Stirring in his sleep, Artreus was startled by a sound and quickly scrambled to grab his sword which is lying next to him, only to find out that the noise came from the birds chirping outside his window. Scratching his head and face red in embarrassment, he let out a sigh and sat on his bed. Sometimes he forgets that he is no longer in the void plains, trapped in the endless struggle against monstrous beings able to strike fear even to the brave, standing as the last line of defense against foul minions of hell that are hell-bent on destroying everything in their path. Fighting a lonely battle without anyone knowing of the hardship that he faced, the sacrifices that he was forced to make.

Artreus gaze outside his window. The view when the sun is about to rise, its light piercing through the darkness, a thought comes to his mind. "It's beautiful." The sight of the rising sun might be common, but for someone who spent decades alone in the darkness of the Void Plains, such a sight is priceless. Oh, how he wished he could share this moment with the others.

He walked towards the table and dipped his hands on the water basin that he requested yesterday from the innkeeper. After washing his face with the cold water, he gazed at his reflection in the large mirror. Curious items, the mirrors these days. It seems to be made from some sort of crystal and able to show a clearer image of ones' reflection, more than the mirrors in his days which were made from polished copper. He let his fingers trace his skin. Remembering the scars that once marked his body. He used to have a large gash on his chest, caused by his recklessness. Seeing Mikhail fall after being overwhelmed by the horde of demons, he lost himself in rage and charged at the crowd of hell-spawn who were parading the corpse of one of his friends like a trophy. When he came to his senses, a gaping wound was on his chest and he is being dragged by Captain Marius back to safety. That day he earned an earful of scolding from the senior Paladins. Every time he sees that scar, it reminded him of that day. What he lost, and the memories that remained.

All of it was in the past. But even though his scars have healed, the knowledge and experience he accumulated, all the memories of the ones who have departed, all of it remains in his heart and soul. Never to be forgotten.

Walking back to the window, he gazed once more at the slowly rising sun. Even though he wants to watch its light vanish from the darkness of the night, this is not the time. He has a mission that he has to accomplish, save the world. Although it is a broad concept and something a single man couldn't dream to accomplish, for the world that his friends so love, he will do the impossible. But to do that, first, he needs strength. To attain it, he must train to gain back the strength that he once had, and if possible, even more.

Changing into the clothes and the longsword that he bought yesterday, he looked once more in the mirror. What he saw could be described by a single word. Plain. His plainclothes partnered by his face, apart from carrying two swords on his hip, the runesword and a spare longsword he bought yesterday, his appearance doesn't differ much from the common people you meet in the street. Which is a good thing. He doesn't want to be bothered by people asking him for favors by people who found out the party he was traveling with, or the ones who demands duels to raise their prestige. With his face blending with the crowd, he was able to travel around town and go about his business without much hassle.

With that, he exited his room and walked downstairs. Passing the counter, the innkeeper greeted him. "Good morning sir! Did you sleep well?"

"You have one fine establishment. Haven't slept that well in decades."

"That is good to hear, sir. May I offer you breakfast? We just slaughtered a fat pig. I will give you the finest slice of meat." The innkeeper offered.

"Maybe later. Were you able to procure what I asked yesterday?"

"Absolutely sir. Such a request is easy enough to fulfill." Placing a large backpack on the counter, the innkeeper continued. "As per your instruction, a compact backpack able to pack 20 kilograms of baggage."

"Thanks. Here. For your trouble." Artreus gave the innkeeper five extra silvers, with at least 20 silvers left in the pouch that Porsha gave him last night.

"Thank you, sir. If you have other things you want to procure, please don't hesitate to ask."

"I will put that to mind." With that, Artreus exited the inn and proceeded to walk towards the edge of town.

Walking down the streets, he saw merchants setting their stalls, getting ready for the bustling crowds that will arrive in an hour or so. Stopping by an apple cart, he bought all the apples that he can fit his bag which numbered at least 50, for half a silver coin, once he was done, the bag now weighs 5 kilos. He then bought a large jug of water. After buying a few loaves of bread and a kilo of smoked meat his bag is now at least 15 kilos. Carrying the loaded bag on his back, he continued to his destination.

Upon arriving at the edge of town, he placed the bag on the ground and started stretching. Once he was warmed up, he carried the bag once more and started running at a light pace. Using his earlier fights as a basis, he found out that he lacks the stamina for prolonged fights. Evident from him running out of energy after facing measly thirty or so bandits. Stamina is equal, for in a fight between equals, or stronger opponents, those who can fight longer will have the greatest chance of victory, and if he couldn't manage to fight a prolonged fight against weak opponents, then fighting against opponents equal to, or have greater strength than him is out of the question.

To do this, he must improve his base strength. Once he gets stronger without using Aura or Mana, all of his skills and spells would surely follow.

Picking up the pace, he started dashing across the paved roads as travelers walking by gaze at him, wondering why a porter is in such a hurry. Not bothering to what the people who could see him think, he continued to run, and after a few more minutes, he was able to complete a circuit around the town of Mukala, which he estimates is about two kilometers in circumference. He then continued to run for 5 more times, until he was exhausted.

"What an embarrassment. To only run twelve kilometers and already this exhausted." He muttered to himself as he sat under the shade of a nearby tree while catching his breath. He brought out the jug of water and drank deeply from it until his thirst was quenched. After that, he started eating the bread and apples in his backpack to satiate his rumbling stomach. Once his hunger and thirst were satisfied, he proceeded to find a clearing where he could practice his sword swings. But as he walked, two children, one male, and the other a female stood in front of him.

"Mister you are sweaty." Said the boy that looked no older than eight years of age with a wide smile on his face. "How about you buy a handkerchief from us? For only five copper pieces apiece." The little girl who looked like she is no older than five shyly showed a handkerchief with her little hands.

They both looked ragged, their clothes are too big for their size and were filled with patches. Street children? Or maybe orphans? Whatever they are, it is nice to see that even in hardship, they still can smile and try to earn a living honestly. "Okay. I'll have one." He grabbed his pouch and produced five copper coins. "Here."

"Thanks, mister!" The little boy happily accepted the payment and turned towards his companion. "Hey Julia, look! We were able to sell one today." He showed the coins in his hands. The little girl, whose name is Julia looked happy as she watches the little boy triumphantly show their earnings. Then as if he remembered something, the little boy looked embarrassed and spoke to Julia. "Ummm… Before I forgot. Julia, hand him his handkerchief."

The little girl slowly shuffled towards him and shyly handed him the handkerchief. "Thanks, Julia." Examining the handkerchief in his hand, Artreus was surprised.

Seemingly unsettled by his surprised expression, the little boy asked. "Mister, is everything all right? Do you not like the handkerchief? If you do, I am afraid to say that there is no backsies. All sales are final." The boy huffed while the little girl looked alarmed.

Smiling at the boy's expression, he calmly replied. "I like it. It's just that." Unfolding the handkerchief it showed a detailed design of a tree. From its roots to its leaves, it was expertly weaved and looked alive. Surely a work of a master weaver. "The embroidery is exquisite. It looks much superior to the handkerchiefs that the merchants sell in town and a lot cheaper at that. This must've worth a gold piece if not more. You are selling it for only five copper pieces?"

Seemingly proud at hearing him praise the beauty of the handkerchiefs that they sell, the little boy answered. "These are made by our mom! They are pretty, aren't they?" Suddenly, his expression was replaced by a sad frown. "Back then, we were able to sell many and were able to eat as much food as we want. But a year ago, they suddenly stopped. We can't even exchange it for food now. We don't know why." The little boy pondered while the little Juliet fidgets on the side.

He can tell that the boy isn't lying.

Whatever the reason why the people stop buying from them, it would be such a waste to sell these finely made handkerchiefs for just five coppers. The part of him that grew up in hardship wouldn't allow it. "How about this. You sell me everything that you have, and I will sell it to others. Once I can sell them, I will share the profits with you. Fifty-fifty. Does that sound right?"

The little children's face lit up, but then the boy looked at him with suspicious eyes. "Why would you do that mister? Why help us? You don't know us." He asked.

"Then how about we introduce ourselves to each other?" Suggested Artreus. "My name is Artreus. I recently joined the Adventurer's Guild."

Both of them are surprised. "Wow! Really? You're not kidding mister? You are an adventurer?"

"Why? Don't I look like one?" Artreus asked.

"Pardon me, mister. You don't look like an adventurer to me. Carrying all those stuff in your bag, you look more of a porter to me." The little boy said.

"I do, do I?" He did think to himself earlier that he looked like a porter. But still, when it is coming from a child's mouth, it hurts a little. He then took out his adventurer's tag and showed it to the children. "Here's my tag. Now, do you believe that I am an adventurer?"

"Oh wow! A real adventurer! Gee mister. I am sorry for earlier. By the way, my name is Timothy. But you can call me Timmy, and my sister's name is Juliet." He introduced.

Artreus smiled at the two, then he gave his pitch. "See. Now we're no longer strangers. We're acquaintances. Now. About those handkerchiefs. Would you sell it to me? Don't worry, you will not lose this. Not only will I buy them all at the price you set. Once I can sell them, I will give you half of the proceeds as I told you earlier. Is it a deal?"

Timmy hesitates for a moment, but in the end, he nodded.

"Then it is a deal." He offered his hand for Timmy to shake. The little boy shook them, then surprisingly, Juliet also shook his hand, although shyly. "By the way, where will I be able to find you? You know, once I can resell the handkerchiefs so that I can give you your cut."

"Ummm… We mostly hang out here by the gates from morning till late afternoon so that we can sell to the newly arrived travelers." Timmy answered.

"Ok then. I will come to find you here when I resell your handkerchiefs. Now. How much for the whole bunch?"

"I have 20 pieces here mister. So…" He started to calculate using his fingers.

But before he could answer, Juliet chimed in. "It is one hundred copper pieces, or one silver piece, mister." She answered.

"Okay then. Here." He handed them a silver piece. Both children looked so happy, that he felt joy in his heart. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing children smile. Then he heard a rumbling noise. Both children's faces were red as they also noticed that their stomach is rumbling. "Hungry eh? Here. Have some. Don't worry. It's free." He handed them the food in his bag and watched both of them chomped at them with happy looks on their faces.

Once they were done, Artreus gave them more food to take home. The children thanked him from the bottom of their hearts before they bid him farewell. He watched them running off towards town with smiles on their faces. Likely to show their earnings to their mother.

This just gave him another reason to get stronger. To be strong enough to protect the smiles of all the children in the world. Another almost impossible goal, but a goal nonetheless. Grabbing what was left of the food he bought earlier, he marched towards the forest in search of a clearing where he could practice his swordsmanship in peace. Walking a hundred or so meters from town, he finally found a nice place near a stream. Placing the bag by a nearby tree, he went to the center of the clearing and pulled the longsword from its sheath. It's not the longsword given by Estella, but a sword he bought yesterday. Why he is using this instead of the runesword? It's because the runesword is so light that he wouldn't be able to train his arm strength.

Standing in the middle of the clearing, with no one and nothing to distract him, he took a deep breath. Sensing every fiber in his being, his muscles tighten, and lungs expanding, he raised his sword. Then in a single explosive moment, he moved. "HAAAHHH!" Exhaling all the air in his lungs, he swung his sword like he is trying to split the very world apart. The wind howls as his blade passed through, parting the air in front of him, only stopping short from touching the ground with the tip of his sword.

It was a strike able to cut a man in two even without using Aura or Blessings. But it was not enough. His aim is not to have the strength to cut a human apart. His goal is to cut anything that is in the way of him and his mission. For that, he must gain more strength.

He reset his stance and swung his sword once more. Then another, and another. He kept swinging his sword, each swings a little bit stronger and faster than before as each swing made his body remember the sensation he got from when he was back in the void plains facing a horde of demons. It may only be a marginal improvement, but he can feel it. With each swing, he grew a little bit closer to his former strength.

After the hundredth swing, he can feel his muscles protest and his limbs like jelly.

He could swing no more.

But that is just the body trying to limit him to avoid injuring himself from overexertion. So for him to reach new heights, there is only one thing he must do.

Closing his eyes, he focused all his will on this next swing. Every part of his body aches just by raising his sword. His body quakes but he refuses his body's plea to collapse on the floor and rest. Performing a breathing exercise, he calmed his nerves while he gathered what was left of his stamina for one last attack. Suddenly opening his eyes, he swung the sword once more as he yells in pain after he felt most of his muscles were torn apart. But he still refused to fall. He must complete this motion no matter what.

Gritting his teeth, it felt like time slowed down as he watches the tip of his blade travel down while his torn muscles filled his mind with inexorable pain. Still, he pushed through. Until, after what felt like a lifetime, he finished his last swing, and as the sword from his hand drop, so did he drop to the floor, like a puppet with its' strings cut.

The job is not done. There is one more thing I must do. Artreus thought as he crawled towards a fallen log. Reaching it after a few grueling minutes, he used it to prop himself up and he sits down and closed his eyes.

He could've avoided all the pain he is feeling now, if only he just used Heal. But using such a spell is counterproductive as it will reset his body to its former healthy state, rolling back all the improvements he gained and returning him to zero.

But there is another way.

Another way to not only heal his body but also strengthen it in the process.

That is to circulate his Life Force or Aura.

Aura is versatile energy that can only be produced and used by a person in question. It can strengthen the body, enabling the muscles to produce more power than it normally could. It could also make the body resilient and if mastered to the highest level, could even ward off attacks from both Physical and Magic attack, but only if the practitioner has enough Aura to do so. He even heard that some Aura users could use their Aura to mimic the forces of nature like an Elementalist. Although if that is true or not, Artreus doesn't know. Lastly, by allowing your Aura to circulate throughout your Aura nodes, one could boost the recovery speed of the body, healing minor to severe wounds, except amputated limbs, depending on the mastery of the practitioner. Those who master this aspect of Aura could even extend their lives as the more powerful the Life Force, the longer the lifespan.

The last one is what he is going to do, and while he circulates his Aura, it will enable him to widen his Aura channels, allowing his Core to contain more Life Energy, all the while, that same energy would also seep into his injured muscles, strengthening them, making his injured muscles stronger than they were before he injured himself.

Creation through destruction. That is what Grisha said as she explained her method of strengthening. Or in this case, Tempering of the body, as one breaks his body down only to re-forge it into something stronger, tougher.

The only downside to this is that it is slow. But every bit counts. Slow it might each part of his training might be in attaining more strength. But if he combines all those steps, it will bring him quickly to his target destination.

Unaware of the passing of time, Artreus continued to meditate. But while he was circulating his Aura inside his body, he was also making use of his Mana outside of his body. One way of increasing Mana capacity is expending Mana, by stretching Sense to its utmost capacity thus emptying his Mana reserve as much as possible. The next step would re-absorbing it from the atmosphere. By repeating this over and over again, he will expand his Mana reserves, enabling him to carry and absorb more Mana to his Core.

But this method also has a downside. A downside is called severe headache caused by Mana depletion. A symptom that he suffered every day while he faced the countless demons in the Void Plains. So he is already used to it and it doesn't bother him too much to break his focus.

Time flows by as Artreus focused on the task at hand. When he felt like he had done enough, he slowly opened his eyes and realized that it is already nighttime as he looked to the sky and see the stars dotting the night sky. "Whoops. I guess I got carried away by training. It is already dark." He said as he stood up. Although his body still ached, it was leagues better than he was earlier when he had to crawl in the ground just to move. "I have to train more, and to be able to train more, I must have enough food and rest. So I guess I should head back. Then after dinner, I will meditate more before I sleep." As Artreus grabbed his gear, he noticed that he forgot to bring something.

A change of clothes.

Now, not only does he look like a commoner, but he had to return to the inn looking like a homeless man that hasn't taken a bath for days, if not weeks.

Lesson learn I guess.