It has been a few days... since Aron started having dreams of choking on liquid. After the first time, he noticed... that in fact, it wasn't a dream. Just that he couldn't do anything as it happened.

He tried everything, but as the liquid was forced into his mouth. Aron couldn’t move or close his mouth. Once that was done… he was able to move, get up, wave his hands even speak. But it took almost a minute or so for him to be able to see again.

Aron had no idea, how it was done. But seeing how he was the only one awake after the experience... he concluded that it was only happening to him.

As he didn’t ask on the first day that it happened, now Aron felt that it was too late.

Feeling like it actually... helped him? Or was it due to the good food that they were eating two times a day now, he didn't know?

Seeing how he was feeling alright, Aron even felt somewhat confidant that he could manage one or two blocks this time.

Even though the training was difficult. Aron felt happy... feeling the progress for the first time in his life, and how it happened in a duration of a few days? It was amazing.

Aron even managed to get on somewhat friendly terms with Two, and the rest of the group. He used the fact that he was waking up first... to his advantage. Telling himself that it was better to suffer for a few seconds. Then to be late for dinner... and end up hungry.

Well, Aron ended up being the guide, whenever they went somewhere... combined with them all suffering together during the training sessions? It made them somewhat closer. But conversations were still somewhat awkward.

After the first experience that Aron had, with being force-fed some kind of liquid, and seeing how he couldn’t actually move. He ended up laying there frozen, not daring to move. Until what he guessed was his eyes adjusting to the darkness in the room.

Aron scanned the room, not daring to get up. He saw that everyone was still in deep sleep. Not even murmuring anything. The whole room was quiet, and the door seemed closed.

Aron didn’t know if it was a dream… but it felt real. Even his mouth was still wet, he could feel the liquid. Noticing that, he looked once more through the room, looking if anything was different.

Aron noticed that everyone had collars now… and it made sense, they did well on that test. Feeling his neck, he noticed that there was nothing there… maybe that was the reason? For being forced to drink that? He didn’t know.

Aron didn't know if the rest of the [Slaves] that didn’t have a collar, had the same liquid forced onto them. But he saw a clear difference in treatment. They weren't ordered to run, but then again Aron guessed... that he was the only one who still hasn’t managed to block a single strike.

One more thing that Aron noticed was… that if a team with [Slaves] that didn’t have a collar. Ended up being punished? The majority of the work, that was issued as punishment… ended up being done by the collarless [Slaves].

Aron was lucky enough, that they had yet to be tasked with anything. And with that... he quite enjoyed their current routine.

With every day, Aron could run just a bit faster. Use his sword just a bit better. But he noticed that running did nothing for his arm strength and movement speed.

Overall he felt faster, more nimble on his feet. And seeing how the whole training for all except him was based around... blocking slow strikes. Aron imagined, there will be more than just running. And he was expectant… to see if there were some kind of exercises that would improve his arm strength.

Remembering the first walk... Aron was happy that now he could probably run the same distance, well it was more like a jog. Being able to put the progress in perspective, was addicting to Aron. It didn't even feel that hard, once you noticed how much you ended up improving from it.

Instant rewards, did Aron in a way that was hard for him to explain. Even if on some days he felt sore. During the run itself... he could feel the soreness wearing off. It was amazing.

Being done with his happy thoughts, it was time to wake up the rest.

Already being used to the routine, they were quickly on their way. They were all excited to see what will end up being on today’s menu. Every day so far there was always something different... though the difference was minute, like the change of the meat type, different colored bread, there was even a salad once.

As they got closer to the kitchen, Two sped up and entered first. Sniffing around, he turned and exclaimed.

"It seems like it is something different today as well."

"What is it?" Seven asked. Rushing in after Two.

"Yea, don't keep us waiting!" Eleven exclaimed, following close behind.

Two stared at them in mock anger.

"You two really need to learn to be patient."

Before the little charade could continue, there was a voice from the kitchen.

"It's bear meat, with rye bread and some tomatoes."

The atmosphere turned somewhat awkward, the last few times that the voice answered. No matter what they said afterward, there was no response. So no one really knew what to say, as they usually were required to answer, or thank [Servants] and the similar.

Aron ended up murmuring

"Thank you."

Having grabbed the trays with dinner they were ready to head back. As they were on their way, the atmosphere again somewhat improved.

"What are your guesses? Will it be better than the wolf meat the other day?" Seven asked. Not taking his eyes off the meat, that was on the tray. His mouth was even watering.

Aron looked at Seven, seeing his expression.

"We saw wolves on our way, but seeing how there were no bears. With it being, probably rare? It should be better.".

Hearing that Eleven perked up.

"I hope you're right, having something better than that wolf steak... I would have no complaints."

The only downer of their group Fifteen decided to chime in, though he got somewhat more bearable... after his submission to Two.

"How can you guys care about food, now that we are [Slaves], being beaten every day. For who knows what reason?"

Taking his eyes off the meat, Seven looked at him… and frowned.

"What is the use of wallowing in despair, when you can be happy with little things. Look at the meat that we are having. What is the use of complaining now?"

Fifteen stared back, he scoffed.

"But what is the use of being happy? When you are getting beaten every day. Until you lose consciousness, they are just abusing their power. For what reason?"

Seeing how he was starting a rant again, Aron was getting ready for another five minutes of complaints. But luckily for him, Two stepped in, somewhat exasperated.

"You already told us all about your complaints. There is no need to ruin the mood again."

Their relationship got somewhat better, but it was still awkward. With Two being in charge, and Fifteen still being somewhat sore with losing.

Now with Fifteen being beaten, and not being able to see the benefits. He was grumpy. He made it obvious to all, that he didn't like it here.

It was strange, how whenever their conversation was going somewhere... and it was somewhat fun. There always came something up, either Fifteen being douchebag or [Servants] coming in.

But it is what it is. At least they were close to their room.

And well, it turned out that the meat was somewhat better. Chewier... but somewhat juicier. Those were Arons two cents. And it seemed like the rest agreed.

Seven took a big bite of the stake.

"This one is somewhat tastier, but I preferred wolf meat. Less time chewing, makes a big difference.".

Eleven nodded.

"Yea, especially as we have training after. The little bit of flavor just isn't worth it."

Two just nodded, not speaking. While Fifteen sulked on his bed, not wanting to interest with them.

As they finished their meal, they had around an hour of time, to just relax. Until they had to bring the plates back to the kitchen and well, Aron found a path that connected the kitchen with the training hall, so not having to make two separate trips saved them some extra time. And having the extra time was nice.

______

After an hour of just laying there and relaxing it was time for them to get going, to another day of training. Though Aron could see that not everyone was as excited as him.

As they arrived it was the usual... except [Slaver] Ron wasn't there, Aron guessed that Ron got bored of watching them being beaten up.

As everyone gathered, Shadow scanned over the [Slaves]

"Are you kids ready for another session, of where I beat you up... and you take it?"

Somehow he seemed different? More talkative for the past few times that Aron saw him.

There was the leading [Servant] next to Shadow, that was there to learn... how to beat them up? He said that his name was Clark?

"Now that it has already been a few days, it's time to put Clark to work." Shadow gestured for Clark to step up. As Clark got into his position, Shadow turned to them.

"You [Slaves], except Seventeen. Shall make two groups, one with collars shall receive training from me. The other will go with Clark."

Noticing how everyone somewhat subconsciously followed Shadows orders without complaints, Aron was impressed... what some violence could achieve. As Aron was there standing, thinking about that, a voice snapped him back from his thoughts.

"Seventeen, what are you waiting for. Start running!"

Looking in the direction of the voice, seeing Shadow. Aron started his run. Glancing one last time in Shadows direction, Aron could swear that he saw Shadow wink at him?

Seeing how Aron started running, Shadow turned towards the other [Slaves].

"You must have noticed that the treatment, that Seventeen has received so far was somewhat different from yours. If you haven’t managed to earn a collar, we have to punish you all somehow. So you shall have a new trainer."

Seeing the looks of the [Slaves] Shadow smiled and motioned for Clark to begin.

Scanning the two groups, there were actually 5 people in total, without collars including Aron.

After the first two [Slaves] started their blocking session, Aron could see why Shadow called it punishment. The way that Shadow moved, and his control of his power... and knowing where to hit someone.

Well, Clark had none of it. The first [Slave] that actually managed to block his first strike... was thrown to the ground by the impact. After a few tries, Clark got somewhat better, but it seemed as he wasn't even trying. And the way that he was hitting them... it was painful for Aron just to watch.

After a second Aron noticed that the first [Slave] that was sent flying by that strike, ended up unconscious. Aron didn’t know if it was from the pain or the hit.

As Aron continued his run, he got somewhat better at it thanks to Shadows instructions.

Aron looked in Shadows direction, he could somewhat tell that even he was somewhat annoyed.

Clark was bad… at controlling his strength. Even after the first one, the other four [Slaves] ended up the same way. Just they screamed more, as the initial pain wasn’t enough… or the force from the strike. To knock them unconscious.

As all of the [Slaves] were laying there in the corner, and some [Servants] already went to take the carts. Shadow motioned for me to get into the position in front of him.

"Seeing how you can actually... somewhat run now. It's time to add more stuff to your exercise routine." As Shadow finished, he pulled out two metal bracelets. "They're enchanted to weight as much as your sword, and from now on you'll be wearing them. In your time off, and during our training. Next time you run, I want to see you swing those arms with the rhythm of your feet."

Casually throwing them in front of his feet, Aron almost ended up jumping to the side. Not wanting to get his toes crushed. But luckily they didn’t.

Putting them on was easy enough, as Aron did they somewhat.... shrunk? Making them stick with his skin, trying to take them off, they didn't even budge... even if he waved his arms.

At first, Aron didn't even feel the weight. But once he picked up the sword, he couldn't even hold it straight. Noticing that, Shadow moved.

Before Aron could react, Shadows weapon struck his side.

"Seeing how you still can't block a single strike... I'll be in charge of your training even though you did not earn a collar."

Shadow somewhat paused after the first strike, like he was thinking something over.

"We can't have you shame our guild, with the way you are now... you are not worth the position. So you'll have to put more effort. Or things won't be looking good for you." Shadow finished with a ruthless smile, that didn't reach his eyes.

Aron saw the strikes coming, the pattern was the exact same... it seemed like Shadow sped up the strikes just a little bit, enough that Aron was one second off, to achieve a block. His body remembered the movements, but he still couldn't manage them. If his posture wasn’t perfect and the sword in the right position, Shadow would just change the path of his sword. And it would glance off his block, but still hit him.

And those hits hurt way more, with them being uncontrolled and those parts of Arons body not being used to getting hit... it was somewhat appealing to just let Shadow hit him, but somehow Aron was sure that if he did that, that Shadow would increase the weight of his strikes.

"At least you are making some progress, you managed to last about five minutes of being beaten up. I guess that’s enough for today." As Shadows words finished, Aron only saw his shoulder move and he was out cold.

_____

Glancing at the pile of [Slaves] Caden sighed, he was somewhat annoyed at Clark. But oh well.

"Clark, get the servants to move them back. And you should practice some more with that weapon of yours. You suck at it."

Caden was somewhat impressed... with Seventeens performance, but it was still too early. And the progress could mostly be due to the potions. But he had to give it to the kid, he was trying.

Caden didn't even have to monitor Aron during the runs any longer. And seeing how he somewhat, saw the last strike. If he gets some muscles, enough to follow the reflex reaction. He had potential, that perception of his could take him far.

Caden should probably soon, increase his training schedule. And stop with all this beating unconscious crap, even though Caden had to admit, it somewhat helped them out as they started to adapt to actual training, and getting used to pain. Not to mention, that by now they had the [Slaves] following most of the orders without any complaints.

______

It was the first time that Aron actually woke up last, after the morning training session. He felt good, like any other day. Until he tried to move his arms... they wouldn’t budge.

So Aron ended up sitting there, not able to even scratch his nose. And it was coming closer to the time of the second meal. He had no idea how... he would manage to get it here, and even if he did... how would he eat it?

Aron deliberated using it to bribe Two but it was instantly dismissed, they all had more than enough food. So he had to wait until he found a way to take those bracelets off, or if he somehow ended up pursuing Shadow to do it.

Looking around Aron saw that everyone was ready, some even looking at him.

“Sorry guys, it seems like I can’t move my arms.”

Eleven stared at him, confused.

“Why is that?”

Fifteen sneered.

“Can’t you see how scrawny he is?”

Aron ignored that and looked at Eleven.

“They gave me these bracelets.” Motioning with his eyes, Aron continued. “And they weight a ton.”

Seven laughed.

“Now we all have some kind of collar. You are no longer collarless!”

Two nodded.

“No worries, you lead some of us will carry your tray.”

Aron didn’t know what he was feeling at that point. But he ended up nodding.

As they were going, Aron tried his best to ignore Fifteens grumbling. And not let it ruin the feeling. But it was hard.