A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 3 - Part 6

"UGH, I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

"Of course you can, you only have ten seconds left!"

Emilia encouraged me, so I couldn't give up. I endured the pain like a champion and managed to complete the five-minute abdominal plank. However, just after completing the required time, I collapsed to the floor, exhausted.

"HAAAAAA..."

"Good job! You've been working really hard lately."

I nodded slowly, taking in the half-elf's beauty from the ground.

"It's because I can't afford to be out of shape anymore."

"Are you worried?"

"Something like that."

Of course I was. The canon had changed in an inexplicable and inconvenient way, introducing a character I'd never known anything about. Because of that, I had to work harder than ever to be prepared to face him.

For my third loop, I did almost everything the same as before. I told everyone the same story, became a butler, and tried to gain the maids' trust.

Ram taught me how to read and write, and Rem cut my hair. I wouldn't say it was a huge leap forward, but now I could talk to them casually without it being awkward (at least to Ram). I had more free time because I was familiar with the mansion, and I could do my work more easily.

For the first four days, I performed various physical exercises, such as running several kilometers, doing sit-ups, push-ups, and squats. I began this routine believing that if I improved my physique, I might have a better chance of surviving against the mysterious cultist.

I've also been doing intermittent fasting, which helped me lose weight. Obviously, there wasn't a huge change because it's only been four days since I started again, but I was hoping it would make a difference.

Now, how was my sedentary body supposed to withstand the intensity of working out, working at the mansion, and cutting back on my diet at the same time?

"Magic is amazing..."

I muttered to myself. After catching my breath, I sat cross-legged and began to meditate, allowing the mana to flow throughout my body.

The other important thing I did was learn how to use my gate, but before I tried to cast any spells that might damage it, I tried to understand the flow method.

This technique was crucial for the warriors of this world, as the flow of mana greatly increases the capacity for physical improvement. By combining this with training, I achieved much better results than if I had done the same thing without strengthening my body with mana.

Luckily, Emilia was able to teach me the basic principles of magic, so I learned faster.

"However, it is not enough."

I sighed in dissatisfaction at the pace of my progress. I had no doubt I could beat my previous self, but I was still too low for this world. I might beat the trio of slum thieves, but I wouldn't get much further than that.

"What are you talking about?"

Emilia turned her head in my direction, fixing her beautiful amethyst eyes on me. Damn, just seeing her gave me all the motivation I needed to push myself.

"I'm still too weak." I explained. "Well, no one gets strong overnight, do they?"

"I guess not... But you shouldn't worry, you're not alone here. If anything happens, you can count on my help."

She gave me a dazzling smile. My heart raced with excitement, but I managed to keep my expression relaxed.

"Thank you, Emilia. I'm so glad to hear that from you." I stood up. "I think It's time to get back to work."