52-52 Days of Discipline (1/2)

In the middle of the forest, just outside the city of King's Landing.

I breathed in the morning air as the sun finally began to rise, and began my usual training.

”────── Palii

First, I gripped the Black Sword tightly in both hands and swung it as hard as I could at the surrounding leafy trees.

The black sword is heavy, so with just one swing, your feet dig into the ground and the whole forest shakes a little. At the same time, there was a huge gust of wind that sent the leaves of the surrounding trees flying.

I held my sword at the ready and waited for a while. ────

I aimed at one of the dozens of leaves that were falling all around me, and flicked it.

Parry.

The leaf bursts with a pleasant sound.

Then you aim at the next leaf, hit it, and play it again.

Repeat the process.

Gradually increase the speed of your movements, and knock down all the leaves before they hit the ground.

This is the first set. This is the first set. It is like a preparatory exercise.

”──────parii

Next, I swing my sword a little harder to create a bigger wind.

And from there, I activate one of my few skills [shinobiashi].

Then, the ”air barrier” that I feel when I move fast disappears.

Originally, this skill was supposed to muffle the sound of footsteps, but one day I noticed that the air around me was disappearing as well, and I've been doing this ever since.

Thanks to this, I can move much faster than I normally would.

”Parry.

And as I weave my way through the trees in the forest, I pop all the hundreds of leaves that are scattered all over the area before they fall to the ground.

There is no wind, no footsteps, but only the sound of leaves popping echoes through the forest.

After a while, the birds and animals disappear.

────── Parii

When it's over, I do the same thing again.

Swinging to create wind and flicking all the leaves that fall from the trees.

Just keep doing it.

Gradually, you make the first wind stronger and increase the number of leaves that fall.

I've been doing this every day for a while now.

Parii.

I finished my goal of playing about 10,000 leaves, and breathed a little.

”Well, that's it for the morning.

This method of training to play the leaves is simple, but it is much better than the previous method of just pretending.

Since I started this training, I feel like I can move a little faster and more precisely than before.

I've also gotten used to handling the heavy black sword quickly. I can feel my improvement.

A few days ago, when I came up with this ”swinging leaf method”, I was happy to think that this would make me a little stronger...

But at this rate, .......

It's not going to work.

I shuddered as I thought of the Goblin Emperor I had heard about.

It's a terrifying demon that moves several times faster than those swift goblins.

If I'm going to go on a journey, I want to be strong enough to protect my friends and escape, if not defeat them, even if I run into such a monster.

But I can't imagine being able to do that at all.

I've been feeling limited.

I feel a little stronger, but ...... I don't think I can beat such a monster yet.

What's more, if I kept practicing like this for three months, the trees in the forest would grow bald.

I can't turn my back on it, but I don't think that's a good idea either.

I have to find a different way.

Something is missing right now.

I guess I need to train in a way that is closer to actual warfare now.

I canceled my midday training.

It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

I'm not sure what to do. It's been a while since I've seen you... well, a few days at least. I've seen you almost every day, so it seems like a long time since I've seen you.

Yeah, that's right.

As soon as he saw me, the old man from the guild approached me as usual.

So, what do you want today?　If you need the money I'm holding, I can give it to you anytime. I got a payment that I can't imagine for a construction job. I've never seen that kind of money even for dragon slaying. ...... I mean, you should really think about joining the building guild.　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.　I know you're not going to listen to me when I say .......

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

”No, the money's fine. I don't plan to use it, so just keep it. I'm here today looking for a client.

”Hmm, a client?　Didn't you say you were taking some time off?

No, I'm not here for construction.

Is there anything we can do in King's Landing that will allow us to fight something that moves?

Of course, I can't take on anything too powerful, but I'd like to be able to fight someone as fast as possible, do it every day, and not be in danger.

I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

...... No. I'm sure you'll agree.

......, but not that one.

Do you have one?

You want me to ask?

Yeah, please.