The tests (1)

Time seemed to pass quickly for Erik as he threw himself into his new regimen. As he attempted to adjust to the new sword style, he put his body through a daily punishing workout routine. He would practice the fluid movements over and over again until they became ingrained in his muscle memory.

Despite this, he picked himself up each time he failed and tried again. He never gave up. Even though his muscles were sore from the long hours of practice, he welcomed the ache in his body. In addition, he worked on his usual sword technique and the formation of neural links.

But it wasn't all physical training. Thanks to the biological supercomputer, he could inject his brain with information about the local Thaids and other creatures native to Etrium. Erik would have done this regardless, but since the trial required this knowledge, the reason for learning all this increased.