Another day, another beating. The battles haven't changed at all these past months. Tharnomath and I duel, he unleashes an insane amount of pressure, I try to resist and ultimately lose my consciousness.

'It's infuriating! I want to be able to battle! I want to be able to stand against his power!'

I don't have time to pity myself. I just have to continue growing and perhaps one day. I could finally stand on an equal playing ground with Tharnomath.

***

Time conscious before passing out.

8 months since the first duel with Tharnomath: 100 seconds

10 months: 500 seconds

12 months: 1100 seconds

15 months: 2000 seconds

***

My second year of preparing for the blood tournament is almost finished. It's been quite a hell of training if I'm being honest. My strength has obviously increased I know that yet I can't help this feeling of hopelessness each time my consciousness slips because of Tharnomath's power.

'No, let's not get too negative now.' I think to myself in a reinvigorating tone.

Eli's arcane training has officially begun and as suspected she's quite frighteningly strong. Her physical training on the other hand is still on hold as her body still seems to be frail.

Ergilazz on the other hand seems to appear at random times. I asked Tharnomath about it once, and he answered something about Ergilazz dealing with some “personal” issues. His tone made it clear that I should steer far away from his situation, and I'm not trying to get squished any harder than I already am.

Ashmodai has been busy since I started training. He almost never visits the tavern again. But when he's there, I know where to find him. In that one chair that he now just flatly refuses to give up on. I returned one day from training and saw him almost kill some poor drunk dude as he refused to move for him.

“Could he be cursed?” I ask out loud, truly starting to think of it as a true possibility.

Cornelius has also been going in and out of Lucilles's Light, “Looking for a solution for his unfortunate situation”.

“Little Ed, do not worry, I promise upon my life as a devoted gentleman! I will make sure that I will find the solution to our crisis!” He yelled a year ago at me a year ago.

“What crisis?” I asked him, genuinely confused.

“I'm touched that you act so strong in front of me, but I know you and cute Eli are suffering. It saddens my heart!”

I look at Eli with a look that asked her for information. She simply shrugs as she also seems to have no clue about what's going on.

“What are you even talking about, Cornelius?” I asked, a bit annoyed at the fact that he was yelling pure nonsense.

“The fact that you and Eli have to miss my company, of course!” He yelled as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Since then, he's been going on trips trying to find a solution. I rather have him stay safe than risk his life just to be around for a few more hours a day. But trying to talk Cornelius out of an idea is like asking an addict to simply stop. It's not going to happen.

“There you are,” Tharnomath yells at me. A slight frown on his face as he sees me lost in thought.

“You were almost late, I trust you have not forgotten the given punishment to those who show up late.” He says as the temperature gets, colder. His mood deteriorating at an incredible pace.

“Of course today is the day I'm gonna beat you after all.” I decide to say confidently, as I've noticed throughout all our training that Tharnomath absolutely hates having to cheer someone up.

“Well, I wouldn't be so confident if I were you.” He simply answers as the temperature finally goes back to normal.

Not responding, I just stand ready to begin. Servants gather around as our bi-daily duels have become entertainment for them. I don't really like it as I have lost every time, but who am I to say what they should be doing.

The duel begins, and thus Tharnomath starts applying his insane pressure.

'I just have to make it through! COME ON, YOU WEAK PIECE OF ****!' I yell mentally, as even I do not know if I motivate or insult myself more.

1 minute passes…

10 minutes pass…

20 minutes pass…

30 minutes pass…

Everyone gasps as something unbelievable just happened. After 30 minutes of Tharnomath's magical pressure, I did not lose consciousness. Rather the opposite happens as after 30 long minutes I'm able to stand again. I rush towards Tharnomath in a surge of adrenaline and excitement. My trusted Blood bound spear is in hand as I aim it right at his neck.

'I CAN MOVE! I CAN FIGHT! WHAHAHAHAH!' I freak out mentally.

Tharnomath's 6 eyes now look at me rather sadder than shocked as he quickly engulfs his body in a shell of ice. My spear makes contact with the shell and both burst. My vision is clouded as debris of ice shards flies around from the clash.

'Where is he? WHERE IS HE!' I think to myself, starting to panic.

My feet freeze to the ground as the ice shards start engulfing my entire body. I quickly summon a shell of darkness around my body in an attempt to defend myself. It was too late however as my body freezes entirely from Tharnomath's ice.

Tharnomath now finally appears in my vision again. His eyes still haven't changed one bit since the first time I saw him.

'Still in complete control, huh?' I say mentally as the ice finally finishes its job and completely engulfs me.