[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 69 - Train to Death

"Wake up, Shin."

"Mmm..." I slowly opened my eyes, looking up at the rocky ceiling, and then turned to see Hokushin standing over me. "Hokushin...? What's wrong?"

"It's early in the morning."

"Early in the morning? I see... Thank you for waking me up." As I tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my body, making me wince. "Urgk... I can't move."

Hokushin knelt beside me, her expression softening slightly. "Your body is still recovering. You pushed yourself too hard."

Huh? I swear yesterday I felt really normal.

"I guess I did..." I managed a weak smile, trying to shift into a more comfortable position. "Thank you for taking care of me."

She nodded, her eyes serious. "You need to rest. Pushing yourself too soon will only make things worse."

"Right..." I sighed, letting my head rest back against the cool ground. "I guess I don't have much of a choice."

Hokushin's gaze softened even more. "Thus... we will now begin your training."

"I see... I should focus on getting be– Wait, what?"

"Hm? Did I misspeak? I said we will now begin your training."

"Training? Eh? What for?"

"Hmm... Your body is recovering, but since it's still in the process of healing, we will also be training your mind. Strengthening your resolve and preparing you for the challenges ahead."

I blinked, trying to process her words. "Training my mind? How is that supposed to help me recover physically?"

Hokushin gave a small pause and then spoke, "A strong mind can often help a weak body. The mental discipline will aid in your physical recovery and prepare you for the battles to come. It will also help you control your honkai energy more efficiently."

"I see... Let me ask..."

"Ask away."

"Is it gonna be harsh?"

"It will not be a harsh one."

"Alright, if you say so. What do we start with?"

Although I don't know why she suddenly wanted training... It wouldn't hurt to try.

"First. Focus on your breathing, and clear your mind. This will help center your thoughts and manage your energy."

"Got it," I said, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. "I'll do my best."

"Good," Hokushin said, her voice steady and calm. "We'll begin with simple exercises. As you grow stronger, we'll move on to more advanced techniques."

"Oh... right, we're not supposed to be training inside the cave... Do you think you can follow me for a walk?" Hokushin asked.

I nodded, slowly getting to my feet, feeling the pain in my body. Together, we stepped out of the cave, moved toward the mountain. As we walked, the crisp morning air filled my lungs, and I began to feel a bit more alive.

Suddenly, a few Praetorian zombies came into view. Instinctively, I prepared to jump and take them down, but Hokushin pulled me back.

"Huh– Hokushin? What's wrong?"

"In this training, you will use this," she said, handing me a sword made of bamboo sticks.

"Huh...? Why this weapon...?"

"In this training, I want you to focus on channeling your honkai energy into your weapon."

"Hokushin," I started, hesitating for a moment. "Why the sudden interest in training?"