Chapter 10: This Should Be Enough
Thud thud thud thud-
The dull sound reverberated throughout the training ground in the early morning. If one were to close their eyes and imagine, it might sound like the beating of a drum. Perhaps it was the noise of something massive sprinting across the ground?
Gasp, cough.
The cause was none other than Shiron Prient.
The results of his training have started to show. It had been just over a month, or perhaps even longer. Compared to standard training, his efficiency has increased multifold, as he used every technique that his hand could reach. The stacked stones he had been piling up had started to display an undeniable grandeur.
Its the last lap, Young Master.
The cheerful voice belongs to Encia, who first assisted Shiron. As time went by, it was her turn again to serve Shiron in their rotation.
So, how much time is left?
Five hourglasses. Exactly 25 minutes, Young Master.
Alright.
After taking several deep breaths, Shirons face became calm. He even smiled contentedly, realizing that he had made significant progress in such a short time.
Compared to the first day, he managed to reduce his time by 3 minutes. Although it was just a 10% difference, considering the weight Shiron had been bearing, it was not trivial.
Thud-
Shiron roughly set down the weights he had been carrying on his shoulders. Dust would have been kicked up if not for the moist ground. Still, the sound reverberated loudly throughout the training ground.
Youre incredible, Young Master!
Ophilia, who was clapping and giggling, was an added bonus. As Shiron increased the intensity of his training, he also increased the number of people assisting him to two. Shiron nodded as he arranged the weights hed dropped on the ground.
Enough. Im probably the weakest in this mansion. Its just embarrassing.
Ophilia might be right. But so what? Ive served many young masters like Master Shiron before, but none have achieved as much as you have in such a short time. You should be more proud.
Enough.
Even though Encia looked into Shirons eyes while agreeing with Ophilias opinion, Shiron merely pushed out his cup toward her. Recognizing Shirons discomfort, Encia smiled thinly.
You should act more child-like, Young Master.
Child-like?
Yes. Sometimes, you seem rather aloof and mature.
How so?
Shiron paid attention to what Encia was saying. Being considered mature meant his behavior was causing discomfort to those around him. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Pondering for a moment, Encia replied,
Well, you never throw tantrums for snacks, you dont make unreasonable demands after much thought, and you train so hard without anyone telling you to.
Im glad I dont act childishly. Just imagining myself doing those things makes me want to get hit.
So what? The previous head and the one before acted the same way when they were young.
Encia, chattering as usual, poured lemonade into Shirons cup while Shiron tried to divert his attention and gulped it down.
The sour and sweet drink refreshed his previously dry mouth. The pain in his ankles and trapezius muscles seemed to wash away.
This result is beyond expectations.
Shirons lofty achievement was largely due to the lemonade that Encia made. It instantly alleviated the [Fatigue] state. His primary goal was to maintain constant training without overtaxing the body.
However, another fact emerged as he tested the drink on himself. The true effect of this fraudulent consumable item was something else entirely.
It eliminated the necessary growth downtime.
In other words, most improvements from recovery were retained without the process. Shiron smirked as he gazed at his now-empty cup.
Would you like more, Young Master?
No, this is enough. More importantly
Declining Encias offer, Shiron looked at Ophilia, who was sitting in the flower bed.
Hmm?
Realizing she was the subject of attention, Ophilia quickly hid her hands behind her. This was a familiar situation. Without Shiron even saying anything, Encia approached Ophilia with a smile.
Ophilia, you knew hed find out when you followed us. Just give up.
But, but
Before Encia realized it, she had caught up to Ophilia, and as if feeling playful, she placed her hand on Ophilias tense shoulder and whispered.
Ophilia, if you dont let get away from my hand in three counts, Shiron might just gobble you up!
Encia exaggerated her movements to scare Ophilia and sent a sly wink to Shiron, expecting something from him.
What is it?
Was she asking him to play along?
Shiron seemed to understand her intention and adopted a rather threatening posture, even though he had no real intention of scaring anyone.
If you hide and then I find you, its one slap for each cheek.
However
Snicker.
Guffaw!
The actual reaction was vastly different from what Shiron had expected. Ophilia looked blankly at him and then burst into laughter. She covered her mouth with her sleeve and laughed softly, thinking that Shiron looked rather cute just now.
Sir, did you actually say that? Where in the modern world do people still use such outdated lines Pff. Its so cheesy.
Sigh.
He tried his best to play along, but all he got in return was the laughter of the girls.
A tear appeared in Encias eye, which she quickly wiped away.
Forget it. I must have gone mad.
No, sir, you were really scary just now.
Ophilia praised the dejected Shiron with a smile, but
Damn it.
All Shiron did was curse under his breath.
Somehow, Encias antics had drawn him in, and on top of that, he had ended up being rebuked. He unknowingly cared about being called pitiful, which was quite frustrating
Shiron sighed deeply.
He didnt understand why they found everything so hilarious. He withdrew his gaze from them and grasped a spear in his hand.
Ill just do what I have to do.
The young man massaged his stiffening neck, then shifted his gaze to a wall at the far end of the practice ground.
The wall his eyes settled on had numerous spears stuck in it. The spears, driven in deeply from bottom to top, were evenly spaced without any irregularities.
This, too, was a principle like the lemonade he drank.
[The Floral Ornament of the Fairy Tale Maid]
It increased accuracy and dexterity by 5 points each. In the original game, it was a trivial consumable item that was looked down upon due to its minor stat boost, and even then, you could only obtain it once. Many people skipped the quest because of its inefficiency.
However, unlike the game, Ophilia made floral ornaments for Shiron every chance she got. Thanks to that, he was able to maximize his power and accuracy, but the only downside was the absence of a status window to check the increase in stats. To enjoy the games system but without a status window
Shiron clicked his tongue, feeling regretful.
Increasing accuracy any further wont make much of a noticeable difference.
Today, Ill spare you, Ophilia.
Shiron, seemingly cooling off, got a comment from Encia.
Eh? Youre not tearing it up today? Usually, before you throw a spear, you tear up Ophilias precious thing without a second thought.
.
Precious what?
What the hell was she going on about?
Shiron gritted his teeth. Encia, who had been irritating him from the start, became more and more annoying to look at. His grip tightened, and he frowned.
Using the spears shaft, Shiron poked Encias side forcefully.
Thud- thud-thud-
Whether it tickled or hurt, a scream echoed through the practice ground.
Ouch! Im sorry! Ow! It hurts!
Encia stretched out her hands in defense.
Dramatic much?
He enjoyed the screaming sounds, but Shiron soon got tired of Encias acting and pulled away the spear shaft.
I was going to quit once this succeeded anyway. The efficiency was starting to drop.
Shiron tapped his shoulder with the spear shaft and gazed at the wall.
Shiron drew back the hand holding the spear and extended his right leg. He gauged the distance between his current position and the fortress wall, stretching his entire body to its limits and fixing his gaze on the target.
Then.
Whish-
With a shout, a spear flew in a straight line, striking its target accurately.
It was an ordinary thrown spear devoid of any mana or specialized technique. Yet, its result was anything but ordinary.
The spear embedded itself right in the center of the wall. Another spear fitted snugly into the widened end of the already embedded one.
That should do it.
A subtle smile had formed on the young boys lips.
He had achieved the goal he initially set. Shiron lifted his head to check the condition of the sky. A cloudless blue expanse - quite rare in Dawn Castle, where the essence of the dawn star was housed. It was likely that tonight would also have a clear sky.
It was, indeed, a day perfect for monopolizing things.
Ophilia and Encia present!