I trained with Masaki the Legendary Swordsman and Fireyarou. My daily routine consisted of 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10-kilometer run. I hoped I wouldn't lose my hair after this grueling regimen. I also practiced swinging a sword 100 times.
I hadn't started actual combat training yet. Masaki said my body wasn't ready. Maybe in a month or two, I'd be able to start learning proper fighting techniques.
In addition to swordsmanship, I also trained in magic with Fireyarou. I was hoping to learn how to shoot fireballs, but of course, Fireyarou crushed that dream.
"Master, we won't be practicing flashy techniques or summoning fireballs. You'll be meditating. For hours." And that's exactly what I did. Meditate. At least I could still shoot fireballs using the spell card Sparks.
After four hours of meditation, my butt and legs felt like they'd fused with the ground.
By the time training ended, the sun was setting. I saw the hunting team returning with their catch—a deer and a long, serpentine sea creature.
Alright, time to wrap up training and eat. I'd heard a theory that eating Sea King meat every day could make you grow taller than the average human.
It made sense, considering how massive Sea Kings were in this world—some were as tall as skyscrapers. If you ate that every day, your body would probably undergo some genetic mutations.
I finished my training and headed inside with the monsters.
The monsters prepared my meal, cooked the food, and cleaned up the house. I needed a bath, but this place didn't have a bathroom or running water. I'd have to find a water source. Maybe one of the monsters could produce water. I'd have to ask them later.
I noticed the holes in the roof had been patched up. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to keep out the rain and wind. The broken windows were also boarded up. Not bad, considering our current situation.
I ate my meal surrounded by the monsters. I tried offering them food, but they refused, no matter how much I insisted.
I needed to improve our living conditions—at least move to a better place with electricity and running water.
I also needed money for essentials like clothes and household items.
I looked through my cards. Upstart Goblin—judging by the illustration of a goblin giving money to a beggar, this card should give me money, or just do what the effect written at the card
System, which one is it?
Host, Upstart Goblin will generate a random amount of money.
"Activate Spell Card: Upstart Goblin."
A bright light flashed in front of me for a few seconds, and when it faded, there were five bills on the floor, each worth 10,000 berries. 50,000 berries total. Was that a lot? I figured it would last me a few months if I only spent it on necessities.
Money problem solved. Now, the issue of housing. Honestly, I was reluctant to move. Our current location was decent enough. I'd stay here for a while longer.
Besides, I had Castle of Dark Illusions. If I summoned this card, it would probably give me a floating castle. But I was worried it would attract too much attention, and I wasn't strong enough to defend myself yet.
Speaking of defense...
"Come forth, Darkworld Thorns."
Thorny vines sprouted from the ground, forming a flower-like mouth with sharp teeth.
Was that its head? I'd assume so.
"Thorns, can you protect this place?" I asked the monster.
The head nodded. Huh? I guess it can't speak.
"How far can you protect this house if you create a barrier with your vines?" I wasn't sure if it understood me.
I felt movement beneath my feet for a few minutes. When it stopped, Thorns pointed one of its vines toward the window.
I looked outside and saw that we were now surrounded by a thorny barrier, stretching about 300 meters around the building.
"Can you guard this barrier? Protect the house and let me know if any strangers enter the area."
Thorns nodded again, and its head sank into the ground. I assumed it had moved to keep watch over the barrier.
Security problem solved—for now. Once I gained enough strength, I'd move to a better location.
Ding!
New Mission
You've successfully escaped the slave hunters, but unbeknownst to you, they were members of The Hound Pets.
Eliminate all members of The Hound Pets.
Rewards:
Daily Pack Tokens +3
Pharaoh's Servant Pack
Labyrinth of Nightmare Pack
Legacy of Darkness Pack
Accept? Y/N
Wow, a new mission—and one that required me to fight. But looking at the rewards, I had no choice but to accept.
Accept.
With the new mission accepted, I decided to rest.
This would be my daily routine from now on opening packs, training in swordsmanship and combat, practicing magic, and improving our living conditions. I'd gather strength bit by bit until I could stand against the strongest in this world—the Four Emperors, the Five Elders, and the three Marine Admirals.
To be continued…