"Stand."
That was the first word my master said.
No explanation.
No warning.
Just command.
I stood.
The courtyard warped.
The ground cracked, mana pressure crashing down like an invisible mountain.
My knees bent instantly.
Blood rushed to my head.
[Extreme Training Environment Detected.]
[Growth Efficiency x2 Activated.]
The system reacted.
But my master didn't stop.
"Don't kneel," he said calmly.
I clenched my teeth and forced myself upright.
Pain tore through my muscles.
Bones screamed.
My vision blurred.
[Limit Adaptation Active.]
Resistance Increased.]
Strength +0.6
Agility +0.4
I took one step forward.
Then another.
Each step felt like walking through hell.
My master watched silently.
"This world doesn't reward effort," he said.
"It rewards survival."
The pressure doubled.
I collapsed.
Hard.
I coughed blood.
My hands shook.
"Again," he said.
No anger.
No mercy.
I stood up.
Again.
And again.
Each time I fell, the ground caught my blood.
Each time I rose, my body changed.
[Repeated Near-Death State Detected.]
[Endless Growth Overflow.]
New Passive Unlocking…
My heart slammed.
The pressure vanished.
I gasped, collapsing to my knees.
My master finally moved.
He placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Good," he said quietly.
"You didn't break."
The system pulsed violently.
[Passive Skill Unlocked: Pain Conversion]
Effect: Physical pain converts into accelerated growth.
My breath hitched.
A broken laugh escaped my lips.
"So this…" I whispered,
"…is hell."
My master turned away.
"This was only day one."
I stared at my trembling hands.
And smiled.