I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Chapter 197: Arun's training

Adam carefully planned for the boys to train together and develop their own styles and understanding of combat. After all, he had never learned proper martial techniques since it wasn't his focus. Yet, his fights against Gaston forced him to develop a simple, precise, but ruthless style, aiming to punish his adversaries' mistakes with minimum movements.

However, was it the most suited style for him? He doubted it. At that time, his opponent's overwhelming strength and experience, not to mention his piercing blue eyes, forced him into passiveness. Against Gaston, each movement he made was a terrible error, leaving faults in his defense.

His thoughts wandered as the boys trained together seriously for dozens of minutes until his eyes lit up. 'My current style isn't bad or unsuited to me. It is just incomplete!' He thought, realising what he aimed for in his development.

'It lacks versatility,' he realised, understanding he knew how to counter-attack swiftly but not to press on and overwhelm his enemies. Even in the third trial, most of his kills came from his mana techniques, and the few he got from using his spear were by counter-attacking or using his momentum and placing the weapon in the right place to do the trick.

'How can I improve?' He pondered, frowning and gazing at Julius, who encouraged Arun enthusiastically to follow his steps. The boy was too innocent to be his sparring partner, and he couldn't interact with anyone else. He also doubted he could find an instructor in this world.

Reaching that conclusion, he thought, 'Might as well put melee combat aside and focus on magic until next year.'

Then, he focused on the boys with a soft smile, hoping they would progress together, as for him, a solid base was the most important. He didn't ask Julius to take charge of this part of the training without reason. It allowed him to understand his knowledge better by explaining it to a novice.

As Arun found comfort in his friend's kind guidance after Adam's torturous training, the hour passed in a flash. Despite the rigorous training he experienced for the first time in his life, the sweat covering his body, and his aching muscles, he felt a bizarre sensation of peace welling in his heart after he gave his all.

Of course, thoughts of giving up crossed his mind more than he was comfortable admitting, yet the pride and satisfaction of overcoming the challenge with his own strength and determination birthed something new in him.

After all, as a proud duke's heir, his instructors never pushed him too much, preferring to flatter him and enter his good graces instead of pointing out his shortcomings. That's why he appreciated Julius' honesty and Adam's harsh but accurate words.

Nodding in approval, Adam clapped his hands to draw the boys' attention. Then, with a warm smile, he said, "Good job, Arun. I'm proud you didn't give up mid-way."

The boy's eyes sparkled upon hearing the encouraging words, his motivation and self-esteem stimulated while Julius shook his head, knowing what would come next.

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"Well, if you did, I would be troubled to explain to Vikram why his son turned into a stiff corpse. So, please, don't give up," Adam added, his smile shifting to an ominous smirk as Arun's swelling confidence deflated like a pierced balloon.

Seeing his trembling friend, Julius couldn't help but step up and criticise, "Why can't you be honest and stop after your first statement?"

"Because he won't make it without pressure." Adam answered, shrugging dismissively before adding, "Move to the cafeteria. We only have two hours before classes."

"W-We are not done for today yet?" Arun stuttered, terror dancing in his eyes as Adam's image turned into that of a demon in his mind. Yet, he couldn't quit after only three hours.

With heavy steps and twitching legs, he walked towards the cafeteria, wondering what kind of training awaited him there.

After five minutes, he entered the almost empty building, the comforting smell of warm food and spices assaulting his nostrils. Then, he turned and gazed at Julius and Adam, questions in his eyes.

"The next step of your training is to eat, and I mean eat a lot," Adam said, gesturing to the kitchen before adding, "Start slowly with a good balance of proteins and vegetables and ask the cooks to prepare and pack something you'll eat at eleven."

"Is eating really a part of training?" Arun asked, his head tilted in confusion.

"Of course it is! How do you want your body to repair its broken tissues and build muscles if you don't eat?" Adam answered patiently before advising. "I recommend you take magical beast's meat or eggs to quicken the integration of mana. Fruits and vegetables are also important for their vitamins, natural sugar and fibers."

'Why did I never hear about that?' Arun pondered suspiciously, wondering if it was another prank. Doubtful, he gazed at Julius, noticing his firm and shredded muscles under his uniform, gulping. He would lie if he said he didn't want to look like his friend.

"I'll try," he said, believing Julius would have warned him if that wasn't true before adding, "What did you mean by a lot?"

"Nothing much, really. You can eat the same portions as you did before," Adam answered, causing the boy to sigh in relief before he added, "Four times a day. Also, never stop to build blocks if you want to become an acolyte in ten days and try to build them two by two."

"..."

'Does he think I'm an ogre or some ravenous magical beast? I barely eat two light meals a day!' He lamented, realising even eating would become a daily challenge. But for his aspiration, he gritted his teeth and walked towards the kitchens, hoping to become as powerful and versatile as Adam after learning under him.

However, all his doubts vanished after he spoke to the head cook, a short old man with a long chef's hat and braided moustache.

"You know your stuff, kid! Diet is of critical importance for growth and health. You see, before my retirement, I was a ship's head cook, and I've seen many men lose their teeth and die because of a faulty alimentation." The old man said excitedly, cooking vigorously before the raging fire.

Then, he added, "For a diligent kid who trains so early in the morning, I'll serve you the signature dish I developed after years of research. I'll also pack more for your three other meals."

The man's hands awakened, eager to showcase his skills to someone who valued more than just taste, unlike the other nobles. Truth be told, this cafeteria, albeit luxurious, depressed him because no one shared his understanding of the essence of cooking.

Meanwhile, Arun gazed at the cook in confusion thinking. 'What's happening? I only asked him for a balanced dish!' But he had to admit the odor made his mouth water.