First training day

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Rimuru POV:

I stand up, brushing off the dust from my clothing, and glare defiantly at John Dee. "What now? Are we done with the torture, or is there more?" I ask, my voice thick with disdain. I clench my fists, trying to mask the exhaustion and pain I feel.

"It seems you still don't understand your position," John says, his voice dripping with cold condescension. "I told you I'd make you one of the most powerful witches in history. All you need to do is train, and that's what we're going to do. No complaints, no resistance. I expect absolute obedience."

I look at him with unspoken defiance. "What's the plan now?" I ask, maintaining my glare.

John's eyes narrow. "Let's see what you're capable of. Then we'll start your real training. I want to see if you're worth the effort I'm putting into you."

Without further ado, I transform into my fairy form, which closely resembles my human appearance but with enhanced capabilities. I start levitating and quickly pull two stones from my pocket. With practiced precision, I shoot them at John with the speed of sound. He's caught off guard and stumbles, losing his balance and crashing to the ground.

I can't afford to reveal too much, so I pretend to be pained and exhausted, collapsing onto the floor once more. John, visibly frustrated, kicks me repeatedly, but I keep my expression blank. My focus is on maintaining my façade.

After a few more kicks, John stops his assault, seemingly satisfied with my apparent submission. "You better stop rebelling, or next time you'll face much harsher consequences. Now, stand up and hit the dummies instead of me. Let's see what you've got."

I push myself up and make my way to the training area where the dummies are set up. John's cruel gaze follows me as I begin the grueling training session. Each hit and each movement is carefully measured to appear as if I'm struggling, all while keeping my true strength in check.

Meanwhile, in the Library:

Merlin POV:

Rimuru's absence is becoming more worrying by the hour. We had agreed to study together and work on my new project, but she hasn't shown up. Her unexplained disappearance suggests she might be detained or otherwise unable to leave. If she had the freedom to move, she would have come to explain.

Concerned, I decide to pause the spell testing and focus on my research. I scan through several books, trying to find clues or explanations for her absence. Her disappearance could mean something significant is happening, and I need to understand what it might be.

Time Skip:

Rimuru POV:

Finally, the torturous session is over. I only revealed a fraction of my abilities, careful not to blow my cover. I understand why my spells might seem ineffective in direct combat; my main offensive tools are levitation and demon energy, while goddess energy is better suited for defensive and utility purposes. I couldn't showcase my defensive abilities here.

Despite the harsh treatment, I've gained valuable insights. I've developed a new spell, Love Buster, an area-of-effect spell shaped by the caster's intent. It's my most powerful offensive spell with the goddess attribute. Additionally, I've learned the healing spell John used on me; he's unaware that I've mastered it. My black magic, including fire and lightning attributes, has also become more effective.

Disappointingly, I've learned more from Merlin than from John's training. It's now 7 p.m., and I've been released. {Notice: All blocked magic and skills are now reactivated. For human form: Pain nullification, resistance to ability restrictions, lightning, and physical attack resistance acquired.} (This is intriguing. How do I access these abilities?)

{It's due to the Shift Race's unique ability, Adept. This ability allows you to adapt your form based on your experiences. Shifters develop resistance to repeated attacks, making them highly versatile. Your frequent battles enhance this ability, making you a formidable opponent.}

(So, overusing these abilities increases my energy and reduces damage as the battle progresses. No wonder the Demon King and the Supreme Deity fear us.)

{Master is in a unique situation since Shifters typically avoided combat. You need to fight more frequently to survive, which is why you're experiencing these effects more than other Shifters.}

(I understand now. I need to train in all forms to improve. Time to head to the library and hope Merlin is still there. I need to explain my absence.) I teleport back to the library, only to find the disabling system is still active, leaving me stunned momentarily upon arrival.

In the library, I spot Merlin engrossed in a book. I approach her and say, "Sorry for being late to our study session." Her eyes widen slightly with surprise.

"I almost didn't think you'd come," she says, her voice a mixture of relief and concern.

"Understandable, given my absence," I reply as I take a seat next to her.

"Are you still up for testing out the spells I created?" she asks, a trace of doubt in her tone.

"Yes, I'd love to," I say with a reassuring smile. We move to the official practice room, not the one I used earlier, and Merlin begins to explain her spells. Her intelligence and creativity in spell creation are truly impressive.

Merlin POV:

When Rimuru finally returns, I'm taken aback to see the shocking collar around her neck. Her calm demeanor is at odds with the collar's menacing presence. She looks slightly pale and worn, hinting at the ordeal she's endured, but she remains unperturbed.

As we work on the spells, I decide to address the collar. "Why do you have that collar?"

Rimuru glances at it, seemingly dismissive. "After my arrival, they didn't like my ability to leave freely. They took me to a hidden room, knocked me out, and when I woke up, I had this collar. They subjected me to physical abuse and relentless training to break my will."

(I'm shocked by her casual recounting of such a traumatic experience. What could be their motive?) I ask, "Why did they do this?"

Rimuru pauses thoughtfully before responding, "I'm not entirely sure, but John mentioned they wanted to dispose of me but couldn't for some unknown reason."

(They need her alive but are clearly afraid of what might happen if she leaves. This suggests there's a deeper reason behind their actions.) My concern for her deepens.

"Are you really okay?" I ask with genuine worry.

She responds with a nonchalant smile, "I'm fine. Besides the collar, I have a way to handle it." She demonstrates how she teleported the collar away effortlessly.

(I'm amazed. How did she manage that?) Her abilities are impressive, and I'm reassured, though I can't shake my worry.

Rimuru POV:

Seeing Merlin's astonishment, I explain, "I can interfere with the collar's mechanisms. By manipulating it with my magic, I prevent it from functioning properly. But I need to rest before my next session," I add, keeping my tone calm and reassuring.

Merlin looks at me with a mix of curiosity and concern. "That's impressive," she says, though her anxiety is evident. "Why didn't you mention this sooner?"

"I wanted to keep it a secret. The less they know about my capabilities, the better. I'll explain more when we have more time," I reply with a reassuring smile.

I teleport back to my bed, reflecting on the day's events. The strange blend of fear and curiosity I've encountered only strengthens my resolve. As I fall asleep, I think about how to navigate the challenges ahead while managing the powers and restrictions imposed on me. The day's events have solidified my determination to keep learning and adapting, no matter the obstacles.

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