Chapter 242: Chapter 242 - Amazing Progression
After the talk they had where Adam decided to up their training by a whole lot and William constantly trying to tell him not to do it, albeit unsuccessful in his endeavor, William didn't really dislike it much as he could see the huge improvement that it would bring to him.
So starting the next day they started doing intense training that would make the workers who worked beside the room and upwards it wonders what the hell were they doing there almost every day.
A New Day
In the training room, resonant sounds reverberated through the space as it quaked under the intense movements of two figures flashing about. Whenever these figures neared each other, a thunderous, explosive noise filled the room, causing it to tremble even more violently.
The flashes of movement were so rapid that the human eye couldn't possibly discern what was happening. But that was only true for ordinary human eyes. If we consider those with supernatural abilities enhanced by mana, then it's a different matter altogether.
Take Clawdia, for instance, who was seated at a safe distance, far enough from the flashes and vibrations to remain unaffected. Even if the force tried to reach her, her formidable defensive capabilities would render any impact futile.
At this moment, she sat with a calm demeanor, her gaze fixed on the battle unfolding before her. Thanks to her already extraordinary eyesight, a gift of her genetics, she didn't require any mana-based enhancements to clearly perceive the events transpiring.
To her, the flashes were her Master and the swordsman her Master had recruited just a few days prior. Both were locked in a fierce duel, each one striving to gain the upper hand.
However, Clawdia had already anticipated the outcome. She knew that no matter how fervently her Master fought, he wouldn't be able to overpower the swordsman unless he acquired an extraordinary boost in strength.
What puzzled her was why her Master had invited this man and why he seemed so willing to endure defeat at his hands every day. Was this some sort of tradition, a rite that men like her Master participated in? Or was there something else at play?
Before she could arrive at a conclusive answer, a deafening sound erupted, followed by a powerful vibration. She turned her gaze toward the source of the noise and saw her Master sprawled on the cold, unyielding floor, which, despite countless battles, remained unscathed.
William cracked his knuckles as he slowly rose from the ground, having been knocked down for the 19th time. Yes, the 19th time. They had been training for nearly seven hours, and neither man showed any signs of conceding.
If one were to observe closely, they would notice the sweat glistening on their faces, the labored breaths they exhaled. They occasionally lowered their guards, not as a feint to bait the other, but because maintaining such high defenses for so long was exhausting. Even a brief respite, just a few seconds, was a welcome relief.
Adam observed the young man from his vantage point in the air— yes, hovering. The training had escalated to such an intense level that Adam had resorted to using spells and every skill at his disposal during his sessions with William.
Understanding William's immense potential, Adam knew that to refine that potential into something extraordinary, he had to push the boy to his limits, as if his very life depended on it. And though William frequently voiced his complaints, he too grasped the significance of this grueling training. He could already see the substantial improvements it had brought.
'He's still not fast enough, and he still occasionally drops his guard. If an enemy were to exploit that, he'd be dead— instantly,' Adam mused before shaking his head. 'No, I'm approaching this the wrong way. His progress is far beyond anything I've seen before. I need to stop viewing him through the lens of someone at my level and start recognizing him at his own.'
A smile crept onto Adam's face as he considered this. 'If I were to view him from his perspective, I'd see a relentless force. A being that keeps getting knocked down, only to rise again. Even if I were to defeat him now, he'd return stronger and more determined.'
William inhaled deeply as he watched Adam, his mind constantly searching for any lapse, any small mistake that he could exploit. He knew that without such an opening, he stood no chance against someone of Adam's caliber.
Then, unexpectedly, he found one. He noticed that Adam had left his guard open. He wasn't sure if it was a trap or a genuine mistake, but seeing Adam's smirking face, which seemed lost in thought, William knew it wasn't a ploy.
He grinned and channeled immense force into his legs. Adam, still deep in thought, suddenly felt a surge of danger, but it was too late. William launched himself with full speed, striking with a double-bit axe.
Although Adam was slow to react, his body, honed by countless critical situations, moved instinctively, sensing the attack and dodging it with automatic precision.
The two men continued their fierce combat for another hour before Adam finally called it quits. William collapsed onto the floor, his breath coming in heavy gasps, while Adam regarded him with contemplative eyes.
'It's been over a week since we began this intense training, and his progress is astonishing— far beyond my expectations,' Adam reflected. 'A week ago, he could barely stay conscious after five or six hours of training. A mere nudge would have knocked him out. But now, he can endure up to eight hours without conceding.
Even more impressively, he remains conscious, and if I were to attack him with a surprise move, he'd react. Albeit slower, but still, he'd attempt to defend himself.'
Adam nodded to himself, lost in thought.
"You've come far," Adam said suddenly, catching William by surprise.
"Ah… Thanks, I suppose. It's all thanks to you and your training that I've been able to learn so much and reach such heights," William replied modestly.
'Good, his ego hasn't gotten him, and he still retains a sense of humility,' Adam noted as he continued, "So, tell me, how is your progress with weapons?"
"What kind?"
"Swords."
"Swords, huh." William pondered for a moment before responding, "I think I'm proficient. I can wield them fluidly, and the sword techniques you've taught me have advanced to a level where I'm confident I could best a master— albeit one who is close to my strength."
"Yeah, I figured," Adam replied, considering for a moment before asking, "Axes?"
"Heavy, but I've found ways to wield them unpredictably to land a strike."
"Warhammer?"
"Very heavy, but with precise timing, it's a guaranteed one-hit kill."
"Ring Sword?"
"I'm able to defend with it and also attack at close to mid-range by throwing it."
"Spear?"
"I'm developing a variety of styles with it. It's versatile, effective at almost any range, especially long-range when thrown."
"Dagger?"
"Fast, with less damage, but it's invaluable when used unexpectedly."
Adam continued asking similar questions, nodding thoughtfully after each response. Just then, the door to the training room swung open, and Delmar entered with a broad smile, announcing, "Boss… We got our invite."
THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM