"Come, eat. I will explain afterward."

Vacker doesn't argue, he probably hasn't eaten decent food in years. Between the two of us not even scraps are left when we are done. Once we are both full I quickly explain the deal I made with the demon lords.

Vacker says "Are you insane? They are your enemies!"

"Yes, but getting them to fight the other demon lords will buy me time to prepare for their invasion."

Vacker says "I guess there is some sense in that. So what am I doing here?"

"I asked to borrow you, I need help training and raising my strength. I will be fighting under the suppression of the manacles."

Vacker says "That is a tall order, just moving in the manacles takes a huge effort."

"I can already move a little, I have a week, maybe two, to get strong enough to survive in the arena."

Vacker says "Ugh, you took a bad bet! Too late now to change it though. Alright, show me what you know of the sword so I can see what I'm working with."

"Alright, I'll ask a guard to fetch a practice sword."

Vacker says "No, just imagine you are holding a sword. You won't have a weapon in the arena."

"Alright, if you say so."

After thinking for a second I of course imagine Blitz in my hands, I know that sword like my own arm. I then assume a fighting stance and go through some basic moves. At the end I go through the forms I know from the Supreme Swordsmanship.

Due to intense exercise Str +1!

After just one round of movements I am completely exhausted and collapse back into my chair. For a few seconds there at the end I could swear I actually felt the weight of Blitz in my hands. Maybe I am getting close to what manga always referred to as one with the sword.

Vacker says "Pathetic! That was absolutely horrible! What idiot trained you in advanced forms and didn't teach you the basics?"

"Um, well, to be honest no one has trained me. All I know is what I have taught myself and the forms I learned from a book."

Vacker says "It is a wonder that you are still alive! Any half competent swordsman could cut you to pieces!"

"Then I guess I'm lucky that I have mainly fought beasts and common soldiers."

Vacker says "I'd say you are more than just lucky. There is a lot for you to learn, but there is no way you can learn it in only a week or two."

"I'm not asking you to make me a master, just teach me what you can. Any little bit helps!"

Vacker says "Alright, alright. I will try."

"To quote one of my worlds greatest sages 'Do or do not. There is no try!'"

Vacker says "Fine, I will train you! Starting right now, on your feet!"

Even though I am still exhausted I force myself to my feet and move into the stance as Vacker instructs me. He laboriously walks me through all the basic footwork and the basic attacks and defenses. It is really hard for me with the manacles on and I make a lot of mistakes.

Due to intense exercise Str +1!

*DING*

Congratulations! Skill Sword Basics has progressed to level 10!

Sword Basics

Level 10

Str +10

You do 50% extra damage with swords.

"Can't move anymore, too exhausted."

Vacker says "That's fine, get some rest. Then do it again with fewer mistakes."

"Yes, yes, this time without the oops."

Vacker says "You sure say some weird things sometimes!"

"Yeah, sorry about that. It's a bad habit."

Vacker says "Whatever, just get some rest so we can continue."

I obediently go and get some sleep, having a real bed will do wonders for my soreness. Not to mention I still have a lot of whip wounds that need to heal. I had intended to only sleep for six hours, but my body has a different idea and I don't wake up until ten hours have passed.

As soon as I wake up I smell food and my stomach grumbles at me. So I climb out of bed and head into the main room following the smell. There I find another massive amount of food laid out and Vacker already eating.

Without saying a word I sit down and start stuffing my face as fast as I can chew and swallow. Vacker doesn't say anything about my manners for which I am thankful. I know I am eating like a pig but I can't help myself, I am just that hungry for some reason.

As soon as I am done eating I stand up and start practicing the basics that Vacker taught me. Vacker sits there and tells me what I am doing wrong and how to correct it. This time I manage two full sets before I collapse to the ground exhausted.

Due to intense exercise Str +1!

As I am lying there trying to catch my breath there is a knock at the door. Without waiting for a response the door opens and a servant enters, I notice four guards behind her. She informs me that Lady Xinun has summoned me, then the guards help me into a chair and carry me to the great hall.

The other thrones are gone and only Lady Xinun's throne remains. She is sitting in her throne and after the guards that carried me leave we are left completely alone. She seems to have something on her mind but I don't know her well enough to tell if she is happy or mad.

"You wanted to see me Lady Xinun?"

Lady Xinun says "I thought you would like to know the results of our discussions about you."

"Yes, I would very much like to know what was decided."

Lady Xinun says "Well, for starters we will be sticking with your plan. I will be sending an explanation and apology to Lord Shendaw shortly and once I receive his response you will be sent to him."