Chapter 10: Training Schedule

(May 15, 2026 – 5:37 PM)

The Hunter Association branch in Alessandria was a sturdy, modern building, though not as massive as the ones in larger cities. Its reinforced concrete structure and tinted windows gave it an official yet slightly militarized feel.

Marie pulled the SUV into the private parking lot and shut off the engine. She unclipped her seatbelt and glanced at Adam. "Come on."

Adam followed her inside, his eyes taking in the interior of the HA branch. The lobby was well-lit and minimalistic, with several hunters and association staff moving about. Some were engaged in conversations, while others worked on reports behind sleek reception desks.

Marie led the way, moving with the ease of someone who belonged here. As they walked through the hallways, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black badge before handing it to Adam.

"Keep this on you." she said. "Since you're just a civilian without clearance, this will keep anyone from giving you trouble."

Adam took the badge, examining it briefly. It had a simple HA emblem engraved on it along with a temporary guest authorization tag.

He nodded. "Understood."

Marie gave a small hum of approval and continued leading him deeper into the building. Eventually, she stopped in front of a plain but clean room. She pushed the door open.

"You can stay here for now. Nothing fancy, but it's got a bed, a desk, and a bathroom."

Adam stepped inside. The room was simple but practical, a single bed, a sturdy desk with a chair, and a small closet. There was a separate door leading to a private bathroom.

"It's enough." Adam said plainly.

Marie crossed her arms. "Good. I've got some things to take care of, so settle in. If you need anything, ask at the front desk."

Adam nodded. "Thanks."

Marie gave him one last look before turning on her heel and leaving.

(5:53 PM)

Once alone, Adam placed his bag on the bed and methodically organized his belongings. Clothes, toiletries, and essentials were neatly arranged before he headed to the bathroom.

He stripped off his shirt and examined himself in the mirror. His body was lean but unremarkable, lacking any significant muscle definition. Sitting at a desk for years, combined with minimal exercise, had left him in below-average shape.

'Awà, give me an assessment.'

[Analyzing…]

A brief pause. Then, her voice returned.

[Physical Condition Analysis:

Muscle Density: Below average for an active adult male.

Endurance: Moderate but lacks explosive output.

Flexibility: Standard.

Joint Stability: Acceptable, though lower-body strength is weak due to prolonged sitting.

Core Strength: Insufficient for high-performance movement.

Bone Density: Normal, no signs of degradation.]

Adam exhaled through his nose. It wasn't surprising, but seeing the full breakdown made it clear, he needed to fix this immediately.

'Compare this to an awakened.'

[Comparison to Awakeners:

Even the weakest E-Rank Awakener would overwhelm you with sheer physical superiority, regardless of skill.

A D-Rank would be strong enough that any direct confrontation would be instant defeat.

Against a C-Rank or higher, you would be no different from an ordinary kid facing a trained soldier with superhuman strength. You would not survive.]

Adam remained silent, absorbing the assessment. Right now, he wasn't just weak, he was nothing compared to an Awakener.

'I need to fix this immediately.'

Adam clicked his tongue before stepping into the shower. He let the warm water relax his muscles while processing the information. Strength mattered. Even with nano machines, his body was still the foundation, if he wanted to reach peak potential, he needed to rebuild himself from the ground up.

After finishing, he dried off, dressed in comfortable clothes, and stepped back into the room.

(6:28 PM)

Sitting at the desk, he turned on his phone and opened a search bar. He typed:

Human anatomy.

Dozens of articles and medical studies flooded the screen.

'Awà, extract, refine, and inject the most relevant knowledge.'

[Acknowledged.]

The familiar cool sensation returned as he absorbed the intricacies of human physiology.

---

Knowledge Acquired

1. Muscle Groups & Functions

Fast-Twitch vs. Slow-Twitch Muscles: Understanding how different fibers contribute to speed and endurance.

Stabilizer Muscles: The importance of core engagement in explosive movements.

Muscle Recovery: How nutrition, sleep, and active rest optimize muscle growth.

2. Bone & Joint Mechanics

Load Distribution: How the spine, hips, and knees absorb impact.

Flexibility vs. Stability: Balancing mobility without compromising joint integrity.

3. Tendons & Ligaments

Elasticity & Strength: Why joint reinforcement is as crucial as muscle strength.

Injury Prevention: How progressive loading prevents long-term damage.

4. Bodyweight Training Optimization

Calisthenics Progression: Mastering compound movements with perfect form.

Explosive Power Development: Techniques for increasing fast-twitch activation.

Joint & Tendon Strengthening: Training methods that prevent injuries while enhancing resilience.

---

As Adam scrolled through bodyweight training methods, he discussed his findings with Awà.

'With my current condition, what's the most efficient training method?'

[Based on your current state, the best approach is progressive calisthenics combined with isometric holds to rapidly strengthen tendons and stabilizer muscles.]

(6:28 PM)

Adam leaned back in his chair, his mind shifting away from passive knowledge and toward application. His eyes flicked toward the list of Awà's functions, his focus settling on one in particular.

[Data Integration and Optimization]

Optimizes the host's physical and neural pathways to perform new techniques effectively.

His fingers tapped lightly against the desk. 'Awà, if you can optimize my body for new techniques, why not just enhance me to peak human condition right now?'

Her response was immediate.

[I can. However, that would be a shortcut, not true progress.]

Adam's eyes narrowed slightly. 'Explain.'

[Strength is not just muscle and technique. It is discipline, will, and adaptation. If I forcibly enhanced you, you would have zero foundation, no understanding of your limits, no mental or physical resilience. You would only have hollow power.]

She continued, in her even tone.

[If you truly wish to reach the peak, you must earn it. There is no better way than to forge your body through discipline and effort.]

Adam remained quiet for a moment, then smiled slightly. 'That's fair.'

He cracked his knuckles and gave his next command. 'Then change the previous schedule and prepare me a hellish training. I want to reach the absolute peak of human capability before awakening. We'll abuse the nano machines' healing function to recover faster.'

[Acknowledged, Host. Constructing an optimal 30-day intensive regimen.]

While Awà processed the data, Adam opened his phone again and began scrolling through articles on nutrition, meal planning, and performance-enhancing diets.

'Take everything useful and refine it into a personal diet plan.'

[Processing…]

With both the training and nutrition programs being constructed, Adam cracked his neck slightly.

If he was going to step into the world of hunters, he would make sure he was fully prepared.

(6:47 PM)

Adam stepped out of his room, locking the door behind him before making his way through the Hunter Association branch. The hallways were quiet, save for the occasional staff member passing by, but he wasn't interested in the offices or meeting rooms.

He wanted to see where the real work happened.

His footsteps were unhurried as he wandered through the facility, taking in its efficient, utilitarian design. Everything was built with function in mind, reinforced walls, secured doors, and clear emergency routes. No wasted space.

Eventually, he heard it before he saw it, the unmistakable sounds of training.

Heavy weights thudding against the floor. The rapid shuffling of footwork. The sharp crack of fists meeting targets.

Adam followed the sounds until he reached a set of massive steel doors. A simple [Training Hall] sign was posted above, but the real indication of its purpose was the sheer energy radiating from within.

He pushed the doors open and stepped inside.

The hall was huge, far larger than he expected. It resembled a high-end gym mixed with a military training ground.

Weightlifting zones filled with plates far heavier than what normal humans could lift.

Reinforced sparring areas, where hunters tested their combat abilities against each other.

Mana-controlled machines for reaction training, endurance, and power output measurement.

Simulated terrain sections, possibly for agility and adaptability drills.

Everywhere he looked, awakened hunters were engaged in some form of training. Some lifted massive weights effortlessly, while others sparred with impressive speed and technique. Others practiced mana manipulation, their abilities flaring with power as they honed their skills.

Adam was watching the true difference between awakeners and normal humans.

[Analyzing…]

Awà's voice echoed in his mind.

[All hunter activities are currently being recorded and analyzed.]

Adam's gaze swept across the hall, absorbing everything. He wasn't just watching, he was studying.

Every movement, every technique, every interaction between muscle and mana, it was all data.

----

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