"So, sensei—I mean, master, don't you think it would be more convenient to just call me on my smart bracelet instead of sending a worker robot to my door every time you want to summon me?" I asked.
"Yeah, you're right. My bad. Did it disrupt your sleep?" Leo responded apologetically.
"Nah, that's not the issue, master. If it was a text message, you could've easily informed me about this," I replied, shaking my head dismissively.
"About what?" Leo asked, seemingly oblivious.
"...About this!" I exclaimed, pointing directly at the Teleportation Gate before us. "Why on earth are we here, master?!"
Leo simply shrugged, giving me a look that clearly said, 'Isn't it obvious?' before finally responding.
"We're going someplace to train in peace," he declared.
I looked at him with wide eyes full of shock and disbelief. "Going someplace to train? Where?!"
"Southern mountain range," Leo replied, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes with a subtle smile on his face.
"I– Wha– Huh?!" I stuttered in shock, struggling to form a coherent response.
Collecting myself, I took a few deep breaths to regain composure before politely voicing my concerns. "But, master, I didn't pack anything."
Leo chuckled lightly. "We're going there to train, not for a fancy outing, Lucas. Your current attire is perfectly suitable."
For reference, I was wearing casual dark camo slacks and a black sleeveless hoodie tee-shirt while Leo was sporting a red and black Hakama.
"I'm not talking about my outfit, master!" I exclaimed, frustration evident in my voice as I clutched my head in vexation.
"I mean, I didn't pack any supplies like food and other essentials! And isn't the Southern mountain range known for its cold temperatures? I'll freeze to death in these clothes!" I added.
And what do you mean 'what I'm wearing is fine,' huh? I look absolutely fabulous even in these simple clothes!
Hearing my words triggered a mischievous smile to appear on Leo's face as he looked at me, finding this situation amusing.
"Oh, believe me, you'll be fine," he replied, his tone teasing.
"..."
Something was wrong, I could feel it! This guy was planning something!
"Okay, and for how long will we be going?" I asked with a defeated sigh.
"For three weeks," Leo replied.
"Th-Three weeks?! Master, I have my semester exams in five weeks! I should be studying right now!" I retorted.
Leo let out another chuckle. "Aren't you a genius? You'll be fine."
…This guy!
"Here are two tokens for you, sir," right then, a middle-aged guard walked up to us and handed Leo a pair of tokens once our identities were confirmed.
He was responsible for guarding this Teleportation Gate, so it was his job to check the identity of those who wished to use it.
Well, of course, he only had to verify my identity. Everyone in this world knows who Leo is.
Leo passed one of the tokens to me, and almost on cue, a shimmering distortion appeared in the very fabric of space within the frame of the imposing Teleportation Gate.
"Let's go," Leo beckoned before heading straight for the portal in space, which was emitting a bright bluish-violet hue.
As he effortlessly walked through the portal and disappeared into thin air, I couldn't help but release a resigned sigh.
Well, it was me who wanted to get stronger before the King's Tournament. So yeah, it looks like my wish is finally being granted, I guess.
But as I approached the portal, a gust of chilly wind emanated from its depths, causing a shiver to run down my spine.
Yup, I was definitely going to freeze if I were to cross this gate. But I don't see any other choice.
"Arghh, fuck me sideways."
†
"M-Master! I-I-It's freezing!" I stammered, my teeth chattering uncontrollably.
"Hmm? Nah, it's just a little bit chillier than usual," Leo casually remarked.
A little bit?! I can't even feel my fingers, you jerk!
The frigid winds mercilessly assaulted my body, causing my nose and fingers to go numb.
It was a struggle to keep my eyes open as I braved the relentless gusts of cold air. And on top of that, we were currently making our way up a snow-covered mountain!
I struggled to maintain my footing on the slippery snowy terrain, occasionally losing my balance and stumbling.
We had arrived in the Southern Continent, also known as the Great White South, due to its snowy climate.
The Teleportation Gate had transported us to the heart of Fresia City, a bustling urban center located near the edge of the southern mountain range.
After hopping on a train, we came to the mountain range and started our trekking, climbing up the mountains in this freezing weather.
"Alright," Leo nodded, a satisfied expression crossing his face for some reason.
He came to a halt and declared, "We'll start your training here."
We had reached a snowy meadow situated on a sloping mountainside.
Though not completely flat, the area provided enough space for movement, and the cliff was a considerable distance away.
So he really is going to train me in this freezing cold, huh? Guess I'm really going to die.
"Come on, Lucas, cheer up," Leo said with a hint of amusement, pulling out a jacket from the dimensional storage of his smart bracelet.
A glimmer of hope sparked within me as I thought that he would offer the jacket to me, only to be met with disappointment as he casually slipped it on himself.
…What the hell?
"Training on the mountains is always fun. You'll see," Leo remarked, seemingly unfazed by the freezing temperatures.
"I-If it's so 'fun'," I stuttered, shivering uncontrollably, "t-then how about y-you do the training and kindly hand that jacket over here?"
Leo chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "Yeah, nice try, but no thanks."
Damn, this jerk!
"Now, attention!" Leo's voice boomed, causing me to let out a sigh as I snapped to attention, standing upright with my hands firmly clasped behind my back.
"I will train you until you reach the pinnacle of martial prowess, just like me– until you've become one of the strongest names in the world, just like me!" Leo proclaimed.
"During your discipleship, you will face numerous tests, and this will be your first. For an entire week, your challenge is to survive on this mountain."
Leo paused for a moment, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "As a wise man once said, true martial arts can only be honed in real combat. That wise man was me, by the way."
Pausing for another moment, he added: "So, you'll be sparring with me day and night, with breaks only for hunting, eating, and refreshing yourself. By the end of these three weeks, you'll be at least three times stronger than you are now."
I couldn't help but raise an objection.
"Wait a second," I interjected, my hands gesturing in disbelief. "Did you say I have to hunt?"
Leo simply shrugged, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Well, yes. It's your own fault for not packing anything. Now you'll have to hunt for your food. I won't be sharing what I have packed."
