Time flew by, and in what felt like the blink of an eye, a month had passed since the destruction of Wind Moon Village.
It had also been a month since Azrael was rescued by Master Arcturus and made the life-changing decision to become a Demon Executioner.
During this past month, Azrael's days followed a simple yet indulgent routine: eat and sleep.
He would wake up early each morning to enjoy breakfast prepared by Master Arcturus before drifting back into slumber. Lunchtime brought another meal, followed by more sleep, and after dinner, he goes back to sleeping again!
This cycle of feasting on delectable dishes he'd never experienced before became his new normal.
In fact, Azrael couldn't help but marvel at Master Arcturus's culinary skills; who would have thought that an old geezer could whip up such mouthwatering meals?
Each time he awoke from his naps, he eagerly anticipated what delightful dish awaited him.
While nightmares still occasionally haunted his sleep, they were far less intense than they had been a month ago.
Now, he could truly relish this life of rest and nourishment, a welcome reprieve for someone who had witnessed such horror just weeks earlier.
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Standing in the warm sunlight outside their home, Azrael gazed at Master Arcturus lounging comfortably on the veranda.
A noticeable transformation had taken place over the past month: where once stood a frail figure now stood a young man with muscles filling out his frame and color returning to his cheeks.
He even sported a bit of extra weight, infact he was quite chubby.
"Hey, old geezer! Why do I have to bake under this sun while you get to chill in the shade?" Azrael grumbled playfully, casting a resentful look toward Master Arcturus.
Master Arcturus glanced up with a knowing smile. "Your first phase of training is complete! After spending all this time eating and napping, look at how much healthier and fat you are!"
"Isn't that your fault? Besides," Azrael muttered under his breath, "I'm not fat; I've just gained some weight."
"Enough nonsense! Let's get down to business," Master Arcturus waved dismissively.
Azrael's eyes lit up with excitement as he leaned forward eagerly. "Finally!"
"You're ready to start your training," Master Arcturus continued. "And here's some news: six months from now will be the Demon Executioner Exams."
"What? Exams?" Confusion clouded Azrael's face.
"Yes! Did you think it would be that easy to become a Demon Executioner? As I mentioned before, anyone can aspire to be one, but not everyone can succeed. Each year, the Demon Executioner Guild holds exams worldwide for those who qualify, and let me tell you, it's no walk in the park!" Master Arcturus chuckled as he explained.
"What kind of exams will be held?" Azrael asked, a hint of curiosity lacing his voice. He paused, waiting for an answer.
Master Arcturus smiled mysteriously. "Ah, but revealing that would spoil the surprise! You'll discover everything when you arrive to take the exam," he replied cryptically.
Azrael shot him a disdainful glance, clearly unimpressed by the lack of information.
"Every year, millions around the world participate in the Demon Executioner exam," Master Arcturus continued, his tone turning serious.
"However, only a select few manage to pass due to its extreme difficulty. Aspiring Demon Executioners begin their training at a young age to build a solid foundation, something you have yet to establish."
He scrutinized Azrael closely. "Your current state is lacking; without any significant training or special abilities, your chances of passing are nonexistent."
Azrael stood silently, absorbing every word with an expression that betrayed nothing but determination.
Clearing his throat, Master Arcturus pressed on. "You have just six months to become strong enough to pass this exam. If you train at a normal pace, you won't stand a chance. But you're in luck, I possess a training method that can help you build your foundation quickly and effectively."
Intrigued now, Azrael's eyes sparkled with interest. "What kind of training method is it?"
Master Arcturus's expression shifted as he prepared for what was next. "Before I explain further, I must warn you: this method is not for the faint-hearted. It's brutal and demanding, it will push you beyond your limits and bring unimaginable pain. You might even wish for death itself during this process... or worse yet, it could cost you your life." His gaze locked onto Azrael's with unwavering seriousness.
A chill ran down Azrael's spine as he listened intently to Master Arcturus's warning; however, determination ignited within him like fire in dry grass. "I'm not afraid," he declared boldly.
"Very well," Master Arcturus nodded approvingly. "This training method is called the Titan Method, a rigorous training method divided into twelve stages that I developed myself. Apart from me, you'll be the only one undergoing this intense regimen."
"Yes!" Azrael exclaimed eagerly.
"Training begins early tomorrow morning," Master Arcturus said with a sly grin curling at his lips, a scar on his face twisting ominously as he spoke.
"Enjoy today while you can because starting tomorrow... your life will become hellish, a relentless cycle of pain that will leave you waking up in cold sweats."
Azrael gulped hard; sweat trickled down his back as he regarded Master Arcturus warily, but beneath the fear lay an undeniable resolve.
"Hey, old geezer! Since you've already tackled the Titan Method, is it really as brutal and demanding as you claimed?" Azrael couldn't help but ask, curiosity dancing in his eyes.
Master Arcturus chuckled softly, a glint of mischief in his gaze. "What can I say? Even a seasoned Demon Executioner like myself has danced with death more times than I'd care to admit during this training. It took an immense amount of dedication and sheer willpower to master it. After all these years, I've only reached the fifth stage, and it took me over a decade to get there! So tell me, do you think it's easy?"
Azrael's expression soured at Master Arcturus's words, but he quickly shook off the doubt and met his mentor's gaze with fierce determination.
"If you, an old geezer who's practically one foot in the grave, can do it, then so can I!" he declared boldly.
"That's the spirit!" Master Arcturus laughed heartily. "I hope you keep that fiery look when you start your training tomorrow!"