Chapter 35 : Preparing for War

*Calix*

Each blow I made seemed only to drive me further back. I made no progress as my opponent easily beat me time and time again. Breathing heavily, I shifted into my human form and toweled off my sweat.

The trainer walked toward me, his elderly face grim.

“Lord Aldrich, I recommend you rest. You will strain yourself if you push too hard right now.”

“I don’t care,” I snarled. “I have to do this. Too much is at stake.”

“And I understand that, but now is not the time to push. You must go easier on yourself, or you will end up right back to where you started. No amount of Sabastian’s healing can correct your wounds. You need time.”

I rubbed my brow with a hand, feeling the ache in my body returning. “Perhaps you are right. I’ll take a SHORT break. But we will be right back here as soon as I’ve recovered my breath.”

“Very well,” he said with a bow.