?" I muttered to myself, contemplating my next steps. Delilah had taught me everything she could: pugilism, grappling, swordsmanship, and every technical skill she suggested. I had embraced them all, but they felt mundane compared to the grand visions I held in my mind. I imagined real knights capable of feats that transcended the ordinary, yet it wasn't knights I would be fighting but bandits. I reminded myself not to raise my target too high.
Another two months passed, and I had reached a level of physical prowess I believed should be enough to deal with a bandit gang. My body had transformed, muscles honed through relentless training, and I felt ready. However, my sword had shattered a long time ago, a casualty of the many fights I'd engaged in during my training.
All sorts of animal carcasses were littered around me.
I perceived a steamy energy radiating around my skin. It was grayish-white, like some kind of aura shimmering in the light. I didn't know what it was, and surprisingly, Delilah didn't know either. But in that moment, I felt powerful—like a force to be reckoned with. I reveled in the sensation, feeling stronger than I ever had before.
"Delilah, what is this?" I asked, flexing my fingers and watching the aura dance around my hands.
"[Data on the phenomenon is currently unavailable, Ron,]" she replied, her voice calm and steady. "[However, it may be a manifestation of your enhanced physical capabilities. You have pushed your body beyond its limits, and this energy could be a result of that.]"
I nodded, excitement coursing through me. "So, I'm stronger than before? Strong enough to face the Gorosum Bandits?"
"[That remains to be seen,]" Delilah cautioned. "[Your training has provided you with skills and strength, but real combat experience will reveal your true capabilities.]"
"With the nanomachines and you, Delilah, I should be able to do it," I said, my voice filled with determination.
"[Suggestion: optimization of the strange energy is possible.]"
"Really? Do it."
"[Permission has been granted.]"
I fainted on the spot.
When I woke up, Delilah's voice greeted me softly. "[Good morning, Ron. You have been asleep for 82 hours. The 'energy' has been analyzed. It is a psychic-induced phenomenon via the vitality of the cells. Conscious thoughts are used to manipulate the energy. Similarly, the AI system can use it. Various applications have opened.]"
I stretched, feeling revitalized and ready for action. I was still beside the lake, the sun filtering through the trees, casting dancing patterns on the ground. But as I looked over, I saw a handsome face with fair skin staring back at me from the water. What the hell happened to me? My features had changed, but it was more than just physical; there was a confidence in my eyes I had never seen before.
Suddenly, an alert blared in my mind. "[Warning! Hostility detected.]"
From my left, a meter-tall boar charged at me, tusks gleaming in the sunlight. It was one of the kinds of beasts I had encountered in this forest before, but this one looked particularly aggressive. I took a deep breath, feeling the energy surge within me.
"How do I use this energy exactly?" I questioned, panic creeping in. Honestly, I had no idea. I only knew I felt more powerful with it.
"[Amplification of strength is suitable in this scenario.]"
Inhaling deeply, I focused on the energy radiating from my core. The aura felt electric, alive, and I channeled that sensation into my fist.
When the boar reached me, I exhaled and punched with everything I had. My fist met the boar's snout with a resounding thud, stopping it dead in its tracks. The creature stumbled backward, confusion and pain flashing in its eyes.
I stood there for a moment, breathless, before realizing that the boar had become my dinner. A grin spread across my face. "Looks like I'll have a decent meal tonight," I muttered, my heart racing with exhilaration.
With newfound confidence, I approached the boar. I could feel Delilah's presence, a steady anchor amidst the adrenaline. "What next, Delilah?" I asked, eager to put my skills to the test.
"[You have successfully amplified your strength and stopped the boar. Next, you must prepare the meat for consumption. Utilizing your resources wisely is key to sustaining your training.]"
Yeah… right…
"I think I'd like to try my chances on revenge now."