Several hours later.
Outside the window, it was a bright, sunny day. Gentle sunlight enveloped everything in Gelman's room, filling it with a pleasantly warm haze.
Kurapika had gotten up early, changed into his dried Kurta Clan clothes, and returned to Gelman's room.
Gelman did not begin the lesson immediately. Instead, he invited Kurapika to breakfast.
"The next part will be extremely taxing. I suggest you eat as much as you can. Otherwise, you may not even last until noon before needing a second meal."
Since Kurapika had already agreed to those terms, he naturally did not defy Gelman over such matters. He calmly took his seat at the table.
Rather than resisting the idea of something being "extremely taxing," he was quite eager for it. He hoped it would transform him completely, and perhaps Gelman's teachings could make that happen.
After finishing the breakfast brought by room service, Gelman had Kurapika take his luggage. The two checked out, took a taxi, and headed to the outskirts.
"Hmm... this mountain will do. It's only basic training, anyway."
Gelman casually picked a mountain and led Kurapika up to its summit.
Kurapika carried Gelman's suitcase, with two Wooden Swords strapped to his back. Without saying a word, he followed behind Gelman.
The mountaintop was a flat, barren stretch of land. Only a few trees stood off to one side, making it look like the bald crown of a middle-aged man's head.
"Come to think of it, what did you come to Itro City for?" Gelman asked curiously.
Kurapika set the suitcase aside, then drew the hard Wooden Swords from his back. "I heard there was a Master swordsman here, so I came to seek instruction in swordsmanship."
"However, I don't think that's necessary anymore," he added honestly.
It was not that he