After last contract I really got fixated on the significance of the spiritual dimension of things and the implication of said dimension on my recentrly aquired form. The restless nights began soon after: whispers in the night, followed by vivid dreams of a shadowy forest. There, I encountered beings neither human nor beast, their skin marked with glowing, shifting patterns. They recognized me as kin, as a young of "a tribe older than the world".

As the nights passed, thin lines appeared on my chest, growing more intricate each day. These markings, a blend of arcane symbols and feral patterns, pulsed with life. They were more than mere tattoos; they were alive, reacting to my emotions and surroundings. I felt myself changing—my senses sharpened, my instincts heightened. But with this power came restless nights, visions of battles, and lurking shadows. The elders spoke of legends, warning of the thin line between man and monster, yet acknowledging the strength this power brings.

This downtime was all about refining and pushing limits. After the last contract, I realized my eldritch beast form still had untapped potential. So, I spent these 30 days training, developing new talents, and figuring out how to control the beast more effectively. Gascoigne’s Blender is a hell of a power, but I knew there was more lurking beneath the surface. It was time to dig deeper.

Every day, I put in the work, pushing my body and my mind to their limits. I trained my physical condition, making sure my strength and stamina were up to par. Last contract tested me, and while I came out on top, I knew I could be better. Perception was another focus—I needed to be sharper, quicker to spot danger before it even had a chance to strike. This form of mine isn’t just about brute force; it’s about honing every sense, making sure nothing gets past me when the beast takes over.

When I wasn’t training, I made sure to reconnect with Kanni. She’s putting together an apartment complex, and it looked like she could use some help. As a handyman and general contractor—if you pardon the pun—I figured it was a good opportunity to lend a hand. Working with her again was a good change of pace, and it reminded me that not every problem needs to be solved with claws and fangs. Sometimes, you just need to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

All in all, these 30 days were a solid mix of training and getting back to the basics. The beast is stronger, sharper, and more refined. My body’s in peak condition, and my senses are sharper than ever. And, on top of all that, I got to help a friend build something meaningful. Not a bad way to spend a month.

These past 30 days have been rough. Coming off that contract in the infinite parking lot, I was in bad shape—physically and mentally. The limp from my leg was worse than I expected, and I had to spend a lot of time just figuring out how to get around without looking like I was one step away from falling over. Not to mention the mental baggage. That place messed with me, deep. I can still feel the weight of it, even now.

Recovery wasn’t just about pushing through the pain, though. I had some help—thankfully, a few contractors stepped in. Between their support, some consumables, and a few favors I had to call in, I managed to pull myself back from the brink. I’m not all the way there yet, but I’m a hell of a lot better than I was when I crawled out of that parking lot nightmare.

It wasn’t easy, though. The physical wounds were one thing, but the mental stuff? That’s what takes time. The nightmares, the flashes of the people we couldn’t save—they hit me when I least expect it. I’ve been working on it, trying to put those ghosts to rest, but they don’t go quietly.

In the end, the cost was high. I had to burn through more resources than I wanted, and those favors aren’t gonna repay themselves. But that’s the price you pay in this line of work, right? You get hurt, you heal, you move on. And maybe next time, you come back just a little stronger, a little more prepared for the madness that’s bound to hit again.

For now, I’m focused on keeping steady, rebuilding myself. I’ll walk without a limp soon enough, and when I do, I’ll be ready to dive back in.

This time around, I didn’t just focus on the physical stuff. Sure, I worked on strengthening the power I’ve been developing, this Unyielding Flesh that keeps me patched up and ready for more. But I knew it wasn’t enough. My body’s tough, but if my mind doesn’t stay sharp, none of it matters.

So, I spent these 30 days digging into something I hadn’t focused on in a while—my mind. I started reading again, classics mostly. It felt strange at first, getting back into old books after so long, but there’s something grounding about it. You learn a lot from people who’ve been dead for centuries, their thoughts echoing through time. Stoicism, philosophy, all the stuff that teaches you how to handle life’s chaos and keep your head on straight.

I found myself paying more attention to things, little details I’d usually overlook. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the grind of contracts and power plays, but there’s more to it. I figured if I could sharpen my mind the way I’ve built my body, I’d be twice as effective. And in this line of work, you need every edge you can get.

So yeah, these past 30 days weren’t just about patching up wounds or getting stronger. I’ve been working on me, inside and out. Between the reading, the contemplation, and this new power taking root, I’m feeling more in control than ever.