For the next few hours, Ruth took Seth through the fundamentals of striking,
teaching him how to strike with all the most dangerous parts of his body.
She even went through basic throws and submissions, ensuring that he was able to defend himself both on his feet and on the ground.
It was the most fatigued Seth had felt in his life, and he was thankful that Ruth had made him change out of his formal wear into simple training gear, which consisted of loose trousers and no shirt or shoes.
During his training, something bothered him.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, Ruth," he said after his training for the day had finished, "but wouldn't it be more important for me to start learning about the powers of the Anointed? Vorn mentioned that it was called Blight?"
He knew that physical training was important, but he wasn't currently doing anything that he couldn't have trained in before making his sacrifice.
However, he had felt much more capable during his training and found that it took a lot more exertion than it usually would for him to get tired.
"Well, now that you understand what your physical training will look like, allow me to explain the sacrifices, as well as the powers granted by them."
Seth sat on the floor as he listened to Ruth intently.
"Every sacrifice, no matter how great, will grant you basic physical benefits. These can be trained the same way as you would usually train your body; however, the heights that you can reach are increased drastically."
To demonstrate this, she walked over to one of the weights marked "50 kilograms" and lifted it with one hand, tossing it in the air and catching it again with ease. Afterward, she put the weight back in its place and continued her explanation.
"All Anointed that you come across will be able to utilize the physical benefits, which require no specific training. Only when we involve magic do we start to come across difficulties.
Magic is a strange thing, with innumerable capabilities. It all works through an essence called Blight, a magic we cannot see, but can be utilized by those who have given a sacrifice to Adonus.
Think of Blight as a fuel that can be used to manifest our imaginations and will. For example, if I wished to spark a fire with only my hands, and my connection with Blight was strong enough, I would be granted the power to do so."
Ruth then clicked her fingers, and instantly, a fire began to spark from the tip of her finger, like flames from a lighter.
Incredible, Seth thought in awe.
"So how do I increase my connection to Blight?" Seth asked with excitement.
Ruth flashed him a smile, as though he were an unknowledgeable child.
"That's the tricky part," Ruth said. "There are many ways to strengthen our connection. It may sound foolish, but almost anything could strengthen it.
Strengthening your connection to Blight is much like training the human body—there's no single method, but rather a variety of approaches that work better for different people depending on what they hope to achieve.
For some, meditation helps refine focus and control, allowing them to channel Blight with greater precision. Others practice smaller-scale manifestations, starting with simple sparks or flickers, and gradually progressing to more complex displays of power. Sparring is also a popular method, as it forces practitioners to wield their abilities under pressure.
Then there are those who swear by elixirs, claiming they enhance their connection, while others turn to rituals, believing these acts help unlock stronger abilities.
The truth is, everyone's journey with Blight is unique, and the path to mastering it depends on the individual's discipline, creativity, and determination."
Seth felt like he was beginning to gain a greater, yet still basic, understanding of the strange magic of his world and felt eager to begin practicing.
"Do not forget, though," Ruth continued, "the power of your sacrifice determines the heights that you are able to reach when manifesting Blight. From what I've heard, yours was a sacrifice of great sentiment, so I'm sure you won't have to worry about that for now, but keep it in mind when facing enemies."
Instantly, Seth thought of his brother, Abel, and the sacrifice he had made.
A sacrifice even stronger than mine... It does not matter. The evil fool.
Seth had only told her a little about the sacrifice he had made during their training, as well as his ultimate goals. He appreciated that she did not ask too many questions about it.
"Anyway, before we can start with Blight manipulation, we must continue to hone your physical aspects. The powers granted to you by the sacrifice will increase your progress rate. I expect it to take only a few days for you to be up to an acceptable standard."
After the long explanation, Seth's training concluded, and Ruth ordered him to go and wash himself in the wash area, before changing and grabbing a meal to eat.
All I want to do is sleep right now, but Ruth said proteins and carbohydrates should be my best friend after a training session.
After he had changed, he headed back into the lounge area.
It was a lot emptier than when he had first arrived. He looked at the clock and realized it was midday.
They must be out on missions, or something like that. Even Vorn isn't at his desk...
Seth counted roughly five people scattered around the room, and none seemed to notice or pay attention to him.
He made his way over to the bar counter and sat on one of the chairs.
A young man stood behind the counter. He had white hair and was of average height, and he held a book titled Prophetic Nature.
The man didn't look up from the book until Seth spoke.
"Sorry to bother you, but I was told I could order a meal from here?"
The man looked up from his book with an inspecting eye and waited a few moments before speaking.
"A meal will arrive soon; sit and wait." His voice was monotone and uncaring.
I guess he's not much of a people person.
Seth did as he was told and waited.
After a few minutes, a woman entered the room from the tunnel, holding a plate of steaming food.
She brought the plate over and placed it in front of Seth.
She had brown skin, and her hair was in an afro. Rather than wearing the black attire of the Lambs, she wore white kitchen wear.
On the plate was steak and potatoes, and the smell made Seth realize how hungry he was.
"Oh, I haven't served you before. I'm Sara, the cook. I assume you're the new guy, Seth?"
My arrival has spread that fast? Well, Vorn did announce it to everyone, so it makes sense.
"Yes, I'm Seth; it's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the meal; it smells amazing."
Sara flashed him an appreciative smile before heading back to the kitchen.
Seth sat there and enjoyed his meal, the presence of the white-haired man looming over him the entire time.
After he finished, he prepared to bring the plate back to the kitchen, but was disturbed by a loud noise.
The entrance door slammed open, and a large man walked in, holding the bloody form of another, smaller man.
It didn't take much for Seth to realize that the wounds were fatal.
The man was dead, and it was about to cause a commotion.