Half a year, gone in the blink of an eye.
In the training room, a powerfully built, towering figure was lifting and lowering a square iron block taller than himself. His muscles rippled with each movement, the speed of his repetitions astonishing. In his grasp, the colossal weight seemed to be made of air.
This figure was, of course, Wilder. Compared to six months ago, Wilder's entire presence had shifted, becoming more reserved. His eyes were sharp and fathomless, the ambition hidden within them completely obscured by their depths.
These six months had been fulfilling and rewarding for Wilder, the ever-increasing strength of his body the best proof of that.
Strength, speed, explosive power, jumping ability – all had improved at a terrifying pace, thanks to targeted and systematic training.
His reflexes, combat experience, and fighting techniques had also seen massive gains. He'd challenged every single Level 4 prisoner over the past six months, one by one. Because of this, Wilder had carved out a reputation for himself in Impel Down, especially in the Blazing Hell.
The prisoners called him "The Demon's Vice." 'Vice' as in Vice-Warden, and 'Demon'… well, that was literal. Wilder had left a lasting shadow in the hearts of the inmates.
Beyond all that, an unexpected bonus was that Magellan was starting to value him more and more. After all, Wilder's current strength was already enough to rank him third within Impel Down.
Of course, this 'third' didn't include the prisoners, and even though he was third, there was still a vast gulf between him and the top two.
First place was, naturally, Magellan. Second was, who else but Shiryu of the Rain?
To be fair, Sadi could probably tie with Wilder for third. While her performance in the original story wasn't particularly impressive, that was only because her opponents were too strong, making her seem unremarkable in comparison.
Wilder had put his swamp development on hold six months ago after a strange discovery about his body. He'd shifted his focus entirely to physical training.
Something was… off with his body.
That collapse six months ago had felt as though… his soul had momentarily tried to escape his body.
Wilder didn't know if it was a side effect of the soul fusion, but the sensation fit the description perfectly.
And ever since that day, Wilder had felt like his body wasn't entirely under his control, his movements becoming sluggish and uncoordinated.
But his body's issues couldn't interrupt Wilder's plans. Improving his physical prowess was the most crucial part of those plans.
Through daily training, Wilder's body gradually grew stronger. He also began training in Finger Gun and Moon Walk.
Each of the Six Powers techniques, besides requiring a certain level of physical fitness, demanded an extremely refined degree of body control.
And it was during this process of training his body control that Wilder gradually realized he was regaining control of his body, and even surpassing his previous level of mastery.
It was from that point on that Wilder clearly perceived that something was different with his body.
It wasn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it greatly aided his training. That feeling of precise control over his own body deepened day by day. Thanks to this abnormal boost in body control, he fully mastered Moon Walk and Finger Gun in no time.
Of course, because his body wasn't yet strong enough to fully support the Six Powers, Wilder couldn't unleash their full potential at the time.
So, excluding the time it took to learn the Six Powers, Wilder completely devoted the remaining five months to strengthening his physical attributes.
Now, Wilder himself wasn't sure what level his physical fitness had reached, but he figured it wouldn't be too shabby.
Yes, he was referring solely to physical fitness, not overall strength. Wilder could now lift about four tons. Even his limit was terrifying, a result of the highly efficient growth brought about by the changes in his body.
…
"Shave!" Wilder's body vanished from the spot, instantly appearing in mid-air.
"Moon Walk!"
"Thump! Thump! Thump!" The dull sound of him kicking off the air echoed as Wilder stepped on the air, his body twisting and turning, moving back and forth in a zigzag pattern.
"Finger Gun!" His body rapidly descended, his right hand, formed into a claw, thrusting into the ground.
"Pfft!" His five fingers instantly sank in, leaving five deep, ten-centimeter-wide holes in the ground.
Wilder stood up calmly, wiping his fingers with a cloth.
Besides the Moon Walk and Finger Gun he'd originally learned from Torbolde, Wilder had unknowingly learned another technique, Shave, while practicing Moon Walk.
The two were inherently related. Ironically, Wilder had mastered Shave before he mastered Moon Walk.
After another round of training, Wilder left the training room.
His assimilation work was also nearing completion. As the number of times he used his swamp assimilation technique increased, Wilder's speed of assimilation also accelerated. Even though he only spent five minutes each day on it, the end was in sight.
But before that, there was a grand spectacle to witness.
"Warden First," as he made his way back to his office, a jailer stood waiting at the door. Seeing Wilder approach, the jailer quickly saluted.
Over the past six months, Wilder's image had become deeply ingrained in everyone's minds. Not only in the eyes of the prisoners, but also in the eyes of the jailers, he was a devilish existence.
His cold-blooded and ruthless methods sent shivers down the spines of many jailers.
"What is it?" Wilder asked, a gentle smile on his composed face. Perhaps due to his increased body control, Wilder had mastered the essence of acting these past six months, frequently appearing friendly and approachable to everyone.
It was a pity that everyone in the prison knew what kind of person he truly was.
"Mag… Magellan-sama requests Warden First's presence," the jailer stammered, his heart pounding as he met Wilder's smile.
"I understand. Thank you for your trouble," Wilder said, patting the jailer on the shoulder, his gentle smile unwavering.
"Heh… hehe… No, not at all!" the jailer replied, his face stiff. His heart, however, felt as if it had plunged into an abyss.
I'm done for! Warden First must be displeased with me!! Did I do something wrong!? Ahhhhh! I'm going to die! I'm going to die! He's got his eyes on me!
Unaware of the jailer's inner turmoil, Wilder abandoned his original intention of returning to his office and turned towards Magellan's office.
After a few twists and turns, he arrived at the door of Warden Magellan's office.
"Warden Magellan, you called for me?" Wilder knocked on the door and spoke from the doorway.
"Ah, First. Come in," Magellan's slightly grating voice sounded from inside the office.
Wilder opened the door and entered.
"Hmm~ First," Sadi was sitting in a chair, her legs propped up high on Magellan's desk, completely ignoring Magellan's somewhat darkened expression. Seeing Wilder enter, she licked her lips.