Sanctuary: Safe Haven

As Canna rested his weary muscles, a thought crossed his mind. What truly distinguished the conventional method from the unconventional one? He summoned Vorgrim for clarification.

"My liege, swinging your sword a thousand times in practice might yield similar results, but doing it in the heat of battle is an entirely different matter," Vorgrim began. "The logic is straightforward: the essence of the sword is to kill."

Vorgrim paused, giving Canna time to absorb his words. "When you swing your sword repeatedly in training, you develop muscle memory and refine your technique. It's valuable practice, but it lacks the intensity and unpredictability of real combat. Each swing in battle is executed under immense pressure, with your life hanging in the balance.

These high stakes force you to sharpen your skills more rapidly and effectively."

He continued, "Decapitating enemies in combat not only hones your precision but also fortifies your resolve. Each successful strike boosts your confidence and combat prowess. The act of killing, gruesome as it may be, embeds the sword's true purpose into your very being.

This method, though bloodier, is superior because it immerses you fully in the realities of battle, making you a more formidable warrior."

Canna nodded slowly, beginning to grasp the distinction. The conventional method provided a foundation, but the unconventional method forged a warrior through experience and necessity. The brutal practice of decapitation was a means to an end, molding him into a swordsman who could adapt and excel in the chaos of battle.

Determined to replenish his strength and mana, Canna forced himself to eat monster meat, a necessity for restoring his depleted energy reserves. The taste was unpleasant, but he endured it, knowing it would aid his recovery. After eating, he sought a quiet place to rest, allowing sleep to wash over him and rejuvenate his stamina.

When he awoke, Canna felt a renewed sense of determination. Gripping his sword, he headed back to training. With Vorgrim by his side, he was ready to resume his grueling regimen. Each step brought him closer to mastering the sword and becoming a true warrior.

Vorgrim and Canna continued their relentless training. The time had come to apply Canna's skills in real combat situations. Vorgrim signaled to Tonitrum, who grinned mischievously as he opened the red portal, unleashing a horde of monsters that surged towards Canna.

Canna took a deep breath, his muscles tensing with anticipation. He channeled mana throughout his body, feeling the surge of energy enhance his strength and speed. With his sword in hand, he prepared to face the oncoming wave of creatures, letting his weapon speak for him.

____________________

The first creature to emerge from the red portal was a hulking troll, its massive club swinging wildly. Canna sidestepped the initial attack, the club crashing into the ground where he had stood moments before. With a swift upward slash, he sliced through the troll's thick hide, his blade finding its mark.

The troll roared in pain but was quickly silenced as Canna delivered a final, decisive blow to its neck.

Next, a pack of goblins darted forward, their beady eyes gleaming with malice. They were small and fast, their daggers flashing in the dim light. Canna moved with fluid grace, his sword a blur as he parried their attacks. One by one, the goblins fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground as Canna's sword found its targets necks with deadly precision.

From the shadows, a large spider emerged, its eight eyes fixated on Canna. The creature's venomous fangs dripped with poison as it lunged at him. Canna rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the spider's deadly bite. He slashed at its legs, crippling the creature before delivering a final, powerful strike to its head, ending its threat.

A towering ogre charged forward, its tusks lowered in a menacing display. Canna braced himself, channeling more mana to strengthen his stance. As the ogre bore down on him, he leaped into the air, bringing his sword down in a powerful arc. The blade cleaved through the creature's skull, and the ogre collapsed in a heap at his feet.

The red portal shimmered once more, and a pair of hell bats soared out, their leathery wings beating the air. Canna's eyes narrowed as he watched their movements, waiting for the right moment to strike. One of the bats dove towards him, its claws outstretched. Canna sidestepped and thrust his sword upward, piercing the bat's chest.

The creature screeched and fell to the ground, thrashing in its death throes.

The second bat circled above, breathing poison down upon him. Canna dodged the poison, he spotted the corpse of the dead ogre and leaped onto it, using it as a springboard to launch himself into the air. With a mighty swing, he severed the bat's wing, sending it crashing to the ground. He finished the creature with a swift stab to its heart.

Breathing heavily, Canna surveyed the battlefield, littered with the bodies of his fallen foes. He wiped the sweat from his brow and sheathed his sword, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. Vorgrim approached, a proud smile on his face.

"Well done, my liege," Vorgrim said. "You fought with skill and determination. Remember, each battle is a step towards mastering the sword and becoming the warrior you are destined to be."

After the grueling battle, Vorgrim observed Canna's breathing, noting the intensity in his eyes and the slight tremor in his hands. "Rest, my liege," Vorgrim advised firmly, seeing the determination still burning in Canna's gaze. "Your body and mind need time to recuperate. A couple of hours of rest will allow your muscles to recover and your mana to replenish."

Reluctantly, Canna nodded, understanding the wisdom in Vorgrim's words. He found a secluded spot within the dungeon, away from the lingering echoes of battle, and settled down. Closing his eyes, he focused on slowing his breathing, letting the adrenaline flushed away.

As the hours passed, Canna drifted in and out of a light sleep, his mind replaying the techniques and strategies he had used in the recent combat. Each battle had taught him something new about himself and his abilities with the sword.

When he finally woke, feeling refreshed and invigorated, Vorgrim was waiting nearby. "Ready for another round?" Vorgrim asked with a knowing smile, his confidence in Canna evident.

With a nod of determination, Canna rose to his feet, gripping his sword once more.

After adhering to the same routine for three additional days, Canna grinned upon receiving the long-awaited prompt:

"Skill 'Sword Mastery: Level 2"