『Alberto: The only thing I know about that man is that he's like a ghost. No one knows his name or appearance, yet everyone is aware of his existence and fears him. Why do you want to know, kid? Are you planning to kill him to collect his bounty? 』
Alberto raised an eyebrow, assessing Neizan's determination.
『Neizan: I don't care about the bounties. I just want to deal with whoever is involved in a certain business, that's all... 』
Neizan clenched his fists, making it clear that his goal was personal.
『Alberto: I'll tell you that it's much easier to win in the coliseum than to find that man. You'll only see that guy once in your life, if you're lucky enough for him to decide to meet you in person. 』
『Neizan: I'll manage to find him. 』
『Alberto: You're very reckless for someone so young, kid. Either you really don't value your life, or you have some very personal matters to resolve. 』
Alberto crossed his arms, watching Neizan with interest.
『Neizan: It's none of your business. So when the hell is that guy supposed to train me? 』
『Alberto: You want to start that quickly? You seem to be more relentless than they said, hahaha! Miguel, take care of the kid for a moment and show him outside what you know. 』
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Later, outside the mansion, Neizan and Miguel began a practice combat with wooden swords. Meanwhile, Arthur watched the battle, which would last less than a minute.
『Miguel: You lost here. 』
Miguel had managed to place his sword against Neizan's neck, stopping just before striking him. Neizan frowned, clearly annoyed at having lost, which was evident in his expression.
『Miguel: You don't have to be like that. I didn't have to hold back in this first round; it's not bad for you. 』
『Neizan: You say that as if I would let you win next time. Let's go again! 』
Neizan gritted his teeth, determined to prove his worth.
After several attempts and defeats, Neizan ended up injured and bruised, though only superficially. His face was slick with sweat and frustration.
『Miguel: I see you're learning quickly from my movements, even though your sword technique is quite poor. 』
Miguel looked at Neizan with a mix of admiration and surprise.
『Neizan: I know, I've never had anyone teach me this level of skill with a sword before… 』
Neizan paused for a moment, breathing heavily as he ran a hand through his messy hair, feeling both frustrated and eager to improve.
『Miguel: I believe my lord was right to give you a chance to learn. Undoubtedly, you are physically a bit stronger than I am, but you lack the practice and experience to surpass me. Tomorrow, we will begin your first training, so you can leave now. 』
After the conversation between the two fighters, Neizan and Arthur went to a room, accompanied by a maid. There, the two began to think about what to do next.
『Arthur: Don't do it... That guy wiped the floor with you, and instead of being discouraged, are you even more determined to participate in the coliseum now? 』
『Neizan: I know I can do it. This is just the beginning. When I manage to defeat that knight, I will know that I have become much stronger. 』
『Arthur: You're really stubborn... 』
『Neizan: Arthur, you need to go back home alone. We can't leave Nana there by herself. 』
『Arthur: I know, I'll make the journey back tomorrow and return soon. 』
『Neizan: Okay, I'm grateful for everything, Arthur. 』
『Arthur: I'm still not used to you thanking me... 』
During the first month of his morning training, Neizan experienced a remarkable improvement in his sword technique. He was already able to spar with Sir Miguel, though he still lacked the skill to win even a single round. However, his development and enthusiasm were evident and contagious.
In the afternoons, outside the mansion, Neizan began his physical training routine, as his preparation was not limited to swordplay. During this time, he had set up a training circuit in the forest and requested various tools and modifications to that space from the noble Alberto. Alberto readily agreed, allowing Neizan to have his own personal gym.
His routine included dumbbell lifting, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and stretching. To increase the difficulty of some exercises, he wore heavy metal chains. When practicing martial arts, he used a vest that added weight to his body and strapped weights to his arms and legs. He struck the tree in front of him with force, hardening his bones, and also practiced shadow boxing. Finally, before dusk, he would walk about 10 km while still carrying the weight of the vest and the weights on his limbs.
At each meal, Neizan ate with such voracity that he could easily consume ten thousand calories a day. Although this caloric intake was well above normal for a human, it required extraordinary willpower to carry out all these activities day after day.
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『???: Here you go, my lord. 』
A young woman approached with a tray, pouring wine into a delicate goblet.
『???: The games of this year will soon begin. I wonder if there will be any decent fighters to make the final match exciting, like in years past. 』
Seated on a luxurious and ostentatious golden throne, a young man with red eyes and short blond hair gazed out at the front of his palace with an expressive smile, revealing a mix of enthusiasm and anticipation.
『???: People keep coming as always, filling the stands of the coliseum. I am pleased to know that they are so eager to see blood spilled and death in the arena. No matter how many times I witness it, it always brings me a certain pleasure, don't you think? 』
His voice carried an almost melancholic tone, as if he were savoring a distant memory.
『???: Of course... 』
The young woman, with her blond hair and cherry-colored eyes, replied seriously. Her gaze was a blend of respect and fear, and it was clear that every word was imbued with reverence for the young man. Around them, men and women watched in silence, not daring to look directly at him, as if his presence commanded unwavering devotion.
『Emperor: Amuse me, my dogs, wives, slaves, gladiators! Put on a show worthy of your emperor. 』
As he spoke, the young man held the garnet-colored goblet with one arm, casually crossing his leg. With his other arm raised, he made a dramatic gesture, as if his declaration demanded a passionate response from the world around him. His smile widened, reflecting an almost unsettling pleasure in the anticipation of the blood that would soon flow in the arena.