"100..101..102", Norris counted as he watched Ava as she performed the dead lift, a comprehensive exercise targeting the entire body.
He watched as she exercised in agony, his face impassive, devoid of any emotions. Norris knew 5 different spells that could relieve the pain. But he did nothing.
The path she had chosen, fighting with swords, was a path destined for clashes between flesh and metal, magic and myriad phenomena. Pain is a sensation that's going to accompany her throughout her life.
"150…", Ava stood stiff, her hands raising the weights high. Norris watched as she tried to lower the weight, her hands shaking slightly. She had lost her strength, feeling numb.
His magical analysis though showed otherwise. She still had much left in her, but her body not familiar with it's own strength… was sending her protective signals trying to stop her.
Will was required to overcome this instincts. That was Norris's second aim. The life she's chosen has doomed her to use her body much more than normal.
Her body is her core asset. She needs to take control over it, understand it and use it to the extreme. His job right now is to ensure she doesn't sustain a lifelong injury while guiding her to dig through the potential of her own body.
"200…..", Norris watched as she reached a new limit. According to his calculations, she could do 250 if she slows down a little allowing her body to recover just a little more while also relying on will power. But 200 is a very ok result.
About to end the session, Norris was gifted a surprise.
"201…..". Just an additional one, but that one was a milestone. Will controls the body even though her body said it is enough.
Next time, her body will understand that this is actually a new limit. Slowly, slowly, she moves closer to performing at her utmost depth. This brought a smile to Norris poker faces.
"Ava, well done. I have to say I'm thoroughly surprised." Norris applauded while working towards Ava who held the weight stiffly. She gave him an exhausted smile tinged with joy.
He gently helps her settle down. He lifts the weight with one hand. Ava doesn't seem surprised that a mage known for their weak physique could do that.
Norris too forgot to tell that he's special. Normal Mages can't do that. A wonderful misunderstanding had been formed in young Ava's life.
"As a reward, I'm gonna make your new favourite; Ice cream. After your massage. "
Ava's eyes lit up. Though she followed Norris at a slow pace, her steps seems to be rejuvenated with new strength at the thought of taking ice cream.
Norris felt guilty…kinda. He's using motivation as a way to channel her will, making her walk after him.
Will in this world of sword and magic is a magical concept. Even a mortal, with a strong enough will could speak to the gods directly for a wish. Though this often results in everything else in exchange.
---
Ava counted as she lifts the weight above her head for 167th time.
"167…", looking at the…bar bell? Don't really care what it's called I felt very tired. My mind telling me to stop. My body begging me not to continue. But I can't. I want to be a knight.
Help others with my strength, break through things in my way with power. And be free to go where I wanna go. I also don't want teacher Norris to be disappointed.
"168…". O god of light, it still feels so long.
---
200…".
One more Ava, one more Ava. You can do it. You can do it.
Ohhh no I can't. To be honest I can't really do it. I can't do it. I can't.
Of course you can Ava. It's just one more. Just one more. That's all. Just one more and you will stop.
I tried lifting it up again. My arms feeling heavy, I found myself lifting it. I feel no pain, my hands numb.
I want to scream but I can't. I'm too tired.
Slowly, slowly. I think I can make it.
Ahhhhhh.
I watched myself raising the weight up.
"201…"
I turn to look at Norris. Seeing him break into a smile, I felt happy. It was worth it.
I listen to him say some words while trailing behind him. The mention of ice cream drew my attention. I quickened my pace, following him to the rest room for massage.
---
"Mage hands" Norris cast the spell, mage hands. A spell that shapes a force field into any shape desired by it's creator. Norris though really desired a hand shape. Summoning two, he controlled them to massage the body of little Ava; who just lay on a mat too exhausted to stretch or move, her eyes the only organ moving.
They appeared around Norris and moved through the room. Distorting light, revealing a transparent hand shaped outline visible to the naked eye.
Ava merely looked on accustomed to the sight.
With his magical scan and extensive knowledge, this was a fairly easy task.
Ava lay on her back on the mat, too tired to move. Her muscles felt heavy and sore, like she had run a long race. The air in the room felt still and quiet.
Then, she felt the magic. The air around her legs changed, becoming cool and tingly. It didn't feel like a real hand, but like warm, solid silk.
The hand pressed gently on her sore calf. The pressure was perfect. It was like the magic knew exactly where she hurt. A deep, soothing warmth spread through her muscle, untangling the tightness. She felt the tightness in her leg just melt away.
Another hand rested on her shoulder. Fingers of magic found the tight spot in her neck. She let out a soft sigh. Her eyes, which had been watching everything, slowly closed. She felt a wave of relief spread from wherever the hands touched, pushing the soreness out.
The hands moved smoothly up her back, bringing warmth to all her aching spots. Her breathing became slow and easy. The tired feeling in her body was replaced by a calm, relaxed feeling. Her whole body went loose and soft. The only thing she felt was the gentle movement of the magic hands and her own quiet breathing. She felt so relieved, a single tear rolled down the side of her face and into her hair.