Aron was having the time of his life, the first time in his life he had things looking good for him. He even was somewhat closer with the whole group now. Fifteen was still being an oddball. But the whole group was looking good.

It was a few days since Clark ended up showing them the exercises, and Aron ended up doing them even after the training sessions. All together life was good.

With good food, comfy beds, being able to take a bath whenever you wanted. Having even a bathroom. Aron liked it here. Some of the group disagreed with him there. But he ignored them.

He was progressing, he could even see himself grow. In the past few weeks. He could see his body develop, everything was going smoothly. Now he even felt comfortable with the bracelets that he had. The weight of them no longer bothered him. He even somewhat wanted to ask Shadow… if he had heavier ones.

Yes, Shadow was being an asshole, it became blatantly obvious that Aron was getting special treatment during sword training. But Aron was thankful to him, those bracelets that Shadow gave him. Aron liked them… a lot. But still, not managing to block a strike… was irritated somewhat.

But once Aron looked at it from the other side, changed his perspective. He didn’t mind it as much. Everything was going well for him, so having one thing at which he sucked? Kept him humble.

It was a reminder that none of them have awakened. Or had any classes. So all that progress, even though it was massive. It just wasn’t enough to make him competent compared with the others.

And those sessions made sure he didn’t forget… with all the comfort that he had. The way that people were treated, when they became useless to the powerful. Aron had no delusions, that if one of them disobeyed. That they would still end up being treated like this.

So he did his best, to keep his team on the same page. But it was hard, they were on friendly terms… but everyone had their ideas, goals. And not all of them were on the same page with Aron.

The group had a chat one day, once they got back to their rooms after dinner. It made Aron somewhat scared. At least he felt somewhat relieved that it was just Fifteen. That had such a crazy idea.

And as days passed, he completely forgot about it. He was lost in the training routine. Being able to do squats, crunches, and push-up in their room? It was a game-changer.

Aron tried applying his idea to the exercises. Trying to see if he could find a way… to improve the results that he was getting from them. After training all sorts of ways of doing them he came to a conclusion that the best way of doing them was, whenever he had to lift a part of his body he did his best, pushed as hard as he could to do them as fast as he was able to.

And on the way down? Aron tried slowing down his movement. It was a hard combination. It lowered the max number of repetitions that he was able to achieve. But the burn in his muscles… it made him feel like he was progressing. Even faster than he was currently.

Having been woken up, Aron sat up. Waiting for the thing in front of his eyes to disappear. It became just a minor inconvenience. Now Aron was sure… that the drink that he had. Was somehow helping him out.

No matter how hard he worked, no matter how many reps he did, or laps Aron ran. The pain in his muscles would disappear in a day’s time. And he could do all that again, and the improvement? It was instant. Be it an additional rep. Or a few more laps. It was amazing.

And his team members? After a hard day of training… the next few days or maybe even a week, they would have a hard time.

Looking around, seeing how everyone was still asleep. Aron decided to do his morning routine before breakfast.

After a few days of experimenting. He decided on circular rotation. Doing sixty reps of each exercise and once he was done, he would repeat it two more times. It made him sweat. But having access to a bath. It was a good way to start a day.

Even the cold water, wasn’t an issue any longer. It helped him with recovery, from the routine that he was doing.

Jogging slowly from the bath, towards their room. He pondered how his day would go. But seeing how not much had changed since Ron stopped coming to the training lessons. He doubted that anything would change.

Maybe if Shadow decided to add something else to their training sessions? Aron would like that. Or even heavier bracelets… that would be pretty good.

Coming to the door, Aron slowly opened it. Not sure if others were still asleep.

“Went for a bath again?”

Flinching a bit, Aron looked in the direction of the voice. Seeing Two, he nodded.

“Yeah, I wake up much earlier than you guys. So instead of just sitting there, taking a bath is a nice way to spend my time.”

Shaking his head, Two shrugged.

“I still have no idea how you like those baths. The water is freezing.”

“You just get used to it. It isn’t so bad once you do it enough times.”

Thinking about it, Two shivered.

“There’s no chance… that you could convince me to try that.”

Walking towards the bed, Aron sat down.

“It is your loss. If you change your mind, let me know.”

Two nodded. Looking at the others, Aron could see them slowly getting up. Eleven still looked sore from the other day. But everyone was doing good.

“You guys are amazing, we were here for so long. And we have yet to be punished. After I heard what the fourth group had to go through for being last on the first day when we had our first bath.”

Aron shivered from just thinking about it. Two nodded.

“Having to clean a pool of that size… after seventeen people washing there. It must have been a nightmare.”

Sitting up, Eleven rubbed his eyes.

“You guys really know what to talk about, in the morning. Before breakfast… I no longer want to eat, anything.”

Looking at him, Aron sighed.

“My bad… it is just that, we have it good.”

__________

As Aron and the others entered the training hall it was strange. Somewhat was missing, It was somewhat strange seeing just Shadow standing there.

Aron didn’t expect to see Shadow alone, after the way that Clark was behaving. He had no idea what was going to happen today. But he guessed they would see.

After a while, the other [Slaves] arrived. And Shadow motioned for everyone to get in positions. And for Aron that meant that he started running. Before he could start, Shadow stopped him.

“Today is a special day. Clark had things to do, and I don’t feel like training you all… alone. So we shall change things up.”

Shadow gestured for one of the collarless [Slaves] to step out.

“So, I’ll be showing you a new way of striking. And all you have to do is block.” Glancing in Arons direction, Shadow waved his hand. “Seventeen, start running. Pay attention to the way that I move.”

Aron was somewhat surprised, but nonetheless, he followed. Somewhat curious to see what Shadow had on his mind.

As the first [Slave] came in front of Shadow, Shadow moved. He lunged forward in one smooth motion he stabbed forward with the sword. The [Slave] had no time to react, as the tip of the sword struck his sword he was sent flying.

Shadow motioned for the other [Slave] to step up.

Aron was amazed, Shadows movement was fluid. He couldn’t help but admire it, wondering why he decided to change things up.

At the pace that Shadow was going, it felt like he was rushing it. Like he had no patience to do the whole thing alone. Aron didn’t even manage to finish ten laps before other [Servants] came in. Taking the [Slaves] back to their rooms.

Aron was confused, but there was nothing that he could do. So he just kept running, waiting to see what Shadow was going to do.

As Aron ran, he could feel Shadows eyes on him as he ran. It was kind of creepy. As he didn’t say anything.

After twenty or some more laps, Shadow spoke.

“That’s enough. Come here.”

Jogging towards Shadow, Aron had no idea what Shadow wanted. He just hoped that he wasn’t in any kind of trouble.

Aron stood there, somewhat awkwardly. Not knowing what to do, as Shadow sized him up.

“You have improved.”

It wasn’t a question, but reflexively Aron ended up nodding. Shadow smiled.

“Your progress is acceptable. But as you lack sword skills, I decided to teach you, a good way of using it. You have been paying attention right?”

Aron straightened.

“Yes, Shadow.”

Shaking his head, Shadow looked at him.

“Display what you saw, I’ll be helping you out for the next thirty or so minutes. Don’t waste this opportunity.”

Nodding, Aron went to take his sword. And got into position. It was somewhat awkward. Not really knowing which foot to use. Aron attempted it a few times… but he couldn’t copy the smoothness of Shadows movements.

“It’s all the same motion, as you step out and your body moves forward. You have to simultaneously move your hand forward.”

Shadow demonstrated one more time, it looked easy to Aron. But once he had to do it… it was a whole other story.

Aron would end up failing. It was hard… to manage it all in unison. It was the first time that he did… something like this.

“Don’t worry, you are progressing.” Shadow laughed. “Do it again, I’ll be adjusting your movements, as you do them.”

And so Aron did.

The thirty minutes flew by, Aron somewhat managed to learn… it was just that, he needed more practice. Looking at the Shadow, from the place where he was sitting.

“Is there a way for me to bring one of these swords with me… just for practice?”

Shadow shook his head, amused.

“Maybe other time, but now? With your whole team there, it isn’t something that should be done.”

Aron was somewhat disappointed… but at least now he learned something new.

“You should get going, the session is over.”

Looking at Shadow, who was standing there. Aron wanted to risk it… maybe he would get an answer.

“Sir Shadow… why are you doing all of this?”

Shadow tilted his head… considering.

“Why wouldn’t I, I have my bets set on you. So you better keep up the good work, or I’ll need to give you some extra incentive.” Shadow smiled, showing his teeth.

Aron shivered… that smile didn’t look friendly.

“Yes, Sir!”

And so he was going back, Arons mind was racing. He had no idea what he did… or why someone like Shadow had his bet on him?

Aron almost ended up taking a wrong turn, as he was going back to their room.

__________

Ron was having a good day. He finally caught up with the reports, messages, and orders. The whole thing took him much longer than he expected. He even leveled up.

His days became somewhat better after Shadow made his request. And with him not making a big deal of Clarks mistake. Ron was able to somewhat relaxed, he was able to focus, on the work that he had to do.

And things moved, He ended up locked up in his room for three days now. Not even having time to take a break.

His body felt weak… but that didn’t diminish his mood. He finally got on the right track. He finally found a way… to make the current way of doing business. Better, he was even somewhat tempted to keep doing it, one Shadow left.

If someone cheated him? The next link in the chain that would end up receiving goods, would inform him about it. And that would bring a chain of events that would let Ron take the property of the person who attempted to cheat with the reports.

It was a perfect scheme. If it worked out? Ron would end up much richer… and he would be able to change the way that things currently were. It was perfect.

Ron grabbed a bell from his table and rang it. A few seconds after, Clark walked in.

“Master, You called?”

Looking at him, Ron was surprised. He looked good, it seemed that Shadow didn’t treat him poorly. And remembering how Shadow only asked for one week, of him being under his command. Ron was happy.

“Yes, get me the oldest wine that we have. And have the [Cook] prepare a feast.”

Clark, stood there trying to recall.

“Master you want the Golden Fields, the one-fifty year old one. Or something else?”

Taking out a note with the list of the wines that Ron had currently, he scanned it.

“That one is fine, bring it to me before going to the kitchen.”

Clark nodded and turned to leave. Seeing him exit Ron stood up and walked to one of the cabinets that held some of the prized items from his collection. Taking out the enchanted glass, that was made for drinking wine.

He was happy that he would end up finally using it. Ron just wanted to relax, it was a hell of a week. And this seemed like a perfect situation.

Looking at the ordinary-looking glass, Ron couldn’t help but admire it.

He was lucky, that the poor guy was bankrupt. Or he would end up spending a fortune on it. From what Ron recalled, it enchanted the taste of wine by up to thirty percent. And if it was true?

Today would end up being a good one.

Soon after Ron retrieved the glass, Clark arrived with the bottle. Opening it, and filling Rons glass.

“Master, is there anything specific that you would wish for the feast to be?”

Shaking his head Ron took the filled glass, and in amazement watched the enchant activate.

“Have him prepare his best one.”

“Yes, Master.”

It was early to drink, but Ron didn’t care. He would spend the whole day indulging himself.

Ron couldn’t help but moan, as he took a sip. It was amazing.

The whole bottle was emptied in less than thirty minutes. And Ron was feeling good. He just sat there, absentminded. Staring into the ceiling. Expectant to the things that would happen.

_______

As Clark went to the kitchen to take the food to Master Ron, he couldn’t help but sigh.

Technically Clark was still under Shadows orders, but at least this seemed like it would be over before he had to show up at the training hall.

With enchanted fireplaces, the whole cooking process would take less than twenty or so minutes. So as he arrived, Clark waited outside.

Seeing the [Cook] exit, Clark greeted him and accepted the tray.

Clark couldn’t help but stare at the food. Even as the [Head Servant] he didn’t have many opportunities to eat something like this. Shaking his head, he just went on his way.

_______

Entering the room, Clark was amazed to actually see Ron drunk. After working for him for the last three years. He never saw Ron relax. From one trip to another, he was a busy man.

He wasn’t there to judge, so Clark just walked towards the table. And placed the tray on Rons desk.

As he was about to leave, he heard Ron vomit. Snapping his head in the direction of the table he saw his Master collapsed on the floor.

Clark facepalmed, as he rushed off to find a potion. And if that couldn’t help… he would need to look for the [Healer], and those were rare.