Neyvar now had a mission:
To rebuild himself over the next six months — stronger, faster, and more resilient than ever.
Zeltor said seriously:
"Alright kid… Pack whatever you need. We leave tomorrow morning."
Neyvar nodded and returned home. He grabbed a few sets of clothes, some food, and other essentials.
The night passed quietly as he prepared himself.
---
The Next Morning
Neyvar arrived at the meeting point.
Zeltor, frowning:
"You're late. We should've left earlier."
Neyvar:
"Hey, if we're gone that long, won't school be a problem?"
Zeltor smirked:
"Did you forget? I run that place."
Neyvar:
"Ah… right."
---
They set off. The journey was long — across fields, rocks, and steep mountain paths — until they reached a tall peak.
Breathless, Neyvar muttered:
"Wh-Why… did we come all this way? Wasn't there anywhere closer?"
But as they crossed over the summit, a breathtaking sight unfolded.
Beyond the mountain lay a lush green valley, untouched and peaceful, nestled deep within nature.
Zeltor said:
"This is where we'll be living for the next six months."
Neyvar stood speechless, his eyes wide.
Zeltor continued:
"We'll stay in that cave. Now rest. Tomorrow, training begins."
Neyvar ate and fell asleep.
---
The Next Morning
Zeltor smacked him with a stick.
"Wake up, kid."
Neyvar jolted up, furious, almost ready to strike —
but quickly remembered he wasn't even close to being strong enough to take on Zeltor.
They walked to a river nearby.
Zeltor:
"First things first — a bath. Get in."
After washing up:
Neyvar:
"So… what now?"
Zeltor:
"We follow a three-day rotation. One day physical training, one day swordsmanship, one day mental discipline.
We'll repeat this for six months straight."
He pointed toward a mountain in the distance:
"You see that mountain? It's 18 kilometers from here.
Today's physical day. You'll run there and back… three times.
That makes six full trips. Ha ha!"
Neyvar:
"What?! Are you insane?!"
But there was no room for protest…
---
Eight Hours Later
Soaked in sweat, completely drained, Neyvar groaned:
"Ugh… I'm dying…"
Zeltor, strict but pleased:
"Good. Now for the next training. Ready?"
Neyvar, exhausted but with determined eyes:
"Yeah… I think so."
---
End of Chapter 16