Chapter 14: Training to Increase Stats
The next morning, Akira was running through the wasteland with heavy steps, sweat dripping down his face. Beside him, Alice floated lightly through the air, wearing a sleeveless shirt and short pants. Her appearance was sporty and elegant, but what stood out the most was that she wasn't a physical being—only a spectral entity freely controlling her form.
Suddenly, her sweet voice rang out, more like a lively melody than a shout: "Faster! Faster than that! You're already slacking—move your legs!"
Akira clenched his teeth, pushing through the pain, and increased his pace despite his exhaustion.
When they reached the training area, Akira leaned against a large rock, gasping for breath. Alice stood in front of him, and he asked curiously, "Alice… what's with your outfit?"
She smiled faintly. "These are sports clothes."
"Do you even need to exercise?" he asked in surprise.
She replied calmly, almost provoking him, "Not really. But this environment doesn't suit you—especially your clothes."
She pointed at his thin outfit. "They're too light. No protection from the cold at night or the heat during the day. Not even pockets to carry anything. In short, clothes completely unfit for the desert."
Akira nodded in resignation. Then she said, "Since you're done complaining, it's time for sword training."
Akira pulled the sword hanging from the side of his bag.
Alice stepped closer and took a combat stance. Suddenly, an identical sword appeared in her hand, surprising Akira.
He smiled, recalling her unique abilities. "Of course… if you can control your appearance, a sword is no exception."
Alice began giving precise instructions: "Stand in a comfortable stance. Spread your feet slightly."
"Grip the sword with both hands, placing your thumb and index finger near the top of the handle."
"Distribute the sword's weight evenly between your hands and maintain balance."
"Control the sword with your fingers, not a stiff grip."
"Move smoothly and steadily. Maintain full control."
She drew a beautiful arc through the air with her blade, the sound of it cutting through the wind resembling musical notes. Akira watched in admiration.
"I'll repeat it," she said with a smile. "Watch closely."
She repeated the motion several times until it looked like a refined artistic performance.
"Now," she said firmly, "your turn."
Akira stood up, held the sword with more confidence, and tried to replicate her movements.
"Good. Keep your feet slightly apart."
"Straighten your back."
He swung the sword with force, but his movements lacked finesse and fluidity.
"Keep going," Alice encouraged.
She sat on the rock, watching as Akira trained for nearly an hour.
Finally, he stopped to catch his breath and complained, "How long do I have to keep doing this? My hands hurt badly!"
Alice replied with a mischievous smile, "Keep training until my heart is satisfied."
He didn't answer. He could only feel that she was quietly taking revenge.
Another hour passed. Akira could no longer swing his sword properly, so Alice decided to end the training.
"That's enough. You can stop."
The sword slipped from his hand and struck the ground. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain, and he didn't dare move afterward.
While he lay there, Alice began talking about the organizations in the city and the eastern region.
"The Hunters' Office was the first organization established in the eastern region. It has branches in every city under this territory. Most importantly… it's an organization recognized by the system itself. Its sole purpose is to monitor and regulate hunters."
"There are also guilds—some commercial, some hunter-related—and of course, gangs."
"When you reach First Rank, registering with the Hunters' Office becomes mandatory."
"But… the problem is that you need another elemental affinity. Even I don't have a clear solution to this issue."
"How can someone obtain an affinity?"
"We need a material containing highly concentrated elemental mana."
"We could just buy one in the city."
"Hahaha… prepare at least several million coins."
"Why is it that expensive?"
"It doesn't matter. That method is off the table anyway."
"Since you've rested, it's time for the next lesson."
Akira stood up and said with a sarcastic smile, "So… perfect."
"The next step is very simple."
"We'll play a game of chase."
"You'll be the chaser, and I'll be the target. Just try to hit me with your sword… if you can."
"So I'm attacking you?"
Alice looked at him coldly and scoffed. "You say that as if you're capable of it."
Akira tightened his grip on the katana and took an offensive stance. He dashed toward Alice, raising the blade for a vertical strike. She stepped back at the last moment, the sword passing mere millimeters from her body.
"Too slow."
He attacked again with a horizontal slash, but she retreated just as lightly, avoiding the blade once more by a narrow margin.
"Far too predictable."
He charged again, closing the distance rapidly and thrusting his sword toward her—but she leaped away in the blink of an eye.
"It's a sword, Akira. A katana—not a spear. Though a spear would suit you quite well."
Akira continued attacking relentlessly, while Alice effortlessly dodged every strike, mocking each failed attempt.
An hour and a half passed. Akira thrashed about like a madman, swinging his sword without restraint, until his strength finally gave out.
"Let's stop… my limbs hurt."
"Tired already? Didn't you say you'd cut me down… or sever my head?"
He didn't respond. Ignoring her mockery, he picked up his bag and began walking back toward the city.