Chapter 30

Grolak sized up Finn, noting the boy's resolve and determination. "Based on the last week and your brawl performance I can see you've had some instruction that wasn't absolute trash. Your teacher must have faced many life-and-death battles. You will attack me, and pain shall be your teacher. Come."

Finn couldn't believe how accurate his assessment was. Eddy, his teacher, had been a veteran soldier and bodyguard, facing many perilous battles. Determined, Finn didn't waste any time and struck out.

A spear appeared out of nowhere magically appearing in the orc's hands, Grolak struck hard at Finn's ribs. The blow left a painful bruise but didn't break any bones. Finn hadn't expected the orc to retrieve a spear out of thin air.

Grolak looked at Finn, his gaze unwavering. "First lesson: don't make assumptions based on your mortal experiences. The multiverse is vast."

Before the orc could continue, Finn attacked again. And again, Grolak struck him, exposing a flaw in Finn's attack. For the next half hour, Finn was struck repeatedly. He never got more than one movement in before being stopped. Grolak held back just enough to avoid breaking bones, but each hit resulted in severe bruises. The pain was intense, but Finn refused to give up, rising again and again to attack.

Grolak inwardly appraised the boy. Finn was improving with every attack, a martial arts genius in the making. His contemplation of the fist wasn't just a fluke; it demonstrated actual aptitude. The system wouldn't let them test students through devices in newly schools from newly merged universes, so masters needed to weed them out through effort and intuition.

Another thing became clear to Grolak: Finn was relentless. His will was strong for a mortal. No matter how many times Grolak struck him down, Finn immediately came back for more, as if he was a fish out of water if he wasn't fighting. The orc had to tell Finn to catch his breath a couple of times, impressed by the boy's stamina and tenacity.

A half-hour in, Grolak changed it up. "I will now attack, and I expect you to defend and then counter. You will not dodge; you must learn to defend with your gauntlets."

Defending with his gauntlets hurt. Each impact sent shockwaves of pain through Finn's arms, reverberating up to his shoulders. Every hit felt like a hammer blow, and his forearms screamed in agony. By the time the session ended, Finn was sure his forearms were fractured. The skin was bruised and swelling, and the constant throbbing made it difficult to concentrate. Yet through it all, he grimaced and endured, his jaw clenched in sheer determination. His path to strength was clear: he needed to break himself so the medicinal bath could heal him and bring him back stronger.

Grolak's strikes were relentless, a barrage of calculated blows that tested Finn's endurance. The orc aimed for the weak points in Finn's defense, forcing him to adapt quickly or suffer the consequences. Each time Finn raised his gauntlets to block, the metal would absorb the impact, but the force transferred through to his bones, making them feel as though they might shatter at any moment.

Finn's muscles quivered with exhaustion, but he refused to falter. He visualized the medicinal bath, the soothing coldness that would seep into his wounds, mending the damage and fortifying his body. He knew that every bruise, every fracture was a step towards becoming stronger, more resilient.

The pain was a constant companion, but it sharpened his focus. With every clash, Finn could feel himself growing more attuned to his body's capabilities. He learned to anticipate Grolak's moves, adjusting his stance and angles of defense to mitigate the damage. The orc's lessons were brutal but invaluable, each strike imparting a deeper understanding of combat.

Sweat poured down Finn's face, mingling with the blood from his wounds. His breaths came in ragged gasps, but he pushed through, driven by a relentless desire to improve. The grueling training was a crucible, forging his will and spirit into something unbreakable.

Grolak's voice cut through the haze of pain. "Focus, boy! Your intent must flow through your fists! Feel the energy, let it guide you."

Finn concentrated, trying to channel his intent with each movement. The sensation was faint but present, a raw power waiting to be harnessed. With each clash, he grew more attuned to his body's limits and capabilities.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the training ground. Finn glanced back at Grolak, who stood watching him with a knowing smile. The orc had pushed him to his limits and beyond, and for that, Finn was grateful. He would take these lessons to heart, using them as a foundation for his future battles.

Eventually, Grolak called for a halt. Finn, drenched in sweat and blood, stood panting but unbroken. His body ached, but his spirit was unyielding. He had faced the pain and emerged stronger for it.

Grolak nodded, a rare gesture of respect. "You have potential, boy. Remember, pain is a teacher. Embrace it, and you will become stronger."

Grolak then told Finn to find his sparring partner; there was still a half hour left, and he expected Finn to finish. "Your weapons are blunted by masters domains, so go all out."

Finn looked around for Lythana and found her. She looked as bad as he did, her body covered in bruises and cuts, dual-wielding two daggers. Finn was trying to figure out how they were supposed to spar when Lythana charged without saying anything. It seemed she was still upset about the "game" comment, but Finn was more mad for the fast one she pulled to become his sparring partner.

He deflected her daggers and then dodged before hitting her in the midsection. She fell hard, coughing as she got up. And charged again. She was quick, but she didn't have the training; Finn could tell she might have been in some brawls, but she lacked technique.

Finn punched her across the face, breaking her jaw and sending teeth flying. He was surprised there wasn't more damage, but hurt himself with his fractured arms and hands.

"Regret it now?" Finn said.

She glared at him, in pain but determined. She got up, ready for more. The look in her eyes showed she was just as relentless as Finn, and he couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for her tenacity.

An hour later, Lythana was beaten, bloodied, and bruised, but she kept coming back for more. Finn, getting over his initial anger, was inwardly impressed.

Every time he punched her, his fractured arms trembled in pain, after a few rounds of he could barely put any strength into his punch with tons of pain.

They continued to spar until Grolak called for an end, they walked away not saying anything; Finn was pretty impressed by her tenacity but he would rather have a stronger partner.

Grolak passed Finn as he walked by and said, "Instead of trying to get back at her, why not focus on pushing the boundaries and overcoming your limits? Beating her senseless will only make her stronger, but you will stagnate."

Grolak walked away without waiting for a reply.

Finn contemplated what the orc had said as he slowly hobbled to his room.