After completing my daily tasks, I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my training settle into my bones. The system never let me rest. Every day, it pushed me further—beyond what I thought possible.
Training Regimen:
Six Senses Training: Enhance all senses while learning to fight smaller, faster opponents.
Field Battle Training: Adapt to different terrains, even ones that disadvantage giants.
Physical Training: Strength, endurance, flexibility—the basics, but pushed to the extreme.
Then there were the opponents. Beasts of terrifying power:
Mountain Dragon: A beast the size of a mountain, mistaken for the land itself. Controls powerful magic.
Storm Emperor: A phoenix wielding hellfire and purple lightning, summoning storms at will.
Elemental Ape King: A gorilla embodying all five elements—fast, strong, and smarter than most humans.
I had faced them all. And yet, humans were still a mystery to me.
Until now.
Ding!
"Life and Death Training Hall gate has been opened."
Gate opening in 3...2...1...
A blinding flash of light engulfed me. When my vision cleared, I stood before an army.
Their banners bore a sigil: a dragon and lion, separated by a sword and shield. Their armor gleamed under the sky.
Ding!
"Host meets the Imperial Knights of the Great Heavenly Order."
Wait. The Imperial Knights?! Aren't these guys supposed to be legendary warriors?
"Host requires experience fighting humans. Power does not equal invincibility."
I swallowed hard. This was my first human battle. And they expected me to survive a hundred years?!
"At least show me the list of enemies!" I pleaded.
Ding!
Opponent List:
Imperial Knights
Samurais of the Crescent Blood Moon
Shadowrealm Shinobi
Hell Demon Knights
Star Dragon Knights
Mount Hua Elite Disciples
Nine-Tailed Kitsune
…And more. Too many.
I clenched my fists. No use complaining. If this world wasn't merciful, then I wouldn't be either.
I grinned.
"Bring it on!"
"TAKE THAT MONSTER DOWN!" the knight commander roared.
Hundreds of warriors charged. Spells flared, swords gleamed, and the air buzzed with killing intent.
I swung my sword—a gust of wind exploded outward, tearing through their ranks. Dozens were thrown back, but the elites remained standing.
Their eyes gleamed with battle lust.
"That thing is strong," one knight muttered.
"Good," another smirked. "It's been too long since we had real action."
The leader stepped forward. His gold-trimmed armor radiated power. "Be honored, beast. I, Sir Gilbert, will be your opponent."
The battlefield trembled.
Blades clashed. Magic flared. The wind howled, scattering bodies like leaves. The battle stretched into days… then weeks… then months.
No food. No water. Just blood and steel.
The knights withered, their bodies broken, but they never stopped fighting. Even on the brink of death, their blades refused to waver.
Gilbert, his body battered and bleeding, raised his sword. "You're strong, beast… But don't think I'll go down easily."
I paused.
I had no honor killing a weakened warrior. That wasn't a fight—that was slaughter.
"Why do you hesitate?" Gilbert demanded.
"Leader, wait," a knight in blue armor gasped. "This giant… He refuses to kill weakened enemies. He's waiting for us to recover—to give us a fair fight."
Gilbert's eyes narrowed. "Is that true?"
I nodded. Then, I offered them food and water.
They stared in disbelief, then ate without hesitation.
Gilbert exhaled, then smiled. "Sorry to keep you waiting, beast. Before we die… may I know your name?"
I hesitated. My name was Justin, but… that felt wrong now.
"Ymir," I said.
Gilbert chuckled. "A strong name. Well then, Ymir—prepare yourself. We'll fight you at our full strength."
The knights rose, eyes burning with determination. Their weapons glowed with divine power.
[Azure Dragon Spear]
[White Tiger Sword]
[Iron Turtle Mace]
[Blue Phoenix Blade]
[Heavenly Sword Slash]
Their final attack.
I gritted my teeth, raising my blade.
The air cracked as our powers collided—a blinding explosion erupted.
Smoke and dust filled the battlefield.
A cough broke the silence.
Gilbert, kneeling, chuckled weakly. "Well done, Ymir… You win."
I exhaled. "It was an honorable fight."
Gilbert smiled faintly. "Indeed… And for that, I thank you."
With those final words, he collapsed.
Then, a familiar voice echoed.
Ding!
"Survival complete. New phase initiated..."