A dull ache shot through my skull.
I groaned again and rolled over, attempting to pull my pillow over my head to muffle the constant metal clashing sound.
But instead of my pillow, I came away with a handful of damp leaves.
Frowning, I tried to sit up straight, but that simple act triggered an agonizing pain in my ribs.
Moving my body also caused the insides of my head to slosh, making it harder for me to focus or even open my eyes.
After a long struggle, I did manage to open my bleary eyes and used them to scan my surroundings through a bottle-glass blur.
I recognized my surroundings after a little drowsy confusion. I remember now.
I was using Infernal Demonic sword art, First Form: The Sword of Madness.
But after swinging my sword two times, I don't remember anything at all!
The cave's shadows danced in flickering candlelight, casting eerie shapes on the walls. The memories were fragmented, like shards of a broken mirror. I recalled the intense surge of power, the uncontrollable frenzy of the Sword of Madness, and then... darkness.
My body protested as I attempted to push myself into a sitting position. The air felt cold and damp, and the metallic scent of blood hung in the air. A quick survey revealed Yato nearby, focused on some task, his silver hair catching the dim light.
"Master," I croaked, my voice hoarse. Yato glanced over, his expression a mix of relief and concern.
"Lucas, you're awake. How do you feel?" he inquired, his tone carrying a measured calmness.
"Like I went ten rounds with a Frost Claw Bear," I muttered, my attempt at humour hindered by the throbbing pain in my head.
Yato's eyes softened, and he approached, inspecting my injuries. "You pushed your limits with the Infernal Demonic Art. The Sword of Madness took its toll, both on your body and consciousness."
Images of the frenzied sword swings flashed in my mind. "I lost control... completely?"
Yato nodded, a sternness returning to his gaze. "The first form tests your mental fortitude. The fact that you blacked out means there's much to learn about harnessing that power."
I winced as Yato examined my ribs. "You've got some cracked ribs, but nothing too serious. Rest and recovery are in order. The path to mastering these arts is paved with challenges, and we've just scratched the surface."
A heavy sigh escaped me as I leaned back against the cave wall. The allure and danger of the Infernal Demonic Sword became clearer, a double-edged sword demanding not only skill but mastery over oneself.
"I thought that first form would be not that dangerous but I guess I was wrong," I muttered to myself but Yato heard all the words.
"Of course you were wrong. To perform Sword of Madness, you need a strong body and a strong mind. A strong body because it's each strike is stronger than before and a strong mind because each strike you will strike it will control your emotions. So you better "So, you better learn quickly.
The Infernal Demonic Art is a formidable ally, but it can turn against you if you don't wield it with precision," Yato emphasized, his gaze unwavering. Check latest chapters at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
I nodded, absorbing his words, a newfound respect for the intricacies of the forbidden sword art settling in. The cave's silence echoed with the weight of our training and the consequences of tapping into such potent forces.
Yato continued, "The path ahead is challenging, Lucas. Each form of the Infernal Demonic Art presents its trials. To progress, you must master not only the techniques but also your inner demons."
His words lingered in the air, and I sensed the gravity of the journey I had embarked upon. The allure of power was intoxicating, but the risks were equally profound.
As Yato tended to my injuries, I couldn't help but wonder about the others who might have attempted to master these arts before me. How many had succumbed to the darkness they unleashed? And what about Yato who has complete mastery over Infernal Demonic Art in all forms, did he have to experience this too?
The metallic scent of blood persisted, a reminder of my recent ordeal. Yato's healing arts gradually eased the pain in my ribs, but the internal bruises lingered, a testament to the toll taken by the Sword of Madness.
"Rest now, Lucas," Yato advised a rare gentleness in his tone.
I nodded, however, there was something I had to ask him first.
"Master, how do I get my body ready for the sword of madness?"
Yato looked at me put his hand on its chin and thought a bit and after a moment he said,
"For me, I don't have to read my body at all because I was way stronger than you are but the first thing you should do is strike 10,000 sword strikes in a day so your body will become familiar with the sword of madness."
'10,000 strikes a day? That incense, I don't have that much time for this.'
"Is there any faster way, master?"
Yato considered my question, his gaze focused on some distant memory. After a moment, he spoke, "The path to mastering the Sword of Madness requires not just physical training but a deep connection with the essence of the art. There might be a more efficient way, but it will be more painful than what to are feeling right now."
I nodded my head with determination as Yato asked.
"There is a gravity chamber back at Nova Academy, all you have to do is set gravity ten times of Eatheria but let me tell you it would be more painful because you would be swinging your sword ten times of gravity and your body also take serious damage."
I gulp as I hear the training regiment,
'There is no need to worry, Lucas I have Isla who would make potions for me. So I do have to worry.' I said to myself.