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Chapter 37

The sun rose over the horizon and Hiro’s eyes slowly opened.

“Wake up sleepy head” Foria said with a smile.

“You sure are excited” Hiro said as he wiped his eyes and yawned.

Foria pulled the covers back as she was already up and dressed in her studded armor. Then she grabbed Hiro’s arm and pulled him out of bed.

“Ok. Ok. Ok. I’m up.” Hiro said gruffly.

He rubbed his eyes and went downstairs. Once downstairs he put on his armor and the 3 went outside.

Outside Amaterasu was waiting outside for them when they opened the door. She licked Foria’s face.

“I guess she didn’t want to be left behind either” said Foria. “I told Scarlet to meet us at the center of town so we should head there now.”

“Ok lets get moving”, said Hiro

The group began moving towards the center of town and after a few moments they reached their destination. There they found Scarlet waiting for them in the center of town. They went over and greeted her.

“Since you don’t have any weapons or equipment, I would like to get you some before we leave.”

“Thank you.”

“What type of weapon and armor would you like to use?” asked Hiro

“Leather type armor is best for me and a bow with some some daggers would be great”

“I can make you some armor once we get to Matsuro’s place but let’s stop and see the dwarves to get you some weapons.”

Scarlet agreed and the group went to the dwarven weapon shop. Once they arrived the dwarves greeted them with a smile.

“How can we help you Hiro?”

“I need a bow and a pair of daggers for my friend Scarlet. Do you have anything.”

“Yes, actually we have a couple of silver daggers in our inventory that are light and durable. The bows we have are not of very good quality but they are still usable.”

“Thank you kind dwarves. The weapon’s ability is not as important as the skill of the one using it” said Scarlet

“We will take them. Can you take that out of the gold that I left you?” said Hiro

“Of course Hiro” replied the dwarves as the gave the bow and daggers to Scarlet.

She placed the daggers in her belt and put quiver of arrows and bow on her back. They thanked the dwarves again and set out. Hiro open the letter the Matsuro had left for him. On the back was a map to an area northwest of town. Scarlet looked at the map.

“I know that area. It is about a 2 day journey from here on foot.”

“Then that means we should make it in a day riding Leo and Amaterasu” said Foria.

The group mounted up and rushed off. Hiro and Scarlet rode on Leo and Foria rode on Amaterasu. The group took off in a blinding flash. The two beasts moved at an astonishing rate. By noon they had already made it half way to the place where they were to meet Matsuro. They dismounted and began preparing lunch. Hiro cooked lunch and the group sat around as they ate.

“What is this aroma?” asked Scarlet

“I call them snake fillets. I made them from a night viper that I killed. Is there something wrong?” asked Hiro.

“No to the contrary, this is the most amazing thing I have ever smelled.” Scarlet said as she took a bite of one of the the fillets. “This is amazing!”

Hiro smiled and said, “I’m glad you enjoy it!”

The group quickly finished eating their meal and mounted up and left. Around 4 hours later, the group made it to the area on the map. There was a small home surrounded by a small fence.

“I guess this is the place” said Foria.

“MASTER MATSURO are you here!?” yelled Hiro.

No one came out and Hiro yelled again. Then out came his master. Matsuro was wearing what appeared to be black leather armor. He was carrying a blade in a scabbard that was attached to a belt that was on his way. The group entered to meet him.

“Who are you friends Hiro?”

“You know Foria her brother is the town chief. This is Scarlet she is a friend who pledged to join the army. The animals we have are Leo, my Liger companion and the wolf is Amaterasu, Foria’s companion”

“Ah. So why are they here? I agreed to train you not anyone else besides my training is not suitable for one as delicate as these ladies and there can only be one successor to the lightning blade style”

“No master they are not here to train with you they came along to be with me. Scarlet is going to train Foria.”

“Oh I see well then did you bring the healing potions I asked for?”

“Yes master.”

“Remove your armor and weapon. While he finishes,ladies you may use any part of this place to train. All that I ask is that you do not interfere with my teaching in any way", said Matsuro

The two ladies nodded and Hiro removed his armor. After his armor was removed Foria hugged Hiro and she and Scarlet walked off to another area. Matsuro placed the bracelets on each of Hiro’s wrists and the rings on each of his ankles.

“These are heavy master!”

“These cuffs that I gave you will allow you to transcend your limits. Each piece weighs roughly 50lbs. As of right now your weight is about 200 lbs. Currently they have double your weight.You will wear them as long as you are here. You may not take them off ever!”

“Yes Master”

“Hiro do you know why they called me Matsuro of the lightning blade?”

“No master.”

“It was because I moved so fast that it seemed as if I was as fast as lightning.”

“I understand”

“Now your training begins. Gravity times 4.”

The bracelets began to glow and Hiro could feel the weight of his the cuffs increase.

“My body feels so heavy.”

“Yes it should now be close to 600lbs.”

Hiro began to increase his ki to allow himself to move more freely.

“No do not use your ki. The first part of my training is to increase your base strength and speed. You will not do this while using ki. Hiro your ki should be used to augment your existing strength. The greater your raw physical abilities are the greater your ki will be.”

“I understand Master.”

Hiro released his ki. Matsuro instructed him to begin his training by running around the area 5 times.

“Master how can I do that with no ki and weighing 600 lbs.”

“You wanted my strength? This is what you will do. I thought you wanted the strength to protect the town and vanquish the dragon that injured me. Are you already wiling to give up.”

Matsuro turned around and walked away.

“I will not quit! I will do this!”

Matsuro smiled with his back turned towards his disciple. Hiro began walking. Each step seemed like his it took everything out of him. He moved step by step around the area. The single lap took him nearly 45 minutes to cover the distance that was about 1 mile. Hiro was sweating profusely.

“Hmmmm… This kid has way more potential than I ever thought. Even at the height of my strength I could only do this with about 3000 lbs. of extra weight. Even though I could run at that weight, It took me years to get that level. This kid is is able to move at a place that took me nearly 6 months to reach. He is very interesting.”

Hiro stopped and grabbed a quick drink of water from his inventory then continued his laps. Four hours later he completed the 5 laps and collapsed onto the ground. It was pitch black outside and Matsuro came out.

“That was terrible kid. Tomorrow do it again and add another lap.”

“Yes Master.” Hiro said weakly.

Due to your training you gained 20 points to strength, speed, and stamina.

This is incredibly hard but it is already showing its merit. This will be a good experience.

Hiro fell asleep on the ground. As he slept Leo came and wrapped himself around Hiro to keep him safe.

The morning quickly came and Hiro awoke at the crack of dawn. He got up and saw that Leo was laying there protecting him.

Thank you for keeping an eye on me my friend.

Hiro slowly got up.

They are heavy but not as heavy as yesterday. My body is improving but I also need to build up my wisdom and some of my other skills. Since I can’t use my ki for strength I will let my clones work on other skills while I train my physical abilities. I’ll summon 3 of my clones. Each one will have a job. One will meditate, one will practice with the martial arts techniques and the last will practice magic. Hopefully that keeps my wisdom and fighting technique improving just as fast as speed, strength, and stamina.

Hiro summoned his 3 clones and they began training their individual skill. While they were training he began his laps. His pace was better today. He was still unable to run but he could walk at a normal walking pace. He even tried to jog for short intervals. Matsuro was watching his pupil closely. It took Hiro approximately 30 minutes to complete each lap today. Once Hiro finished, Matsuro came up to him.

“How do you feel?”

“Good Master”

“Eat something and then come to see me over near the training ring.”

Hiro moved as fast as he could to hut and ate the food left for him.

Why haven’t I seen Foria, or the others? I hope they are ok. Well I’m sure they are fine. Leo is with them.

Once he finished his food Hiro went out and found Matsuro standing in the training ring.

“The second part of the beginning of your trainining is to speed up your swing with the sword. To accomplish this I want you to swing this sword 500 times. Swing it vertically like this each time.”

Matsuro demonstrated by clutching the sword tightly in his hands and lifting the sword above his head and swinging it down vertically. The swing he made was so fast that that Hiro could barely follow it with his eyes. He did notice that the wind from the strike caused the grass on the ground to sway.

“Incredible Master!”

He handed Hiro another very large sword. The blade was nearly 4 feet long and nearly 1 foot wide. The hilt was covered in some sort of engraving that looked to be a picture of a lightning bolt.Hiro grabbed the sword.

What the hell?! He just swung this sword like it was nothing. I pick it up and it weighs a freaking ton. How strong is this old man!

"Ah so you noticed how heavy it is. I cast the same gravity magic the sword. I weighs around 200 lbs."

"What?! You mean I have to swing it along with wearing these bracelets and anklets?"

"You dare question your master?!"

"No master. My apologies"

Hiro lifted the sword above his head and swung down. The blade was so heavy that it hit the ground and dug in about foot. It took all of Hiro’s strength to remove the blade from the ground. He swung it again and again and again. Master Matsuro sat down on a nearby chair and began smoking a long pipe while he watched his pupil. Hiro continued to swing the sword. It took him almost 3 hours to complete his task.

“I have done it master… huff…puff.”

“Yes you did. Now comes the hardest part of your training.”

“The hardest part… GULP!”

What the hell does he mean the hardest part? I feel like I almost died doing the running and swinging this sword. What could he have that is harder than this?

“In my style of combat I used heavy armor but it impeded my movement. I will make you better than I was by helping you build a body that is harder than steel. Your skin will be like the scales of a dragon. I have seen your ability to grow and I plan on making full use of it now.”

My skin will be tough like a dragon’s scales? That sounds awesome!

“Yes Master. I will do as you say”

“In order to survive these hits your body must become stronger than the most powerful blade. Your skin must be like metal. So you will begin by taking 10 strikes from me. I will only use 10 percent of my strength and I will use this wooden sword to begin. As you are able to take attacks from this wooden sword then we will move on to a sharper weapon. Now,

Prepare yourself.”

“Take strikes from you?”

“YOU DARE QUESTION YOUR MASTER!”, yelled Matsuro.

“My apologies Master. I am ready.”

Hiro opened his stance and lowered his body into a horse stance with his knees bent and upper leg parallel to the ground. He clenched his fist and readied himself for the blow. Matsuro readied by grasping it firmly with both hands. The blade pointed vertically as he held it close to his chest. Matsuro widened his stance then he moved. His wooden sword whistled through the air as the blade struck Hiro in the ribs.

“AAAACCCKKKK!!” HIro shouted as the blade struck him. He fell to his knees and drooled out of his mouth.

“On your feet! Exhale when you are being struck to minimize the damage.”

Hiro looked at his health and noticed that the attack took nearly 60 percent of his health. He stood up and took a deep breath as he breathed in his health began to recover.

“I see you have remarkable healing abilities. That is good. I’m going to put them to the test.”

Matsuro waited for a moment as Hiro recovered. As soon as he recovered Matsuro hit him with another shot. And the process repeated until Hiro had taken all 10 blows to his ribs. After the last blow Hiro fell to his knees. Even though his health had recovered his body was showing a dark bruise in the area where he had been struck by his master.

“That is enough for today. We will continue tomorrow. For the next for days you will stay with what you did today. On day 6 your menu will increase to 10 laps, 750 sword strikes and 15 attacks from me.”

“Yes sir.”

Hiro stood up and covered his ribs with his hands. He bowed to Master Matsuro and then went to where his clones were training. They stopped training when he stood in front of them. Hiro dismissed the clones and absorbed the skill that they had accumulated. He lay down on the ground exhausted. Every single one of his muscles was screaming.

You have gained 35 points towards strength, 20 points towards speed, 20 points toward stamina, and 10 points towards wisdom.

You also advanced your endurance ability to intermediate level 1. By advancing to the intermediate level you have gained 50 points to your stamina and increased your health by 15%.

Taking those attacks did a lot for me. I definitely need to improve my endurance level. This training is great but my body is taking a pounding. I have to heal myself at night or the fatigue may build up. Hmm I guess they did not practice enough to gain a level in sword skill or martial arts skill but that is ok. I will continue with this and hopefully my skill in the clone spell will improve. Actually I should just have them battle each other.

Hiro cast his healing spell on himself until his bruises from his master were no longer visible. He clenched his fist as the his body felt like it was back to normal. His strength seemed to be even greater than before. He closed his eyes and used his energy detection to find his companions. They were not far from him only about 1.5 miles.

What the heck is up with that energy! Is that actually Foria? How did it increase that much in such a short time? I have to do better in my training or she will surpass me.

Hiro laid down on the ground and looked up at the stars and began to fall asleep.

This went on for nearly a week. On the morning of the 6th day, Hiro opened his eyes he noticed Leo was not there and Master Matsuro was standing over him.

“Why are you still asleep? Get up! Get to your training! This is not a vacation!”

Hiro quickly jumped up and bowed to his master in apology for his lack of discipline. He quickly began walking away from his master. He was so startled he did not have to time to summon his clones.

Wait I’m moving just fine. My body doesn’t feel that heavy anymore. Let me see…

Hiro started to jog. He was able to jog for about a minute before his he felt like his lungs were going to pop. He walked for a while as he calmed himself and his breathing returned to normal. Then he jogged again for another minute. He did this cycle over and over again until he completed all of his laps. When he finished his last lap Master Matsuro was waiting.

“I see you are moving faster that is good. Now begin your strike with the sword. I want tyou complete 800. 200 downward slashes, 200 upward slashes, 200 horizontal from the right, and 200 horizontal from the left.”

“But Master, yesterday you said it was only 750.”

“You dare question me! Make it 1,000! 250 of each type of slash So called Hero of Kaito!”

Hiro took a deep breath and apologized to his master and began as he was instructed. He picked up the heavy blade and began swinging over and over and over again. The sun began to beat down on Hiro’s head as sweat poured from his head. He paused for a moment and wiped the sweat from his brow.

GRRRROOOOOWWWWLLLLL! His stomach made a loud noise.

That’s right I haven’t eaten anything today. I gotta hurry up with this and then eat as I feel my strength leaving me.

Hiro finished with his sword strikes and then went into the hut where he found Matsuro sitting at the table eating a bowl of rice. Hiro sat down but there was no more food.

“Are you ready for your endurance training?”

“Yes Master! May I eat first?”

“No complete your training then you eat. Your growth must mean more to you than food, water, or even love. Without it you will be powerless against the forces that will surely be gathering around you.”

“Yes Master”

Matsuro grabbed his wooden sword and took his stance. Hiro readied himself. The blade whistled through the air again. As it hit Hiro he breathed out. The pain from the attack was still intense but he was able to remain standing after the attack.

You have learned the skill power breathing. By breathing as you are attacked you can mitigate some of the damage you receive upon impact. This is also applicable to increasing your attack strength by breathing when you attack your opponent.

Excellent this will help me improve on taking master’s attacks.

“Don’t get cocky because were able to take one attack!” said Matsuro as he readied his blade again. “This time I will attack with 20% of my strength.”

The blade whistled through the air. This time Hiro could not breathe out because he could not see the blade. The attack smashed down on his should immediately bring him to his knees.

“Focus! Your eyes are not the only way you can see your opponent. Feel him.”

Hiro closed his eyes and tried to track his master’s energy.

The energy is faint but he can feel it.

Hiro focused all of his effort on tracking it as it moved the strike came again.

This time I can feel the flow of his energy.

He was able to exhale as the attack landed. He continued the same way for the next 12 strikes.

I have improved a great deal as I can now take 2 of master’s attacks before I need to recover. This in only a week, I know he isn’t using his full strength but that is a tremendous improvement.

“Thank you master is there any food left?”

“No, today you must hunt for your own food but I have some conditions. First, you may not take your liger. Second you must hunt with your practice sword while wearing your cuffs and anklets. You will do this once each week.”

“WHAAATTT! I can barely move with these things on and that sword weighs a ton. How can I fight powerful monsters like this?”

“Don’t worry the wild animals here are not powerful enough to harm you”, Matsuro said with a scowl.

Hiro bowed to his master and grudgingly walked out of the hut. He closed his eyes to search for something nearby. After a few moments of walking he found what appeared to be a large night viper.

That should be fine they are weak enough that I shouldn’t have too much of a problem.

Hiro began jogging towards where he felt the presence of the night viper after about 10 minutes he came to a clearing. There he saw the night viper sunning itself on a rock on the plains. This one was different than the one he had seen before. First, he had rarely seen them out during the day and this was one was a bright green color and it was about 15 feet long weighing probably 250 to 300 pounds which was at least twice the size of the night vipers Hiro had fought before.

GULP! I’ve got a bad feeling about this! Let me inspect it to see what I’m dealing with.

Name: Plains ConstrictorHp:10,000/10,000Mp:0/0Weak:Earth/FireStrong:Slashing/LightningPlains Constrictor: A large snake that kills its prey by wrapping it up with its powerful coils. Its thick scales act as armor which makes it difficult to pierce. It tracks its prey through sound.

Hiro readied his blade and began inching closer. He kept his focus on the snake as this was an extremely dangerous opponent.

CRACK!

Hiro stepped on a branch and suddenly the snake whipped its head around and its body uncoiled and began moving towards Hiro.

That things speed was amazing for it to be so large.

Hiro inched closer. The snake raised its head up its cold blue eyes began to stare at Hiro as its forked tongue flicked in and out of its mouth. Hiro charged in at his opponent. The snake hissed and flicked its tail at Hiro. Hiro ducked under the attack but the snake’s attack was so quick that as he stood up the tail had already returned for its second strike. He had just enough time to put his sword in the way to block the tail but the attack was so heavy that it knocked him 15 feet back across the grass. He jumped back to his feet and smiled.

This thing is strong! Thank you master. This will be good for my training and you snake will be the material I use to make my new armor.

The snake came at Hiro this time with its head showing a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. The snake’s head struck quickly at Hiro. He quickly parried the head’s attack with his sword and followed it up with a crushing slash to the base of the snake’s head.

Clang!

The sword didn’t cut through the snake’s scales but it did smash the snake to the ground.

I guess its scales are very hard.

Hiro lost his concentration for a split second and the snake’s tail came and whacked him in the back. A searing pain was radiating up and down Hiro’s back as he slowly returned to his feet.

A status screen popped up.

You are bleeding you will lose 10 hp per second while this status is active.

Master told me not to use ki so I can’t use magic either. I do still have some potions so if things get too bad I can use one of those. I’ve got to find a way to hurt this thing!

Hiro turned around but the snake was already attacking. It grabbed a hold of his leg with its tail and began to wrap itself around him. The snake quickly wrapped his body up all the way to his chest his hands and arms were free so he tried to slash at its body but it was to no avail. The snake began to squeeze. Hiro could feel his bones creeking.

CRACK

Several of Hiro’s ribs broke and he spit out mouth full of blood.

[i]I can’t die here![i]

The snake raised its head and opened its mouth and slowly began to line up an attack to finish Hiro. Hiro stared down the rows of sharp teeth as a bit of saliva fell from the snake’s mouth. Then it quickly struck but Hiro was waiting. As the snake attacked with its mouth wide open Hiro plunged his blade deep into the snake’s mouth. The blade went through the roof of the snake’s mouth and blood spurted out from its wound. It began to writhe in agony on the ground. As it writhed back and forth the coils that were around Hiro slowly loosened. The snake slowly stopped moving and making noise. Once it was silent and motionless Hiro knew it was dead. Hiro fell to the ground as his legs and torso had taken considerable damage from the snake crushing him in its coils. Hiro closed his eyes as he began to lose consciousness.

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