ã€ŠJourney to Discoveryã€‹


 Starting Life in Another World

    As the baby''s eyes fluttered open, a world of new sights and sounds came rushing in, overwhelming the tiny creature''s senses. The soft light coming through the window cast a glow on the simple, rustic crib, and the gentle creaking of the wooden slats seemed to echo in the baby''s ears. The baby was already very sensitive and he was beyond annoyed by these noises.

    The baby''s bald head, soft and pink, turned to take in the unfamiliar surroundings - the low ceiling with its exposed beams, the braided rugs hanging on the walls, and the small, dark furniture over the crib. Overall the room looked like a poor person was living in it however this was according to the baby who was watching this. The air was filled with strange, unfamiliar scents - the musky aroma of the blankets, the earthy smell of the rough-hewn walls, and the faint, underlying scent of something warm and sweet, like honey and cream but the baby still could not bear that smell which he found disgusting

    As the baby''s mother, Lily, scooped the baby up in her arms, the child let out a startled cry, his blue eyes wide with fear and confusion. Lily''s face swam before his vision, her chestnut hair falling in soft waves around her gentle, smiling face. "Oh my dear baby I am so glad you came" she cooed, rocking the baby gently. "I''m your mother, Lily. Oh you are so cute". Though Lily was loving him the baby was beyond disgusted because she had that same weird smell and something else.

    Behind Lily, a tall figure loomed - the baby''s father, Thomas. He had a strong, muscular build, and his blonde hair was tousled in a way that spoke of a long day''s work. His blue eyes, so like the baby''s own, looked at the baby as he smiled down at his newborn son. "Oh a son I am so glad I would teach you everything about swordsmanship little man," he said, his deep voice rumbling in the baby''s tiny ears. The baby was a little less disgusted by Thomas though he still was disgusted

    Suddenly, a small hand poked at the baby''s soft cheek, startling the baby into a fresh round of wailing. The baby''s sister, Lily, giggled, her chestnut curls bouncing as she reached out to poke the baby again. The baby''s tiny hands flailed, grasping at the air, and he felt a surge of fear and confusion at the strange, looming figures around him.

    As the baby''s eyes adjusted to the light, he took in the cozy farmhouse room, with its low ceilings and rough, wooden furniture. The fire in the hearth cast flickering shadows on the walls, and the warmth of the flames could be felt even from the rocking chair where Lily sat, cradling the baby close.

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    Lily settled back into the chair, adjusting the baby at her breast. The baby''s cries quieted as he felt the warmth and comfort of his mother''s body, and the sweet, familiar taste of her milk filled his mouth. The baby was disgusted howeverthe way he was positioned he could do nothing but drink it "No need to grow up soon take your time" Lily murmured, her fingers stroking the baby''s bald head. "We want to spend as much time with you."

    As the baby suckled and drifted off to sleep, the gentle rocking of the chair and the soft murmur of his mother''s voice lulled him into a sense of peace and security. For now, the strange world around him faded away.

    As Thomas gazed down at his newborn son''s peaceful, slack features, he felt a profound sense of love and protectiveness wash over him. The baby''s eyes, though unfocused and unseeing, seemed to hold the promise of a tranquil and contented life. Turning to Lily, he murmured, "He looks like a peaceful boy, doesn''t he? One who will live a life untouched by strife and trouble."

    Lily, her heart swelling with maternal love and a fierce desire to shield her child from life''s hardships, readily agreed. "Yes, my love. Let''s name him Rei, for a life filled with serenity and tranquility." The ancient name rolled off her tongue, its meaning resonating deeply with their hopes and dreams for their little one.

    Little Hanna, the three-year-old sister, had been watching the exchange with wide, curious eyes. At the sound of the name, her face lit up with a grin. "Hey, Rei woke up, and we named you!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her heels with excitement.

    Thomas and Lily exchanged a glance, and Lily gently shushed her daughter. "Shh, dear. Don''t wake him up, he''s tired and sleeping," she admonished softly. They carefully placed Rei in the cradle, tucking the soft blankets around his tiny, slumbering form.

    Seeing Hanna''s disappointed pout at being denied further interaction with her newborn brother, Thomas had an idea. "How about this, my little sunbeam. I take you to the sunflower garden, okay?" he offered with a warm smile.

    Hanna''s eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I want to go to the sunflower garden!" she exclaimed, her previous dissatisfaction forgotten. Hand in hand, father and daughter left the room, leaving Rei to his much-needed slumber.

    As the room emptied, Rei drifted to the dreams, blissfully unaware of the world around him. The sleep was due to the fatigue of both being born in this unfamiliar world and Rei jumbled emotions of fear and confusion after his arrival.

 the reincarnation

    Some time later, as the sun began to set, Thomas and Lily took Hanna back to their house, Hanna came back with a satisfied and happy smile into the room. "Wow, that was fun!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "The sunflowers looked so great!"

    Lily, busy at the stove, stirred a pot of hearty stew. She was busy preparing dinner for everyone. She glanced over at her daughter with a warm smile. "I''m glad you had a lovely time, dear. Now, go play. I need to finish making dinner."

    Thomas, having cleaned and sharpened his sword, sheathed it carefully before setting it aside. He looked up as Hanna entered, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Your mother is right, Hanna. Why don''t you go take care of your little brother? I''m sure he could use some of your company as he sleeps."

    Hanna nodded, skipping over to Rei''s cradle. She peered down at her brother''s sleeping form, she was now excited that she was a sister now. "Come on, wake up," she coaxed, poking gently at Rei''s tiny hand. With a frown at his continued sleep, she sighed. "You''re no fun," she declared, before wandering off to her room to resume playing with her beloved dolls and stuffed animals.

    In the kitchen, Lily and Thomas worked side by side, preparing the rest of the dinner and arranging them. Lily and Thomas would occasionally check on Rei whether Rei was awake or not. As the sun dipped below the horizon and three moon rose up one was red one was blue and one was yellow showing the otherworldly significance, the family settled, they went on doing their own pursuits, all while the baby Rei slept on however the dreams Rei was watching was far from peaceful.

    As Rei slumbered, his mind drifted through a labyrinth of fragmented memories, each one a shard of a life that now felt as distant and foreign as a half-remembered dream. Concrete black towers stretched towards the sky, their cold, the towers cold and menacing, giving a dark aura. Neon lights flickered in the room with stylish furniture and paintings inside the room.

    In his dream, Rei stood in a room surrounded by smirks and cold gazes of the girls, some were pointing at him and some were laughing. At the center lay a lifeless man killed by a knife, its dead eyes staring to the roof with a hint of regret and shock. The cruel laughter of those he once called friends echoed, their mocking words slicing through the fog of his confusion like a knife through flesh. It was like countless eyes starting at him and making him admit a crime he did not committed.

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    He saw himself, a man wrongly accused, his life stolen by the corrupt and fickle system. Countless days, countless months, countless years, all wasted in the bleak despair of a cell, a cage, a tomb. He had tried to ignore the violence, the anger, the hate that seeped into every corner of that godforsaken place. He had lost himself in the pages of books, in the words of poets and philosophers, in the hopes and dreams of those who had come before. And still, the years had slipped away, his hair turning white, his body growing old and weary, until finally, mercifully, he had been taken to that dark, final room.

    The cold steel of the noose had bitten into his flesh, a final, cruel caress before the darkness claimed him. He had felt a searing pain, a ripping, tearing sensation when suddenly he saw a small light.

    And then, he had woken up here. In this strange, new world that was so different from the one he had left behind. The face he made as he gazed out from beneath the soft, warm blankets was not the face of a baby, but the lined and weathered countenance of a man who had lived a life filled with more sorrow and strife than most could imagine.

    The memories of his past life, of the injustice and cruelty he had endured, now seemed like a distant nightmare, a waking hell that he had somehow managed to escape. This world, with its simple joys and quiet comforts, was a far cry from the one he had known before, but perhaps, just perhaps, it was a chance for a new beginning. A chance to start anew, to find a purpose and a happiness that had eluded him for so long in that other life.

    As Rei lay there, his heart swelled with a tentative hope, a fragile but persistent flicker of light in the darkness of his troubled past. Maybe, just maybe, this was his second chance. A chance to leave behind the pain and the sorrow, the anger and the hate, and to forge a new life in a world that, for all its strangeness and unfamiliarity, held the promise of something far greater and more precious than he had ever known before.

 Hunting Information

    The days passed one after another however the days were not significant it was just the mundane life of Farm work the occasional visit to the sunflower garden that Hanna loves so much. Rei did not even understood why she liked visiting that place but after witnessing the slow and unentertaining life in this world Rei knew why. The fields were located quite a distance away where Rei''s mother and father, Lily and Thomas, toiled tirelessly to grow crops. This was because of the fertile land difference between near the house and that part. Rei''s sister, Hanna, danced and giggled in the sunflower garden, her laughter carried by the breeze. From a small, observant corner of the world, Rei watched it all unfold, piecing together the fragments of their lives.

    Unlike Hanna though, Rei was serious about gathering information than to play, he would hear Thomas and Lily talking countless times and would peice together what they are telling. It wasn''t until days of eavesdropping on their conversations that Rei pieced together the new reality. Rei''s name was Rei, a fact they repeated often as they cooed over the little one. Thomas was the father, steady and kind, and Lily was the mother, gentle yet formidable. And then there was Hanna, brimming with youthful energy, her face always lit with an easy smile and they lived in Orville Village.

    The house was modest but sturdy however it was smelly, though Rei had endured the Jail smell before it was not as bad as this house smell, it had five rooms however those rooms were very small too. Each corner seemed filled with a simplicity but moreover the house itself was poorly built without any concept of geometry which Rei carried from another life. And yet, despite the warmth of the family''s affections, a shadow lingered in Rei''s heart¡ªa remnant of a past life that refused to fade.

    Fear.

    No, not just fear¡ªhatred.

    It was an instinctual, deep-seated aversion to women. Whenever Lily approached to breastfeed, Rei crawled or toddled away as fast as those little legs could carry, preferring the neutral safety of plain milk. When Hanna tried to play, her small hands reaching out in invitation, Rei shrank back, avoiding her at all costs. This behavior confused them, after all they had not done anything which would make Rei hate him, yet the fear was too deeply rooted to explain.

    Instead, Rei gravitated toward Thomas, seeking solace in his presence. He never questioned this attachment, though it perplexed the rest of the family.

    One day, while Lily and Thomas worked in the fields and Hanna twirled in her sunflower haven, Rei found an opportunity to explore. The house was quiet, the perfect chance to satisfy a growing curiosity. Rei turned toward the staircase, a daunting task for such a small body. With determined effort, each step was conquered until the upper floor was reached.

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    There, tucked away in a modest study, was a treasure trove: books. Rows upon rows of them lined the shelves, their spines worn and titles etched in unfamiliar scripts. The sight ignited a spark of excitement. Rei pulled down one book at random, its foreign letters like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

    For months, Rei returned to the study in secret, pouring over the text, that infant mind grasping concepts far beyond its years. Slowly, the pieces fell into place.

    "Zeltrise is the common language and mother tongue of Astria" the first sentence fully understood, became a milestone etched into memory.

    Time passed, and this secret study bore fruit. Within a year, Rei understood the conversations of the family, their words no longer a mystery. By the time two years had passed, not only comprehension but also writing in the language had been mastered.

    The progress was kept hidden, for the impossibility of a two-year-old displaying such feats would surely raise alarm. But in the quiet hours when no one was watching, Rei would occasionally try writing on a piece of paper and then bury it to remove evidence.

    Little by little, Rei was reclaiming a part of a lost self in this strange, familiar world. But this not only made him better in writing but also physically stronger since he had to go to the 2nd floor to study and return to the first floor to bury the evidence in this baby form.

    Having mastered the intricacies of the Zeltrise language, Rei found the act of reading a newfound joy. The words no longer stood as barriers but instead unlocked doorways to knowledge. One afternoon, while rummaging through the attic''s dusty collection of books, a particular tome caught Rei''s attention: Mystical Magics - Magic Origins, Volume 1.

    The leather-bound cover was worn, the title embossed in gold that had long since begun to fade. Something about it called out, igniting a spark of curiosity.

    Rei flipped open the book, the scent of aged parchment wafting up. As the pages turned, a world of wonder unfolded:

    There were fifteen distinct attributes of magic, each categorized by their complexity and power. Aversion can''t use different attribute than the one he possess

    The elementary attributes were the foundation of all magic¡ªfire, water, earth, wind, and plant. They were the easiest to grasp, often taught to children in magic-wielding families.

    The intermediate attributes¡ªsnow, metal, poison, thunder, and sound¡ªdemanded more finesse, a deeper connection to mana, and careful control.

    At the apex were the advanced attributes¡ªholy, light, demonic, dark, and shadow. These magics were a realm unto themselves, feared and revered, their secrets known only to a select few.

    The words painted vivid pictures in Rei''s mind, each attribute brimming with possibilities. This was no mere book¡ªit was a gateway to a world beyond the mundane

 Magic? Is This It?

    Rei''s curiosity and excitement was ignited by the magic book. There was a Synopsis written in the book but Rei did not bother to read it. He wanted to get to the practical part as quickly as possible. As he read more he found that Magic was divided into 5 levels

    1. Elementary Magic- they are the lowest level of magic spells with the weakest effects. They require very small amount of Mana

    2. Basic Magic- they are a level above Elementary magic spells and their effects are stronger than Elementary Magic. They require less Mana

    3. Mid Magic- they''re a level above Basic Magic Spells and have stronger effects. They require Average Mana

    4. High Magic- they''re a level above Mid Magic and have destructive effects with some recoil and after effects. They require High Mana

    5. Peak Magic- they are a level above High Magic and have catastrophic effects with a high recoil and strong after effects. They require significant amount of Mana and sometimes sacrifices.

    Mages were divided by levels based on their power these were

    1. Learner Mages- they are the lowest kind of Mages who know at least one elementary magic spell

    2. Arcane Mages- they are the low level mages who know at least one basic Magic spell

    3. Master Mages- they are average mages who know at least one mid Magic spell

    4. Ruler Mages- they are strong mages who can use silent casting and know at least one high Magic spell

    5. King Mages - they are high level mages who can use silent casting and know at least one peak Magic spell

    6. Emperor Mages- it is a title given to the strongest mages in the country who can destroy cities or could use unknown magic spells

    7. Heavenly Mages- it is a title given to the strongest mages in the world who can destroy countries and higher

    Fueled by newfound determination Rei decided to learn magic, For some reason the ground floor was noisy but the second floor was quiet. Rei decided to act in the quiet room. Rei stood in front of the small window and took a deep breath and began the first incantation.

    The words were foreign, rolling off Rei''s tongue with some difficulty. "By the flame within, ignite and burn."

    But nothing happened.

    Rei frowned and tried again, altering the words of the chant. Still, the air remained still, and no heat sparked to life. Undeterred, Rei moved on to another attribute.

    "By the water''s grace, flow and cleanse," Rei chanted, but the room remained dry.

    One by one, each of the elementary incantations was attempted, and one by one, they failed. The words felt hollow, like reciting a meaningless rhyme rather than wielding a force of nature.

    For months, Rei persisted. Each night, when the household slumbered, the second floor became a sanctuary of practice. By day, the books became Rei''s companions, their pages searching for hints or techniques that might unlock the spark of magic.

    And yet, the incantations remained lifeless. Mana, the invisible force that supposedly connected all living things, refused to answer Rei''s call.

    The frustration was immense, and doubts crept in like shadows at the edges of Rei''s resolve. What if magic was beyond reach? What if this new life had stripped away the potential to wield it?

    But giving up was unthinkable. The allure of magic was intoxicating¡ªthe promise of reshaping reality, of mastering the unseen, was too tantalizing to abandon.

    One evening, as the last rays of sunlight painted the room golden, Rei stood in the cleared space once more.

    "This world has its rules," Rei murmured, staring at the pages of the book in hand. "And rules can be broken."

    With renewed determination, Rei vowed to press on. If the traditional methods wouldn''t work, then another path would have to be forged. Somewhere, the key to unlocking magic lay hidden, and Rei was determined to find it, no matter the cost.

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    The day took an unexpected turn when Lily and Thomas discovered Hanna''s affinity for magic. In the field behind their home, they watched in awe as Hanna conjured a brilliant flame with a mere flick of her wrist. Moments later, a gust of wind swirled around her, playful and light, as though responding to her unspoken command.

    Lily and Thomas, their faces brimming with pride, tested Hanna further. Her abilities were astonishing: not only could she wield the fire and air attributes, but she also possessed the rare and coveted holy and light attributes.

    The revelation struck Rei like a hammer to the chest. Holy and light¡ªthe pinnacle of advanced attributes. These attributes were not just rare; they were the very foundation of the legendary holy knights. Hanna''s path to greatness was clear, her gifts opening doors to a future that Rei could only dream of.

    And Rei? Still unable to summon so much as a flicker of magic.

    As the celebration unfolded, bitterness crept into Rei''s heart like a slow, insidious poison. The world had always been this way¡ªcruel, unforgiving, and perpetually disappointing. In a past life and now in this one, the universe seemed to conspire against Rei.

    Unable to endure the scene any longer, Rei retreated to the second floor, the only place where control seemed within reach. Surrounded by the silent wisdom of books, Rei sought solace in their pages.

    Hours passed as Rei delved deeper into Mystical Magics, determined to find answers. And then, amidst the dense text, a flicker of hope emerged. Rei remembered that he had still not read the Synopsis.

    As Rei read the Synopsis he found that the book explained that magic was not a universal gift. It was rare, bestowed only upon a select few. Each person''s aptitude varied greatly, and many were born without the ability to wield it at all. This revelation offered clarity but also a cruel truth.

    A simple test was described to determine magical potential:

    "Flow through me, elements, and reveal your power."

    The incantation promised to awaken a surge of energy within those capable of magic¡ªa tangible sign of their latent abilities.

    Excitement and trepidation warred within Rei. This was the chance to know for certain. Rei cleared the mind, focused every fiber of being, and chanted the words.

    "Flow through me, elements, and reveal your power."

    The words left Rei''s lips, carrying all hope and desperation into the stillness of the room. The moment passed, and the air remained unchanged.

    No warmth. No tingle. No surge of energy.

    Nothing.

    The weight of failure settled heavily on Rei''s shoulders. Slumping into the chair, Rei stared blankly at the floor. According to the book, magic was not something that could be earned through sheer willpower. It was a gift, an innate trait, and Rei was clearly not among the chosen few.

    The realization hit like a physical blow. Months of study, endless nights of practice, and unyielding determination¡ªnone of it mattered. The world of magic was beyond reach, and no amount of effort would change that.

    And yet¡­

    A stubborn part of Rei''s mind refused to yield. Was this truly the end? Was the book absolute in its knowledge, or could there be something it had overlooked?

    "No," Rei whispered, the voice steady despite the storm raging inside.

    Slamming the book shut, the sound reverberated through the quiet attic. Defeat was not an option. Somewhere, there had to be a way¡ªa loophole, a secret, a method forgotten by time.

    Rei vowed to find it.

    Because if magic truly was locked away, then Rei would break the lock.

 Spirit Arts

    Rei''s access to knowledge was limited. The room bookshelf, lined with an array of books and his knowledge from his past life was all there was to rely on. Looking through the books none of them promised the secrets of advanced magic, Rei searched through them anyway, hoping to uncover something useful.

    The collection was varied¡ªHistory of Astria, Herb Recipes to Increase Body Strength and even Crop Farming Techniques. Each title spoke of practical knowledge, but none held the allure Rei sought.

    As Rei went through the dusty tomes, a particular book caught his eye. Unlike the others, its binding was worn, its title barely visible. It wasn''t about magic but rather a lesser-known art: Spirit Arts. Intrigued, Rei carefully opened the cover and began to read.

    The Spirit Arts, as the book described, revolved around the concept of Qi¡ªthe life energy that flows through all living things. By harnessing and manipulating Qi, practitioners could enhance their physical abilities and control a part of their surroundings. Depending upon their strength the range of control may vary. This range can be molded according to the person''s needs however this range needs to be connected to the person''s body which means that it can only be used in close combat. Unlike magic, which was a rare and innate gift, Spirit Arts could be practiced by anyone who doesn''t possess magic with the dedication and determination to master it.

    Rei''s heart quickened at the revelation. If magic was beyond reach, then perhaps Spirit Arts offered another path¡ªa chance to wield power despite the lack of magical aptitude. But Rei''s hopes were quickly crushed as he read that, unlike Magic, Spirit arts is used in conjunction with a weapon to cut magic and not to create Elements. Rei wanted to learn magic, not weapon mastery but this was the only path he had and Rei was forced to accept it.

    Delving deeper into the text, Rei discovered the foundational principles of Spirit Arts. The human body, it explained, existed in two forms: unawakened form and awakened form. Only those who achieved the awakened form could truly begin to wield the power of Qi.

    The awakened form was further divided into five stages:

    Low-Awakened- these people''s strengths are stronger than that of an average human and they Live 10 years more than an average human.

    Mid-Awakened- these people''s strengths are stronger than that of a low-awakened human and they Live 50 years more than an average human.

    High-Awakened- these people''s strengths are stronger than that of a Mid-Awakened human and they Live 100 years more than an average human.

    Peak-Awakened- these people''s strengths are stronger than that of a High-Awakened human and they Live 500 years more than an average human.

    Limit-Awakened- these people''s strengths are stronger than that of a Peak-Awakened human and they Live 1000 years more than an average human.

    Each stage represented a higher mastery of Qi and greater physical potential. The people who practice Qi are called martials, Martials are divided into 7 levels

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    1. Junior Martial- They are the weakest level of Martials who possess low-awakened bodies

    2. Senior Martial- They are stronger than Junior Martials and possess mid-awakened bodies power to compute at high speeds

    3. Master Martial- They are strong Martials who possess high-awakened bodies, the power to compute at high speed, and a 6th sense

    4. high Martial- They are strong Martials who possess peak-awakened bodies, a 6th sense, the power to compute at high speeds, and the power to enhance one of the 5 senses

    5. Elite Martial- They are the strongest Martials who possess limit-awakened bodies, a 6th sense, the power to enhance all senses, and the power to compute at high speeds

    6. Martial Sages- It is a title given to the martials who have a very high amount of knowledge

    7. Martial Sentients- It is a title given to the martials who have the power to annihilate a whole country

    Rei held his breath as the book revealed that reaching even the lowest stage¡ªLow Awakened¡ªwould unlock the ability to begin training in Spirit Arts. Unlike magic, this power did not rely on innate talent but on the practitioner''s dedication to surpassing the limits of their body.

    At two years old, Rei''s body was still unawakened and it was also not ready to go through the training regime. The text made it clear that achieving the low awakened stage required strength and resilience far beyond that of an average human. It was a challenging path, one that would demand relentless training and unyielding determination.

    But where others might see a barrier, Rei saw hope. If magic is not meant to be, perhaps Spirit Arts would offer a second chance¡ªa way to rise above mediocrity and carve out a place in a world that seemed determined to leave Rei behind.

    With the book firmly in hand, Rei made a silent vow. Every spare moment would now be devoted to training, to pushing the body beyond its natural limits. Until the day came when Rei could feel the first stirrings of Qi and step into the realm of Spirit Arts.

    This wasn''t just a path¡ªit was a calling.

    As Rei read further into the book on Spirit Arts, a sobering truth came to light: the ideal age for awakening one''s body was typically between five and nine years old. At just 2 years old, Rei was far from the starting line. The realization was disheartening, a fresh reminder of how far behind everyone else Rei seemed to be.

    But this despair was fleeting. Determination burned brighter than disappointment.

    Though the body of a baby was ill-suited for rigorous physical activity, Rei began training nonetheless. It started with simple push-ups, a task that proved monumentally difficult. The fragile, untrained limbs trembled under even the smallest strain, and progress was painfully slow.

    Day after day, Rei snuck away from the watchful eyes of Lily and Thomas, using every moment alone to practice. Push-ups, sit-ups, crouches, and even short sprints became part of a grueling self-imposed routine. The work was taxing, but Rei''s resolve never wavered. Lily and Thomas too were busy training Hanna so they did not notice your growth too.

    A year passed.

    Now Rei was a toddler and wore black shorts and a brown shirt.

    The once-clumsy movements grew steadier, the toddler''s body gaining a strength far beyond what should have been possible. And then, one quiet morning, Rei felt it¡ªa cold, subtle energy coursing through the veins. It started faint, almost imperceptible, but with each passing day, it grew stronger.

    Qi.

    Rei recognized it immediately from the book''s description. This was it, the life energy that flowed through all living things, the key to Spirit Arts. Excitement bubbled up, but it was tempered by the knowledge of the next challenge: learning to release Qi and manipulate it.

    For months, Rei poured every ounce of focus into this new goal. Countless techniques and methods were tried, and each met with failure. The frustration mounted, but Rei pressed on, undeterred.

    And then, after two grueling months of trial and error, it happened. Rei felt the Qi spreading out into the atmosphere and surrounding him. Though the Qi surrounding him was only a thin layer near his skin it was enough to make him happy. Now Rei thought about how to mold the Qi to create a bigger space and manipulate the environment. As Rei was preparing plans he got an idea. Rei thought about using centrifugal force to make a whirlwind.

    .After a week Rei was able to mold the Qi to prepare a bigger space then during the same day in the room, Rei''s hands trembled with concentration. The air shimmered faintly, and then, a small whirlwind formed. It hovered above Rei''s hand for a brief, beautiful moment before fading away.

    It was small, almost insignificant. But to Rei, it was a monumental victory.

    Fueled by this breakthrough, Rei redoubled the training efforts. Hours each day were spent honing the newfound skill. The whirlwinds grew larger and more stable, twisting into different shapes and sizes. Yet despite this progress, something still felt missing. Manipulating wind came naturally, but Rei knew there had to be more to Qi than this.

 Discovery of Wind Blast

    Late one evening, as Rei sat amidst the quiet hum of the second floor, a sudden idea struck like lightning. What if it was possible to create a vacuum¡ªa space devoid of air¡ªto draw wind inward? If the gathered wind could be compressed into a tight, volatile sphere, it could act as a bomb of unimaginable force.

    The concept was exhilarating. Dangerous, but exciting.

    Rei wasted no time. The air began to shift as Rei began the experiment. The Qi running through the body molded to create a domain Rei created a vacuum but nothing happened. Rei wondered why was nothing happening then he suddenly realized that while creating the vacuum he had to envision the wind drawing away from it but he needed to create a vacuum to draw the wind it was like an egg and chicken problem, for some days Rei made countless drawings. Thomas and Lily were glad by this because Rei was acting like his age.

    After days Rei finished his perfect blueprint it was a sphere inside a sphere to put it simply Rei would create a vacuum from the outer sphere by compressing the entire wind inside of it which would not only attract wind from outside but also concentrate it in a spherical form. Rei again used his Qi drawing wind inward with precision and intent. The air around Rei grew heavier and denser, a swirling vortex of unseen energy.

    Now Rei went to the next stage of his experiment creating several whirlwinds to compress while the idea of it sounded easy Rei faced many difficulties implementing it, sometimes the winds would cancel each other and sometimes it would explode right away. Thomas, Lily, and Hanna who were working downstairs would continuously hear the sounds within their house however whenever they came they just saw you throwing some books so in time they stopped caring about it. It took Rei some days before he was able to understand how to put complementary whirlwinds together to create a wind ball.

    Now Rei was in his Final stage launching the wind ball into a wind blast but it was a very simple stage for Rei. The best option was to create another wind ball behind the wind ball to launch it. Rei went with it. He started drawing in the winds and created a wind ball, then he created another wind ball.

    Down in the Yard, Thomas and Lily paused their work. A strange disturbance rippled through the air, faint but unmistakable. Hanna, practicing nearby with a wooden sword, stopped mid-swing, her instincts alerting her to the same unease. They saw wind going through the window of the 2nd floor.

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    The family hurried toward the house.

    Upstairs, Rei reached the climax of the experiment. The compressed wind, now a tightly bound sphere of raw energy, pulsated in the palms. With one final, focused burst of intent, Rei released it.

    The explosion was immediate.

    A powerful gust of wind erupted outward, sending Rei hurtling backward into the wall. The room started cracking under the force, the walls were breaking and cracking as debris flew in all directions. Dust filled the air. Rei remembered that he forgot to consider the recoil of the attack.

    Moments later, Thomas, Lily, and Hanna burst into the room. Their wide eyes took in the destruction¡ªthe shattered walls, the rubble destroyed across the floor, and the missing wall in front of you.

    And there, laid Rei slightly injured.

    The family stared their shock mixing with fear and awe. The winds slowly died down, leaving an eerie silence in their wake.

    For the first time, Rei''s presence demanded recognition¡ªnot as a powerless child, but as someone capable of wielding an incredible force.

    As Thomas and Lily rushed into the shattered room, their faces reflected concern and confusion. Thomas immediately went to Rei, his steps quick and purposeful. Lily hung back, hesitant, her maternal worry evident, but she remained wary of the scene before her. Hanna too was with Lily not knowing what might have happened

    Rei instinctively shifted closer to Thomas, avoiding Lily''s gaze. The ingrained fear and distrust from a past life clung stubbornly, even though Rei knew logically that Lily had done nothing to warrant it.

    Thomas knelt beside Rei, his sharp eyes scanning the wreckage before settling on the book that laid in one of the destroyed corners. "Rei," he began, his voice steady but edged with suspicion, "what happened here?"

    Rei hesitated for a fraction of a second before holding up the book. "I saw this book and... I was interested in the diagrams," Rei said, voice soft but measured. "I tried copying them, and then... this happened."

    Thomas took the book, flipping through its worn pages until he found the section detailing Qi manipulation. His brow furrowed as he read, his gaze darting from the text to the chaotic remnants of the room.

    "Just diagrams, you say?" His voice carried a note of skepticism. "And this destruction... an accident, was it?"

    Rei nodded, maintaining the facade, knowing full well that the truth would sound unbelievable coming from a child so young.

    Thomas closed the book with a sharp snap, his expression serious. "Rei, this isn''t just child''s play. The Spirit Arts aren''t about idle curiosity¡ªthey''re a discipline, a lifelong pursuit requiring mastery of one''s body and mind. What you''ve done here..." He gestured to the damaged room. "This is not ordinary. Spirit Arts are meant to enhance swordsmanship and to counter magic, not create explosions. This..." He was speechless as to what even call this

    Lily, who had been watching silently from the doorway, stepped forward. Her movements were cautious but not hesitant. She placed a hand gently on Rei''s shoulder, her worry evident.

    "Your father is right, Rei," she said softly. "The Spirit Arts can be dangerous. We don''t want you to hurt yourself... or anyone else. You''re still so young. There''s time to learn, but it must be done carefully."

    Thomas looked at Lily, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange. He gave a small nod, a decision made.

    "Rei," Thomas said, his tone softening further, "we need to talk. About your abilities and the dangers they bring."

    He stood, placing a reassuring hand on Rei''s shoulder. "Come. Let''s go where we can speak without distractions."

 Concerns

    As Thomas led Rei out of the room, Lily followed closely behind. The air between them was heavy with unspoken concerns and a quiet determination.

    Rei''s father, Thomas, couldn''t hide the confusion on his face as he clasped Rei''s small hands. A faint yet distinct flow of Qi pulsed beneath his fingers¡ªneither overwhelming nor insignificant, but far more than he''d ever felt before in a child so young. It was perplexing. People were sometimes born with a natural abundance of Qi, but for it to manifest at such a young age was highly unusual.

    Still, the idea that a four-year-old who could already practice Qi manipulation seemed absurd. Dismissing the possibility as mere growth potential, Thomas couldn''t shake his curiosity. He tightened his grip slightly, his expression growing serious. "Rei, what have you been doing?" he asked, his tone low and probing. "I can feel your Qi... and it''s not just a little. How is this possible?"

    Rei blinked up at him, feigning confusion as he tilted his head innocently. Inside, however, his mind was racing. He couldn''t possibly tell the truth¡ªthat he was a reincarnated man who had been training in Spirit Arts since the age of two. So instead, he put on his best clueless expression. "Dad, what is Qi?" he asked, his voice soft and filled with childish curiosity.

    Thomas frowned, his eyes narrowing as he studied Rei''s face. It didn''t seem like the boy was lying, but the presence of Qi in his son was undeniable. He glanced at Lily, his wife, who stood nearby with an equally puzzled look. She shook her head slightly, silently signaling that she was just as baffled as he was.

    The thought that Rei might have a natural affinity for the Spirit Arts crossed Thomas''s mind, but the very idea seemed surreal. If Rei truly didn''t understand what Qi was, then he could only assume his son had been born with an inherent talent after all there were still some kids who manifest Qi from a very young age however those things happen when the family has a strong bloodline which was not the case in their family.

    Rei, playing the part of an innocent four-year-old, pushed further to solidify his act. "What is life energy?" he asked, his big eyes wide with apparent wonder.

    Thomas''s stern expression softened as a chuckle escaped his lips. Despite his lingering concern, he couldn''t help but be amused by his son''s endless string of questions. He reached out and ruffled Rei''s hair affectionately, a warm smile spreading across his face.

    "Life energy is... well, it''s the force that makes us alive," Thomas explained, his voice gentler now. "It''s what gives us the strength to move and think and feel."

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    Lily''s expression softened as she watched Thomas patiently explain these concepts to Rei. Though she shared her husband''s unease, she couldn''t help but smile at the scene before her. For now, she was willing to accept what seemed to be an extraordinary gift, hoping that time would tell the truth behind your powers.

    Rei, meanwhile, nodded along, pretending to absorb the information as if it were all new to him. Beneath the surface, though, he was inwardly relieved that his act had worked. His parents seemed convinced that he was simply a gifted child, blissfully unaware of the true depths of his secret.

    Rei''s father, Thomas, felt his heart sink as the reality of his son''s situation settled over him like a dark cloud. He knew that unlike other children who have strong bloodlines to protect themselves being born with Qi at such a young age was more of a curse than a blessing for Rei. Qi, the life force of all living beings, was tied intricately to vitality and longevity.

    However, for children like you who do not have a strong bloodline, this abundance of life force often became their undoing. It was a miracle Rei had survived this long¡ªmost children born with Qi didn''t make it past the age of three.

    Thomas''s face darkened with concern as he knelt to meet Rei''s wide, curious eyes. "Rei, I need you to listen to me very carefully," he said, his tone unusually serious. "Having Qi... it''s not always a good thing. Especially for someone as young as you."

    Rei tilted his head, maintaining his innocent facade, though the words stirred a flicker of genuine worry within him. "What do you mean, Dad?" he asked, his voice mixed with feigned naivety.

    Thomas hesitated, searching for the right words. "There are risks, Rei. Dangers. If your Qi grows too strong, too quickly, it could hurt you. Even worse... it could take your life."

    At the word danger, Rei''s expression shifted slightly. Though he tried to mask his emotions, a glimmer of worry escaped. He needed to maintain his act, so he asked, "What is danger, Dad?"

    Thomas exchanged a glance with Lily, his wife, who stood nearby with a tense expression. He sighed deeply, reaching out to place a firm but gentle hand on Rei''s small shoulder. "Danger is... when something bad could happen to you. When you might get hurt, or even worse." He paused, his voice growing quieter but no less grave. "Having Qi is like carrying a flame inside you. If you''re not careful, that flame can burn you up from the inside out."

    Rei''s sister, Hanna, who had been quietly watching from the doorway, suddenly spoke up, her voice trembling. "Mom, will Rei be okay? I''m scared." Her eyes were wide with worry, and although she knew he hated her, she couldn''t hide her genuine concern.

    Lily stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Hanna''s shoulder. "Oh, you don''t have to worry, sweetie. Rei will be just fine. Why don''t you go to your room for a while?"

    Hanna hesitated but nodded reluctantly, casting one last glance at Rei before turning and heading towards her room.

    Rei, still holding onto his innocent act, furrowed his brow as if trying to process what he''d been told. "What should I do, Dad?" he asked his tone a mix of curiosity and worry.

    Thomas sighed again, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He knew what was ahead for Rei would be challenging, but he also knew what had to be done. "What you need to do, Rei, is train. You have to make your body strong¡ªstrong enough to handle your Qi. The stronger your body is, the better you''ll be able to control it."

    He glanced at Lily, who nodded in agreement, her expression resolute. "We''ll start you on a regimen of exercises," Thomas continued. "Nothing too intense¡ªjust enough to help you grow and develop healthily. Step by step, we''ll make sure you''re strong enough to handle this."

    Though the plan was meant to reassure him, Rei was not even scared to begin with. After all, he had already been training his body in secret for years it was just that they did not know it however this gave Rei an excuse to practice openly now. He nodded dutifully, letting his parents believe that this was the first step in his journey.

 Special World?

    As the discussion continued Thomas said "You are going to do some drills to increase your body strength, do not worry it is not way too hard but it won''t be easy either you would have to just grit your teeth and struggle through it"

    "Okay, Dad," Rei said softly, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his mind. "I''ll do my best."

    Thomas smiled faintly and ruffled Rei''s hair. "That''s my boy. We will get through this together."

    "Okay," Rei said innocently, maintaining the perfect facade of a clueless four-year-old. The act was convincing, and his parents seemed to accept his wide-eyed naivety without question. As night fell and his parents retired to their room, Rei sat alone. The cold feeling of Qi within him was still present, a reminder of the life force he had worked so hard to cultivate in secret. He smiled smugly, feeling he was some kind of a special person now after all unlike how he previously viewed Qi as just a thing that cuts magic he now viewed Qi as something that could create wind blasts.

    He lay on his bed and started rolling around. He thought, "I can''t believe I can control the wind now. Now I want to do more. " Rei closed his eyes and focused inward. The sensation of Qi was strange yet exhilarating¡ªa flowing current of power that was both a part of him and something greater. Now that he had recognized the power of Qi and some understanding of its nature, the connection felt even more profound.

    He raised his hand, channeling Qi into his palm molding it into a small sphere and then he started controlling the environment. Slowly, the air around his fingers began to stir. A faint whirlwind formed, twisting and swirling, the soft hum of wind breaking the silence of the room. To an outsider, it would be a miraculous display however to Rei, it was merely the centrifugal force attracting wind which he had read in his past life when he was in 7th grade.

    On Earth, everything followed the rules and laws of physics¡ªlogical, predictable, and unrefutable. Everything had a reason for existing. But here, in this world of Qi and magic, the laws meant nothing, the power is shaped by willpower and intention in this world which was very confusing. It was both a marvel and a challenge.

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    Rei attempted again, this time using an approach that might align with his parents'' understanding. He visualized his Qi extending outward, like invisible hands reaching to "grasp" the air and move it. The process was taxing, draining his Qi reserves far faster than expected. The whirlwind faltered and dissipated, leaving him panting with effort.

    "So that''s why my wind blasts seemed strange to them," Rei murmured to himself. It wasn''t just about raw power; mastery required control, precision, and balance. Without these, his efforts would remain inefficient bursts of energy. Rei now realized that the knowledge from his past life might come in a lot more handy now if this was all there was to it.

    Meanwhile, in the other bedroom, Thomas and Lily were deep in conversation.

    "How is Rei''s situation?" his mother, Lily who was sitting on the bed, asked, her voice soft but laced with worry. As a magician, her understanding of Spirit Arts was limited, and the events of the day weighed heavily on her mind after all even though Rei hated her she was still his mother and not knowing the situation was very tough for her mentally.

    Thomas leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, his expression troubled. "It''s concerning," he admitted. "Magic is far less taxing than Spirit Arts. The Spirit Arts aren''t just about using Qi¡ªthey''re about managing it. What Rei did with that wind blast earlier... it''s not something a child his age should be capable of it seemed like his Qi went berserk I did not see any internal injuries on him but still it was taxing on his body. And if he doesn''t gain control soon, it could harm him¡ªor worse." What Thomas is referring to is the recoil that Rei faced due to not honing the skill however since Thomas did not know that Rei just faced recoiled he thought the Qi used was taxing for Rei''s body

    Lily''s brows knitted in concern, but Thomas continued. "The real issue is his body. His Qi pool is not large but still having Qi in a child''s body is dangerous and his body isn''t strong enough to handle it yet. We need to focus on building his physical strength. If we can fortify him, his body will be able to support his Qi flow better, at least until he becomes 5 years old and then he can take his time to learn to control it properly."

    Lily nodded slowly, determination replacing some of her worries. "Then we''ll start tomorrow. I''ll ensure he eats what he needs, and you can oversee his training. We can''t let this power consume him before he learns to master it."

    Thomas had a disappointed face with a reluctant voice Thomas said "It feels like I am doing the same thing as my father, I feel like I am no better than him" Lily said "No Thomas not at all what you are doing is for saving our child don''t worry I know someday you would accept it" Thomas said "I hope so too".

    As his parents discussed their plans, Rei sat silently in his room, unaware of their growing concerns. Instead, his focus remained on the whirlwind dissipating in his palm Rei thought "This is strange why would laws of conservation of energy not apply here, why is this world so special I need to go to the bottom of this". This world''s mysteries had already set him on a path unlike any he had walked before, and he intended to see it through, no matter the cost. He laid back again thinking about what makes this world so special and he fell asleep thinking that.

 Working Out

    The next morning, Thomas woke up Rei early, his expression set with determination. He led Rei outside to their houseyard. There were some weights and farming tools. Rei was able to feel the grass beneath his feet as he went out of the house because he was not wearing any slippers. He noticed that Hanna too was not wearing any slippers. However, it was a fantasy world; he expected this level of poverty.

    "Rei, it''s time we start your training," Thomas said firmly, his tone gentle but unyielding. He was ready for Rei to hate him because he knew that the training was going to be very hard.

    Before Rei could respond, Hanna stepped out of the house, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the sound of training. "Father, I want to train alongside Rei!" she said eagerly, bouncing slightly on her heels.

    Thomas raised a brow, his expression softening at his daughter''s enthusiasm. "Well, magicians don''t usually need to train their bodies as hard as Spirit Arts practitioners do," he began, but when he saw her unwavering determination, he relented. "If you want to train, then you can. It''ll be good for you, too."

    With that, Thomas carried a bag of exercise equipment and gestured for both Rei and Hanna to follow him and took them towards a more open space near the forest. Hanna, thrilled by the opportunity to train with her younger brother, walked with a cheerful spring in her step. But as she glanced at Rei, her smile wavered. Rei''s cold gaze and indifferent demeanor reminded her of the barrier between them¡ªone she desperately wanted to break.

    Hanna pushed the thought aside, steeling herself with a new resolve. Maybe this training is my chance, she thought. If I show Rei my strength, maybe he''ll respect me... maybe even like me.

    Lost in her hopeful imaginings, she didn''t notice Thomas''s sharp tone until he snapped her out of her daydream. "Hanna, pay attention," he said firmly, then turned his focus back to Rei. "Rei, we need to build up your strength and endurance. It''s the only way to keep your Qi under control."

    He began demonstrating the exercises. First, he showed Rei how to run properly, emphasizing posture and rhythm as he jogged along the track. Then, he demonstrated lifting the weights, carefully explaining the correct form to avoid injury. The exercises were simple but grueling, especially for Rei''s small frame.

    Rei threw himself into the training, body protesting with each lap and lift. However, years of secret practice since the age of two had forged a foundation of strength and stamina within Rei. Much to Thomas''s surprise, Rei not only managed to keep up with Hanna''s pace but even matched her strides during the running drills.

    Hanna noticed, too. At first, she was energized by the competition, pushing herself harder with each lap. But as the training wore on and she began to tire, the sight of Rei, a four-year-old, keeping up with her made her spirits sink. She clenched her fists, frustrated not at Rei but at her own limitations.

    Meanwhile, Thomas observed quietly, his mind racing. He had seen children born with great strength and stamina before, but to see it paired with someone born with a Qi pool was unheard of. Yet, he chalked it up to natural talent, completely unaware of the years of secret effort you had put into building your strength and Qi control. Thomas also credited Rei gaining Qi due to his enhanced physical strength and stamina.

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    "Keep going, Rei. Just a little more," Thomas said, his voice encouraging but firm. He watched as Rei pushed through the little fatigue he developed, his face determined despite the strain. "You too, Hanna. Don''t give up."

    Hanna grits her teeth and pushes herself harder, her resolve strengthened by her father''s encouragement. She was already behind a lap as compared to Rei. I''ll show Rei how strong I can be. I''ll earn his respect was all she was thinking of. But deep down, she couldn''t shake the weight of Rei''s cold shoulder, the lingering sadness of knowing her brother still disliked her.

    Thomas, ever patient, guided both of them through the exercises, correcting Rei''s form and offering words of encouragement. For him, this wasn''t just training¡ªit was a way to protect Rei. To give Rei a fighting chance at a normal life despite the extraordinary circumstances of Rei''s birth.

    As the sun climbed higher into the sky, Rei felt the burn of exertion in your muscles and the steady hum of Qi within Rei, a reminder of the unique challenges Rei faced. Hanna, though exhausted, refused to falter, her determination as fierce as ever however she was laid still unable to move. Thomas began to see how much Rei could exert himself and gave him some weights to carry while running

    1 hour passed

    Rei was still running though sweat was building on his face. Thomas watching this gave Rei one more weight and Rei again started running

    1 more hour passed

    Rei was getting exhausted however Thomas was surprised. His initial theory that Rei''s body was built differently seemed to be correct after all no 4 year old could do that. This also meant that Rei was not in any immediate danger. Had Rei gotten Qi without a good body foundation he would have been in danger but in this case, Rei had a good foundation so there was no danger lurking around Rei but Thomas still decided to make Rei do the exercises after all there was no harm in it. After 15 more minutes Rei was exhausted too. He lay on the grass for half an hour before resuming to practice.

    After the day of practice, Rei went home again and during dinner time Rei found that the food made for Rei was different than the food of Hanna and Lily. "Mother give me the same food Rei is eating" Hanna complained. Lily said, "No can''t do mages cannot eat the food that is made for Martials". Hanna pouted and said "I do not want to be a mage then I want to be a Martial" Lily said "Well people with mana can''t become a Martial" Hanna pouted and did not say anything

    Thomas looked at Rei and said "This food will make your body stronger eat it" Rei said, "Thanks Father". As Thomas smiled and looked at Lily and Hanna they gave him angry looks because Rei hated them and liked him. Thomas just awkwardly chuckled and they resumed the food. The entire meal time spent with Hanna and Lily looking at Thomas with angry eyes and Rei minding his dinner

 Thomas perception

    Thomas took Rei and Hanna to the same area to practice the next day. This time Thomas made them do some running and push-ups, after the first set of push-ups Rei started running a lap. This time Hanna sticks to the basic training because it was clear that Rei outshone her. As Rei struggles through another set of push-ups with Hanna, his arms trembling from the effort, Thomas watches him closely. His expression is a mix of pride and concern. He''s impressed by Rei''s determination and how his son has thrown himself into the training without any complaints. But in the back of his mind, the memory of the wind blast lingered¡ªa phenomenon unlike anything he''d ever seen before.

    After Thomas told Rei to take a break Rei stood up. "Rei," Thomas says suddenly, his voice soft but carrying an edge of seriousness. He kneels beside his son, waiting until Rei looks up at him. "About yesterday... that wind you created. How did you do it? It was... different from anything I''ve seen before."

    Thomas''s gaze is steady, expectant as if hoping this time Rei might give him an idea about the nature of his abilities. But Rei knows better than to reveal too much. He shifts his weight, sitting back on his heels as he considers his response acting like he was remembering the process.

    "I don''t know," Rei says with a shrug, his voice light and innocent. He tilts his head, pretending to search for the right words. "I just thought about something... like a top spinning fast above my hands. Then the wind started gathering around them, and... I just played with it, and it happened."

    The explanation is vague and deliberately simplistic. Rei is careful not to mention the precise mechanics¡ªthe compression of air, the creation of a vacuum to draw more wind, and the explosive release that acted like a missile. At four years old, he knows he can''t possibly describe such advanced concepts without raising suspicion.

    Thomas listens intently, nodding slowly as he processes Rei''s words. He studies his son''s face, the innocence in those wide eyes, and the way Rei presents the event as nothing more than a child''s game. It''s alarming, but Thomas''s instincts tell him there''s more to it.

    "I see," Thomas murmurs thoughtfully, his brows furrowing. "So, it''s all about the movement¡ªthe spinning."

    Straightening up, Thomas steps back, a pensive look on his face. He closes his eyes, focusing inward, reaching for his own Qi molding it into a small space. Drawing from his experience with Spirit Arts, Thomas attempts to replicate what Rei described. He imagines a top spinning above his hand, its momentum pulling the wind into a swirling motion.

    At first, nothing happens. The Qi resists Thomas''s efforts, stubbornly refusing to shape itself the way he envisions. He furrows his brow, adjusting his approach, and tries again. Slowly, a small gust of wind begins to form, swirling weakly around his hand.

    Thomas opens his eyes, staring at the faint whirlwind with a mixture of surprise and frustration. It''s far weaker than the force Rei unleashed yesterday¡ªbarely a fraction of its power. But it''s a start, proof that Rei''s description wasn''t just a child''s fantasy. Thomas then looks at the Qi he is losing and notices it to be quite small as well.

    "Interesting," Thomas mutters to himself, his gaze shifting back to Rei. His eyes are filled with a blend of curiosity and pride. "Rei, you might not realize it yet, but what you''ve done... it''s extraordinary. It''s not something just anyone can do. Your way of thinking, of imagining the movement... it''s unique."

    He straightens, the small gust dissipating from his hand, and smiles faintly. "For now, let''s focus on your training. The stronger your body becomes, the better control you''ll have over that wind of yours."

    Rei nods obediently, hiding the flicker of satisfaction in his heart. As he returns to his exercises, he can feel Thomas''s gaze lingering on him, the weight of his father''s thoughts almost palpable. Thomas doesn''t know the full truth¡ªabout Rei''s reincarnation, about the knowledge he carries from another world¡ªbut his belief in Rei''s potential is clear.

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    Hanna, still determined to gain her brother''s acknowledgment, pushes herself harder beside him. She glances at Thomas, her expression filled with hope. But his attention remains fixed on Rei, his youngest child, the brother who hates her but she believes she could change that.

    "Wow, Father, you can do it too!" Rei exclaimed, his voice full of excitement as he watched Thomas conjure a swirl of wind with ease. Hanna, who had been watching in awe, misunderstood and chimed in, "Wow, Father, you can also do magic? I didn''t know that!"

    Thomas quickly shook his head, a small frown forming. "No, I can''t use magic, Hanna. This is just..." He paused mid-sentence, trying to find the right words. His mind raced as he searched for an explanation that wouldn''t confuse them further. What was this? Using Qi to manipulate elements?

    Before he could answer, Hanna''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Yes, what is it?"

    Thomas hesitated, then sighed, realizing that there was no easy way to explain this to his children. He finally settled on the simplest explanation. "Oh, it''s Spirit Arts."

    Rei, ever the eager learner, grinned widely. "Father, you can do the same! How exciting!"

    But inside, Rei felt a little surprised. Understanding the centrifugal force of a top had been easy, and replicating the wind manipulation with such an intuitive grasp of physics felt like second nature. For him, the mechanics of it all were simple, almost mundane.

    But Thomas, on the other hand, was not as sure of what had just happened. His hands still tingled with the faint energy of the wind he had summoned. He had expected something more... difficult. His mind kept returning to how hard it had been when he first learned Qi, how it had taken months of struggle just to create a spark or a weak gust. And yet, what he had just done felt different¡ªeasier.

    Thomas glanced at Rei, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and concern. "I... I don''t understand," he muttered, almost to himself. "When I first learned to use Qi, it took so much effort just to create a spark, a small gust of wind. But this... this was different."

    He stared at the swirling gust in his hand, then looked back at Rei. There was a new light in his eyes¡ªa realization that something about his son''s ability was not quite the same as his own. The way Rei had described it, the way he controlled the wind with ease¡ªit didn''t align with anything Thomas had ever learned or experienced.

    "Rei... how did you learn to do this?" Thomas asked, his voice growing serious, tinged with both concern and wonder. "It''s like you''re not even trying to ''grab'' the wind, and yet it responds to you so easily."

    Rei smiled innocently, pretending to think it over for a moment, though internally he already knew exactly why his father was so perplexed. The knowledge from his previous life, and the understanding of the natural laws, made things so much simpler. But he kept his thoughts to himself, keeping up the act.

    Thomas''s gaze lingered on Rei, an unspoken question hanging in the air between them. It was clear to him that his son did not know what had happened, but he knew that Rei was still a prodigy. Still, for now, there was little he could do but keep training and try to understand the mysterious power that Rei seemed to wield so effortlessly.

    "I just looked at a book saying something about the power to get whatever you want, and I wanted a top, and this happened," Rei said, his tone innocent, a perfect lie for a 4-year-old boy who had "accidentally" discovered his powers. Thomas nodded slowly, accepting the explanation. He understood that children often had vivid imaginations, and he felt relief at having a simple, plausible answer for Rei''s unusual abilities.

    "I see," Thomas said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, it''s good that you''ve found a way to have fun with your Qi. Just remember, it''s important to be careful with it. We don''t want any accidents."

    He reached out and ruffled Rei''s hair affectionately. Despite his lingering concerns, he was proud of Rei¡ªamazed by his creativity and resourcefulness. Thomas was determined to help him develop his abilities in a safe, controlled way.

    Hanna, who was training nearby, perked up and said, "Hey, if you want a top, I could give you mine!" Her voice was filled with eagerness, a transparent attempt to play with Rei and win his favor. However, she quickly noticed her effort backfired as Rei turned to her with a cold glare, his expression filled with unmistakable hatred and disgust.

    Hanna''s enthusiasm faltered, her smile disappearing as she became visibly sad. Sensing the tension, Thomas quickly tried to diffuse the situation. "How about, after a few days, we start some sword training? Hanna knows swordsmanship too, so she could show you," he suggested.

    Hanna''s face brightened instantly. "Yes! I know swordsmanship very well. I could even teach you!" she exclaimed, brimming with excitement and eager to bond with Rei.

    However, Rei was unimpressed. With a dismissive tone, he replied, "I don''t like swordsmanship. It''s boring.". For Rei swordsmanship was nothing but brute strength that achieves nothing.

    Hanna''s excitement crumbled, her hopeful gaze now downcast. She glanced at Thomas with watery eyes, silently pleading for reassurance. Thomas sighed and said, "Well, to truly master Spirit Arts, you need to learn swordsmanship. It''s an essential skill, Rei, so you don''t have a choice. And Hanna can show you the ropes."

    Rei clicked his tongue in annoyance but didn''t argue further. Meanwhile, Hanna''s spirits lifted again. Determined to show her worth, she clenched her fists and vowed to impress Rei with her skills. Her mind was filled with visions of earning his praise and finally gaining his respect.

    But Rei''s cold indifference remained. For him, swordsmanship was nothing more than a stepping stone to greater power. Yet, he accepted the inevitability of the training, knowing it was something he''d have to endure. Hanna, oblivious to his thoughts, smiled brightly, ready to pour all her energy into proving herself to him.

 Rei Vs Hanna

    The next day when Rei saw Thomas he asked "Dad I wanted to ask what is that pendant you are wearing" Rei pointed at a pendant Thomas wore. The pendant was made of a strange yellow ore shaped like an open book with 2 wings behind it. When Thomas noticed that he said "Oh this pendant I am wearing because it''s my religion" Rei knew about Religions but he had to act his age even though Thomas thinks that Rei is a prodigy it wouldn''t look good if a kid randomly knew things that elders knew. Rei asked, "What is a religion?" Thomas said "You are too young to learn about that okay I will tell you some other time" With that Thomas, Rei, and Hanna reached the field.

    Thomas said "Today Hanna is going to teach you the basics of the sword" Rei clicked his tongue and said with a dismissive tone "Fine I will learn from Hanna" Hanna excitedly said "Hurray let''s go first thing first it''s the grip of the sword that matters you hold it like this" Rei nonchalantly did as he was told however Hanna came and said "not like that put it like this" she adjusted Rei''s hand to a more fitting position and then said "Maintain the grip okay" Hanna was very excited for this training.

    Hanna then took Rei to a side and said "Now practice sword swings" Rei started doing sword swings however his face clearly showed that he was not interested in swords at all. Hanna was excited that Rei obeyed her every command and said "Now do it as many times as you can this is the basic foundation" Rei did his sword training all day during that time Hanna too practiced by Rei''s side.

    3 days passed

    Doing sword training, again and again, made Rei irritated. Rei just wanted to make more ways he could use Qi as magic. He did not want to learn swordsmanship. When they reached the field this time Thomas suggested something different. Thomas said "Hey Hanna how about today we hold a mock battle between you verses Rei" However Hanna did not like the idea and said "How can I attack Rei plus he does not even know any sword techniques like me" Thomas said "Don''t worry it might be your chance to show him your power and skills" Hanna thought for a moment and said "okay sure I would try my best" she was now ready for the fight. Thomas then asked Rei "What about you Rei are you up for it" Rei thought for a moment and said "Okay" Rei just wanted swordsmanship to end.

    Thomas gave Rei and Hanna two wooden swords and after keeping them at a distance from each other he said "Okay start the fight". Rei charged in head first while Hanna remained standing. Rei swung his sword toward Hanna however at the same time Hanna swung it too in a way such that it blocked the sword. Rei pulled it back and gave it another swing but Hanna kept blocking it with natural ease despite Rei''s strong swings Hanna was able to block it however it did not mean that Hanna won. Rei had a trick up his sleeve

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    When Rei was recently locked up in Jail he learned all kinds of self-defense techniques one of which was Kendo. Rei changed his posture to a kendo pose and attacked in a straight way Hanna tried to block it again but this time Rei did not back down. Hanna too kept pressing Rei. Both of them were in a stalemate when suddenly Hanna backed down and attacked Rei. Rei was able to block it however barely but Hanna kept attacking more at his sword blade than at him and the sword fell from Rei''s Hand.

    Thomas said, "Hanna wins". As Hanna waited for Rei''s reaction she saw that he was not bitter about his loss however the loss still did not bode well. During that day Hanna expected some bitter reactions from Rei but instead of any bitterness, Rei showed some recognition of Hanna''s strength which made Hanna happy as it was the first step at the very least of gaining Rei''s approval.

    As the months pass, Thomas continues to push Rei in his training, determined to help him master his Qi and ensure his safety even further. Hanna, eager to prove herself and win Rei''s approval even further, Hanna was now teaching him the proper forms and techniques.

    "The sword is an extension of your body, your Qi," Hanna explains, demonstrating a graceful strike with precision and poise. Her movements are fluid, and she hopes to inspire Rei.

    Thomas steps in, adding, "Because you''re using Spirit Arts, proper training will allow you to cut through magic itself." His tone is serious, emphasizing the importance of this skill.

    But Rei struggles with the sword. It feels clumsy and unwieldy in his small hands, frustrating him more than anything. Hanna, undeterred, goes out of her way to guide him, demonstrating moves and giving pointers. However, Rei''s cold shoulder and pointed indifference make it clear he has no interest in bonding with her. Still, she persists, doing everything she can to bridge the gap between them.

    Thomas observes with patience, offering gentle encouragement whenever Rei falters. He knows his son''s frustrations well by now and tries to nurture his progress.

    One day, after Rei''s repeated struggles with a particularly challenging form, Thomas stops him mid-swing.

    "Rei, look at me," he says, his voice calm yet firm. Rei hesitates but meets his father''s steady gaze.

    "I know this is hard for you," Thomas continues, his tone understanding but resolute. "But you have a gift, a power that few others possess. You must learn to control it, to use it properly."

    He places a reassuring hand on Rei''s shoulder, his eyes filled with both pride and concern. "I''m not going to give up on you. We''ll find a way to make this work, to help you become the best you can be."

    Rei nods slightly, his frustration still evident, but the determination in his father''s voice strikes a chord within him. He knows he cannot abandon the path he has chosen, even if it means enduring lessons he despises. Meanwhile, Hanna watches the exchange from a distance, her resolve unwavering. She''s determined to prove herself to Rei, no matter how many cold looks or dismissive gestures come her way.

 Wind Blast Again

    Rei trained continuously and honed his skills in swordsmanship. Though he still had not learned any sword technique he still was achieving good results. The body-strengthening food he ate every day had made his body strong and his stamina was now comparable to a teen.

    After a month, when Hanna was absent, having recently been enrolled in the village''s local school, Rei decided it was the perfect time to tell Thomas more about how he created the wind blast. Rei wanted to explain it in a way that wouldn''t seem suspicious but also satisfy his father''s curiosity. He also decided to make himself look like he was having early prodigy signs otherwise his behaviors would be suspicious later on.

    "Father," Rei began, approaching him with an innocent expression, "I remembered something else I did to make that wind blast. I pressed a bunch of tornadoes together into a ball, and that''s what made it happen."

    Thomas''s eyes widened in astonishment as he processed Rei''s words. The concept was almost unthinkable¡ªusing Spirit Arts to control and manipulate elements in such a complex way. Spirit Arts had always been a tool for cutting through magic and enhancing physical prowess, but here was Rei, reshaping its very foundation.

    "You... compressed tornadoes into a ball?" he repeated his tone a mixture of awe and disbelief.

    "Yeah," Rei continued, feigning a childlike innocence. "At the time, I was just thinking about keeping that tornado to myself." Rei deliberately lied, knowing it sounded like the whimsical nature of a child, and as expected, Thomas believed him.

    "That''s... incredible, Rei," Thomas said, his voice filled with a mix of amazement and concern. "I had no idea you could do something so advanced. And at your age..."

    He paused, looking at Rei with a serious expression. "You know, Rei, it''s important we keep this just between us for now. If people find out what you can do, it could put you in danger. Some might try to take advantage of your abilities."

    Rei''s mother, who had been listening nearby, nodded in agreement, worry etched across her face. "Yes, Rei," she added softly. "We can''t let anyone know about this. It''s too risky." She glanced at Thomas, as if seeking reassurance, but both of them knew that warning a five-year-old wouldn''t necessarily ensure secrecy.

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    Thomas''s expression softened, and a curious glint appeared in his eye. "However," he said, his tone lightening, "it would be a shame not to explore this further. Why don''t you show me how you did it, Rei? I''d love to see it in action."

    He stepped back, giving Rei space, his curiosity clearly getting the better of him. Rei''s mother watched anxiously, clasping her hands in front of her chest.

    "Go on, dear," she said gently. "Show us what you can do."

    Rei hesitated, calculating how much he could demonstrate without arousing too much suspicion

    Though Rei had used small wind tornadoes and wind compression during that time, it was not all that he had employed in his technique. Rei also utilized wind which he then used to form a wind bomb, granting the compressed air the velocity it needed to achieve its explosive force. Rei knew, however, that this attack would not be as successful as the one he had demonstrated before. While Rei still wanted to demonstrate his abilities in a way that seemed plausible to his parents, he had no intention of revealing the full extent of his knowledge and capabilities. Rei had to make it clear that he was still a child, a genius prodigy perhaps, but a child nonetheless so that their suspicions wouldn''t grow any further.

    And so, Rei went about preparing the attack, using his understanding of centrifugal force to create several small tornadoes that he would compress. He carefully focused his Qi molding the space to create it more easily, he then created a vacuum and the wind came rushing in, swirling the air as he had done before. Once he felt the energy build-up, he focused it, compressing countless complementary tornadoes into the force into a small, condensed pocket of swirling wind. As he did so, he focused on using the wind itself to propel the blast forward, using the same centrifugal force he had learned from your past life, though, in truth, the attack was far less powerful than what he was truly capable of. In this case, he had to ensure that the blast would not be as deadly, though it still had a fair amount of destructive power. He needed to prove his point without revealing his full potential.

    While doing this Rei suddenly thought about what went wrong in his wind blast then he remembered a barrel every bullet needs a barrel to be directed at. He now knew what to improve in wind blasts and then he saw that the wind compression was ready.

    With a final push, he unleashed the attack. The small tornadoes he had compressed rapidly expanded, and with an explosion of wind, a powerful gust shot forward from his hands. The recoil from the force of the blast immediately threw him backward, sending him crashing to the ground with a soft thud. The wind blast was strong, enough to have potentially killed anyone standing directly in front of him, but unlike the earlier demonstration of his abilities, the range was limited to only about 150 inches from where you had stood. The destructive power that had once shattered the ground was now contained in a smaller radius. The force of the attack was still considerable, but it was nothing compared to what he had truly been capable of, and that was exactly the way he had planned it.

    Because the wind compression was not in a barrel it shot into a circular area due to which Rei was affected too but it was worth the trouble as the suspicions would get off of him.

    Rei''s parents stood a few paces behind him, their eyes wide with awe as they observed the technique. Thomas''s face held a mixture of amazement and concern as the wind blast tore through the ground before dissipating. The air around you swirled, leaving a noticeable indentation in the dirt where the blast had hit. His gaze quickly turned to Rei, and as the dust settled, he rushed toward you with an expression of alarm.

 Cracked Bonds

    "Rei! Are you alright?" Thomas called out, his voice filled with genuine concern. His hands were quick to move, helping Rei to his feet as Rei groaned slightly, rubbing Rei''s backside where he had landed. The force of the blast had thrown Rei further than he had anticipated, but he quickly recovered his composure.

    "I''m fine, Dad," Rei said nonchalantly, despite the sting in his back. Rei straightened himself up, trying to hide any signs of discomfort. "I just... I didn''t expect it to be so strong." he glanced around at the damage, noting how the ground had been torn apart by the wind''s power. It was clear that the force had been intense, even if it hadn''t reached the deadly range he was capable of.

    Thomas looked over at the damaged ground, his eyes still wide in surprise, but his expression now tinged with a sense of concern and realization. The wind blast had caused enough damage to make him question the extent of Rei''s abilities. He knew that Rei had talent, but this... this was something he hadn''t fully expected. "I don''t believe it," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. "That was incredible. But you need to learn control, Rei. You can''t keep pushing yourself like this."

    Rei''s mother Lily, who had been standing back, now approached as well, her gaze scanning the surrounding area. Her eyes softened as she looked at Rei, her face filled with admiration and worry. "That was... impressive, Rei," she said, her voice gentle but filled with a sense of concern. "But it''s clear you still have much to learn about controlling your power." She stepped closer, inspecting the ground that had been torn apart. "If you continue using your powers like this, you could seriously hurt yourself, or worse, someone else."

    Thomas sighed, his hand rubbing his chin as he absorbed his thoughts. His voice became more serious as he spoke. "You''re right Lily. We need to be careful with this. We can''t afford for Rei to hurt himself, and more importantly, we can''t risk him harming others. There''s no telling what kind of consequences that could have." He paused, looking down at Rei, his gaze filled with a mix of pride for Rei''s abilities, but also concern about the responsibility that came with such power. "This is why we need to focus on training. If we can get a handle on your powers, you''ll be able to use them safely and effectively. But for now, you have to learn control."

    Lily nodded in agreement, a soft smile crossing her face as she placed her hand on Rei''s shoulder. "That''s right, Rei. Your father is right. We can''t let this power go untamed. You''re still growing, and your body needs to be strong to handle the energy you''re working with. You need a solid foundation." She took a step back, gazing at Rei with a combination of pride and concern. "You''re doing well, but this is just the beginning. We''ll help you along the way, together."

    Thomas looked at him again, his expression more focused now, his gaze serious but also supportive. "From now on, we''ll train together," he said firmly. "I''ll help you learn how to control your powers. We''ll take it slow, step by step, so that you can grow stronger and more disciplined. It won''t be easy, but I believe you can do it. With the right guidance, we can make sure you don''t hurt yourself or others."

    Lily smiled gently at Rei, her eyes filled with love and admiration. "And I''ll make sure you''re eating right, getting plenty of rest. We want to make sure your body is as strong as your mind. You need the energy and the stamina to handle all this power."

    Rei stood by his father''s side, feeling a deep sense of fear as he looked at his mother, Lily. The grudge from his past life was like a weight on his chest, a suffocating reminder of the distrust he had for women. It wasn''t something he had consciously worked on or even thought about, but the emotional scars from a past he couldn''t fully remember had left him with an almost irrational fear of them. He didn''t want Lily to think he was rejecting her, but it was difficult to suppress the uneasy feeling that settled in his heart every time she came near.

    In a soft, almost defeated voice, Rei spoke, hoping to deflect the attention from his anxiety. "Father, I guess I still did something after that, but I don''t remember what now. I''ll remember it soon, though," he lied, not wanting to reveal that he had known exactly what the next steps of the wind blast were. He had intentionally avoided showing the full extent of his abilities, pretending to be a clueless prodigy who was still figuring things out. And it worked¡ªhis father believed him. They both believed him, and Rei needed that, at least for now.

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    His father, noticing the unease in Rei''s posture and the distant way he kept looking at Lily, glanced down at him with concern. His brow furrowed slightly, but there was a tenderness in his gaze. He could see the fear in Rei''s eyes, the subtle way he recoiled when his mother tried to approach him. He knew there was something deeper at play, but he wasn''t entirely sure what it was. Still, he has his suspicions. He placed a gentle hand on Rei''s shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly, a gesture meant to comfort him and let him know that, no matter what, he was there.

    "It''s alright, Rei," he said, his voice soft, trying to calm the unease that Rei was feeling. "I know this is all a lot to take in. And it''s okay if you don''t remember everything right now. We''ll figure it out together, one step at a time for now go in your room and rest." His words, though meant to reassure Rei, were also an acknowledgment of how difficult it must be to process all the things happening around him¡ªthe powers, the strange abilities, and the emotions that Rei was trying to navigate in his young mind. Rei said "Okay Father" Then Rei went to his room to rest a little

    Thomas glanced over at Lily, who was still standing a few feet away, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. Her brow was furrowed, her face a mix of confusion and concern as she tried to process everything she had just witnessed. She didn''t know what to make of it all. Seeing Rei, her son, look at her with such distance, almost like a stranger, had unsettled her. She didn''t understand why he seemed to hate her. What had she done to cause Rei to be so distant, to treat her with such wariness? The truth was, that Lily had never done anything to make Rei feel this way. She had always been kind, loving, and supportive. There was no reason for him to fear her, and yet, every time she tried to reach out to him, he recoiled, as if her presence was something to avoid.

    Lily''s confusion only grew. She couldn''t comprehend why Rei treated her like this. There had been nothing in her life that would justify such a response. She had been a good mother, as far as she was concerned. She had done everything for him, giving him love, care, and support. So why, then, did Rei act like she was a threat? What had caused him to build this wall between the two of them? She didn''t understand. The more she tried to reach him, the more he pushed her away. And that hurt. It hurt her deeply, more than she could express. Her heart ached, not from any malicious intent or selfish desire, but from the sheer sadness of it all.

    Thomas, noticing the sadness in Lily''s eyes, took a deep breath and tried to ease the tension. "Don''t worry, Lily," he said, his voice steady but tinged with a note of concern. "I just think Rei is emotionally unstable, as any child would be in his position. It''s all a lot for him to process, and I''m sure that, as he grows older, he''ll come to love you more. He just needs time." He spoke with a softness in his voice, trying to reassure both Lily and himself that this wasn''t something they couldn''t overcome. But deep down, he knew there was more going on than just normal childhood behavior. He could sense the fear in Rei''s eyes, the way he avoided looking at Lily, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something deeper beneath the surface.

    Lily, still standing a few feet away, looked at her husband with a mix of disbelief and sadness. "You''re telling me this because he loves you, but not me?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with a hint of hurt. There was no malice in her words, just a deep sense of confusion and sadness. "He''s afraid of me, Thomas. He won''t even let me get close to him." The words were barely above a whisper, but they carried a weight that made Thomas wince. He knew Lily''s heart was breaking, but he wasn''t sure what to say. He hadn''t seen this side of Rei before, and it troubled him deeply.

    Thomas shifted uncomfortably, his face flushing slightly as he tried to reassure Lily. "Oh, come on, don''t be like that," he said, offering a half-hearted smile. "You know that''s not it. He''s just... confused, that''s all." But his voice faltered as he spoke, unsure of how to explain Rei''s behavior. How could he make Lily understand that there was more going on than just the fear of a child who had not yet learned to trust?

    Lily shook her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she crossed her arms. "It''s not just confusion, Thomas. He''s acting like I''m a threat. He won''t let me near him, and I don''t understand why." Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke, the pain evident in her words. "What happened to my son? Why won''t he love me?"

    Seeing Lily''s distress, Thomas sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her as best as he could. "I don''t know, Lily," he admitted, his voice heavy with concern. "But we''ll figure it out. Just give him time. He''s going through a lot right now. I''ll talk to him more, and try to understand what''s going on in his head. But don''t worry¡ªhe''ll come around. He''s still just a kid."

    Lily sighed, her frustration and sadness becoming too much to bear. She walked toward the house, her footsteps slow and heavy, her heart weighed down by the uncertainty of it all. "Kisanllie for you during dinner," she called back over her shoulder, the words sharp but laced with a hint of hurt. Kisanllie, or capsicum, was something Thomas disliked, and it was Lily''s way of telling him that she was preparing it for dinner, even if it was something she knew he didn''t like.

    Thomas shook his head, a weak smile on his face as he watched Lily walk into the house. "I''m trying, but he''s stubborn," he muttered to himself, though it was unclear whether he was talking about Rei or himself.

 Questions

    A week passed as Rei''s father worked tirelessly to replicate the incredible technique Rei had demonstrated earlier. Day after day, he attempted to merge the tornadoes, only to encounter failure each time. Either the merging process triggered an uncontrollable wind blast before it was complete, or the swirling winds would simply dissipate into nothingness. His frustration grew, but he never let it show in front of Rei. Instead, he encouraged Rei to keep thinking about what he might have done differently, how such precision and control had come from such a young child.

    There was another reason Thomas was trying to replicate the wind blast. It was because if somehow someone does learn about Rei''s ability to create wind blast Thomas can just show that he learned it from him

    At the end of the week, Rei finally decided to reveal his real wind blast including the modifications of added wind barrel. Standing before his parents, he announced with a confident tone, "Father, I remembered how I did it now."

    Thomas''s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and his mother, Lily, leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. The air around them seemed to grow still as they waited for Rei to show them.

    Rei stepped into the open area where the earlier experiments had taken place. His father positioned himself behind Rei, ready to catch him should the recoil from the attack throw him back again. His mother stood a few steps away, watching with a mix of anticipation and concern.

    Closing his eyes, Rei took a deep breath, focusing his energy. He began by creating several small tornadoes, just as he had before. His hands moved fluidly, almost instinctively, as the tornadoes formed and started swirling in the air around him. Then, with practiced precision, Rei compressed the tornadoes into a small, dense ball. His parents watched in silent amazement, unable to look away.

    He created a vacuum around the compressed ball, drawing in wind from the atmosphere at an incredible rate. The gusts rushed toward him, howling as they were sucked into the vortex. His parents exchanged bewildered glances, unable to comprehend how he was achieving such a phenomenon. To them, the concept of a vacuum was foreign, and they could only marvel at the sight of wind seemingly obeying Rei''s command.

    Rei compressed the wind further, shaping it into an even smaller, more concentrated state. Then, he created another wind ball and compressed it into what he called a "wind bomb." This time he added an extra step. Using the concept of centrifugal force, he formed a barrel-like structure to channel the energy. Finally, he used the wind bomb to propel the compressed wind ball, firing it like a projectile.

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    The recoil from the blast was now negligible, and as Rei had expected, Rei was not thrown backward this time. His father who was ready to caught him saw the wind blast. This wind blast was strange unlike his first wind blast that destroyed the room this wind blast does not seemed to be harming the surroundings at all and is only focussed at a certain path.

    However that did not meant that the wind blast was weak the wind blast power unstoppable. The boulder they had set up as a target shattered into countless fragments, and the wall behind it crumbled as if struck by an unstoppable force. Dust and debris filled the air, and for a moment, an eerie silence fell over the scene.

    As the dust settled, Rei''s parents stood frozen in place, their faces etched with disbelief. The magnitude of what they had just witnessed left them speechless. Slowly, Lily rushed toward Rei, her face pale and her hands trembling slightly. "Rei! Are you alright? Oh my god, what was that?!"

    "I''m fine, Mother," Rei muttered, brushing dust off his clothes. He avoided looking at her, his feelings toward women still a tangled web of mistrust and unease.

    Thomas stood beside him, shaking his head in astonishment. "That was... incredible," he said, his voice filled with a mix of awe and concern. "I''ve never seen anything like it before." He glanced at Lily, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Did you see that? The way he manipulated the wind, the power behind it... it''s beyond anything I''ve ever witnessed."

    Lily nodded slowly, her voice unsteady. "I know," she whispered. "But... how is this possible? How can a child have such control over the elements?" Her gaze shifted to Rei, her eyes filled with both fear and wonder. "Rei, you need to tell us everything. How did you learn to do this? And why didn''t you tell us sooner?"

    Rei hesitated, his mind racing. He couldn''t tell them the full truth¡ªnot yet. "I just... I kept thinking about it, trying to remember what I did. It came back to me, piece by piece," he said, his voice steady but deliberately childlike, as if he were still trying to figure things out himself.

    His father stepped closer, his expression serious. "Rei, this is bigger than we ever imagined. What you''ve done here... it''s not just a simple technique. This could change everything. We can''t keep this a secret anymore."

    Rei stiffened at those words. He didn''t want his abilities to become public knowledge¡ªnot yet. There were too many risks, too many unknowns. "Father, please," he said softly, his eyes meeting his father''s. "Can we keep this between us? At least for now?"

    Thomas looked at Rei for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, Rei. For now. But we''ll need to figure out what this means¡ªand how to protect you. Also Rei did you did something different this time"

    "I don''t know I did created a cylindrical wind around it because I thought that would be one way to contain the blast, I was just playing with Qi, and this happened during that time," Rei said, his voice filled with innocence, masking the intricate knowledge he actually possessed. His father, intrigued by Rei''s ability, decided to try replicating the wind technique himself. Over the next few days, he poured his energy into experimenting with Qi, attempting to merge winds in the same way Rei had demonstrated. However, his efforts consistently fell short. Either the winds dispersed prematurely or they exploded into uncontrollable bursts.

    Thomas eventually concluded that Rei was simply a prodigy¡ªsomeone gifted beyond ordinary understanding¡ªor perhaps possessed of unique, special powers. As his father voiced these thoughts, Rei remained silent, his lips pressed into a thin line. Explaining the principles behind his success¡ªthe concepts of centrifugal force, compression, and vacuums¡ªwould only lead to more questions, questions Rei wasn''t ready to answer.

 Changing the school

    As the days passed, Thomas and Lily noticed Rei''s growing interest in books and scrolls. They watched with a mix of pride and confusion as he sat for hours at his desk, apparently engrossed in study. Rei was also starting to write and read a little which only made him seem like a prodigy. Little did they know, Rei was far ahead of their assumptions. He had already mastered the language of this country, his sharp mind absorbing it quickly and efficiently. Thanks to the knowledge carried over from his past life, Rei had already accumulated a wealth of understanding in various fields. His current efforts were focused not on learning. He only pretended to study to show that he was a prodigy, what he was studying were the languages of other nations.

    Rei''s performance was convincing. He would sometimes furrow his brow, pretending to struggle with a text, or scribble notes in the margins to make it look like he was actively learning. Occasionally, he would let out a small sigh of frustration for effect, a subtle signal to his parents that he was hard at work. His meticulous deception served its purpose well; both his father and his mother, Lily, were thoroughly convinced of his diligence.

    One evening, during dinner, Lily raised a topic that Rei had been silently dreading. She looked across the table, her expression a mix of warmth and determination. "Rei, dear, your father and I have been talking," she began, her tone light but firm. "We think it''s time for you to start attending the village school. You''re old enough now, and it would be good for you to spend time with other children your age."

    Rei''s hand paused mid-air, his chopsticks hovering over his plate. He forced himself to remain calm, nodding slightly to feign interest. "Oh? The village school?"

    Thomas chimed in, setting down his utensils. "Yes, Rei. It''s not just about learning; it''s about growing as a person. You''ve been doing wonderfully on your own, but there''s only so much you can learn without proper guidance. A teacher, real lessons¡ªthese things can''t be replaced."

    Rei met his father''s gaze and nodded, his expression neutral. "Of course, Father, Mother. I understand."

    Beneath the surface, however, Rei''s thoughts churned in turmoil. The idea of going to school filled him with dread. Memories from his past life suddenly resurfaced. He saw himself as a boy sitting at the corner of the class while all the other students were in groups. The other students would give him all the paperwork running away, during projects he would be left all alone, and most of all everyone would try to make fun of him by making him trip, pulling his chair out when he would sit, etc. He tried to remember what happened to make him stay all alone however no matter how much he tried he just couldn''t remember. He didn''t want to relive those experiences. More than that, he feared exposure¡ªhe didn''t want anyone, especially his peers, to notice his extraordinary abilities or the depths of his intelligence.

    After the arrangements were finalized, Rei was sent to the village school. The moment Rei arrived, the state of the school left a sour taste in his mouth. The building was rugged and worn down, a place that seemed to have been forgotten by time. Retired men and women acted as teachers, and the atmosphere was disorganized. There were no structured classes, and boys and girls sat in the same open space, scattered haphazardly.

    Rei immediately noticed the lack of discipline and structure. It was chaos disguised as education. The sight of the girls nearby, their chatter and presence, filled him with unease. A deep-seated grudge from his past life made it impossible for him to feel at ease around them. Determined to maintain a safe distance, Rei chose to sit at the farthest corner of the room, isolating himself from the others.

    One day passed. Rei tolerated it, though uneasily. Two days passed. The proximity of the girls gnawed at his nerves, the misinformation provided by the school made him question its authenticity, and the disorganization grated on his disciplined mind. By the third day, Rei couldn''t take it anymore. The constant danger of being near the girls, coupled with the school''s lack of order and misinformation, pushed him to act.

    That morning, after the first informal lesson of the day, Rei approached the teacher¡ªa frail, old man with a long white beard who spent most of his time scribbling on parchment. The teacher looked up as Rei stood before his desk, his expression a mix of curiosity and mild amusement.

    Rei''s voice was steady as he asked, "Sir, who manages this school?"

    The old man blinked, clearly surprised by the boldness of the question. Setting down his quill, he leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands together as he regarded Rei thoughtfully.

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    "Well, well," the teacher chuckled softly, his voice carrying the weight of years. "Aren''t you a curious one? I suppose you could say I''m in charge here, in a manner of speaking. Why do you ask, young man?"

    Rei met the teacher''s gaze evenly, his small stature belying the confidence in his demeanor. "Because," Rei began, choosing his words carefully, "this school isn''t being run properly. There''s no order, no structure. It''s chaotic."

    The teacher raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with interest. "Is that so? And what, pray tell, do you think should be done about it?". The old man tried testing Rei any boy of Rei''s age won''t be able to answer the question after all

    Rei didn''t flinch under the old man''s probing gaze. "It needs to be organized. Classes should be divided based on age or ability. Teachers should focus on specific subjects. Boys and girls shouldn''t sit together; it''s distracting and inappropriate."

    The teacher leaned back again, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "You''ve certainly thought about this, haven''t you?". Now the teacher was impressed by Rei''s ability to think like this however he still did not take Rei seriously as this was the problem of only one student plus there were too many background costs that needed to be considered in this factor

    Rei nodded, his tone firm. "Yes. If things continue like this, no one will learn anything meaningful. It''s a waste of time for everyone."

    The room had fallen silent by now. The other students were watching the exchange with wide eyes, curious and amazed at Rei''s audacity. Some whispered among themselves, while others simply stared.

    The teacher regarded Rei for a long moment before letting out a sigh. "You speak with the conviction of someone much older than your years," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But running a school is no small task, young man. It requires resources, planning, and cooperation. Are you suggesting that you could do better?"

    Rei didn''t hesitate. "I''m not saying I could do better alone. But I can help make it better. I just need your permission."

    The teacher chuckled, clearly amused. "Well, this is certainly unexpected. Very well, young man. If you believe you can improve things, I''ll give you a chance. But remember, it''s easier to criticize than it is to lead. Let''s see if you can match your words with actions." The teacher was pretty sure that Rei was just all talk with no action

    Rei nodded a determined glint in his eyes. "Thank you, sir. I won''t disappoint you."

    The teacher waved a hand dismissively. "We''ll see. You have my blessing to make changes but don''t expect everyone to follow you without question. Convincing others is half the battle."

    As Rei walked back to his seat, he could feel the eyes of his classmates boring into him. Some looked impressed, others skeptical. But Rei didn''t care. He had taken the first step toward bringing order to the chaos.

    For Rei, this wasn''t just about improving the school¡ªit was about regaining a sense of control and security in a world that often felt unpredictable and dangerous. Rei always played to win there was no chance for a gamble in Rei''s life.

    After a week of preparation, Rei quickly went to the other teachers they too were taking Rei lightly some even betting on how Rei would mess up the school however this was just what Rei planned. Rei acted like he was a child who did not know anything and by that, he convinced the teachers to dust off some rooms which Rei then used to hold different classes. Rei also used his past experiences to write various books and gave them to the teachers to put in the class it took some days but the teachers soon understood Rei''s plans. Rei''s plans were meant to reduce the workload of the teachers because unlike previously where each teacher would have to teach all the subjects in Rei''s plan they would only have to teach one subject at a time. The book''s information seemed to be authentic as well including the fact that Rei had even made a syllabus for each class they started to regard Rei in a new light and gave Rei a position school council.

    This decision quickly established Rei''s authority among the students, though not everyone was pleased. Some boys and girls, already resentful of Rei due to his cold treatment of his sister Hanna, began to harbor more hatred toward him. Hanna had become a star in the school over the past months, known for her kindness and intelligence. Everyone admired her, which made Rei''s disdain toward her all the more glaring. Even in the school, when Hanna approached him, Rei ignored her with a cold, disgusted look. His actions annoyed the students, but they refrained from confronting him outright due to his growing influence and Hanna''s reputation.

 Luster

    One day, as Rei was leaving the school after discussing the syllabus and organizing the classes, he noticed a group of girls bullying a boy with azure hair, greenish-blue eyes, and a feminine appearance. The boy was cowering, clearly distressed, as the girls taunted and pushed him. Without hesitation, Rei intervened.

    "Leave him alone. Who are you to bully him?" Rei''s voice was firm, his gaze sharp.

    The girls, knowing Rei''s misogynistic veiws on girls and the authority and the respect he commanded, backed off but not without expressing their displeasure. "Who does he think he is?" one muttered as they walked away. Another glared and said, "We''ll deal with him later." another said "He just happens to get some recognization and now thinks he is a bigshot"

    Rei ignored their comments and turned his attention to the boy. Gently, he helped him up and led him to a nearby building where they could sit. "Those girls are bullies," Rei said, his tone softening. "No need to pay them any mind." He carefully patched up the boy''s bruises using a small first-aid kit he carried.

    "What''s your name?" Rei asked as he worked.

    The boy hesitated, his cheeks flushing. "My name is Ly¡ªI mean, my name is Luster," he stammered.

    Rei smiled warmly. "Wow, that''s a very pleasant name. Here, all patched up." Rei thought "He is just the kind of person I need a timid boy who would act as my assistant when I would navigate this world. If anytime I need a scapegoat he could act like it"

    Luster looked down, still blushing. "Thank you. One day, I''ll return your kindness."

    Rei laughed lightly, brushing off the comment. "Oh, no need. I''m just happy that you''re okay."

    The next day, as Luster was leaving the school, Rei grabbed his hand. Luster''s eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks turning red again. "What are you doing?" he asked nervously.

    Rei chuckled, holding his hand firmly. "Oh, come on. We''re going to sit there," he said, pointing to a shady spot under a tree. Despite his initial shock, Luster made no attempt to resist. His flustered expression only deepened as Rei led him to the spot. Rei decided to make him his assistant and use him as a scapegoat when required and in return he ensured Luster''s safety from bullies.

    As the days passed, Luster''s bond with Rei grew stronger however Rei was still looking at Luster as a tool. Rei also immersed himself in creating new ways to approach the education in school and make some changes to gather funds for the school repairs. This newfound routine caused Rei to leave the house earlier than usual, which didn''t go unnoticed by his parents. While they were pleased to see Rei taking his studies seriously, they also worried about his intense focus. His father often commented on how much of a prodigy Rei was, while his mother fretted over whether he was pushing himself too hard.

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    One evening, during dinner, Rei''s mother brought up the topic. "Rei, dear, your father and I have been talking. We''re so proud of how well you''re doing in school. You''re even leaving the house earlier than usual, eager to get there. Hanna, you too are helping him. We''re proud of you both."

    Hanna smiled at the praise, but a flicker of sadness crossed her face. She longed for Rei''s acknowledgment, hoping that her silence about his activities would eventually earn his attention and approval.

    Rei''s father nodded in agreement, his smile filled with pride. "Yes, it''s wonderful to see you two so dedicated to your education. We''re just a bit worried, though. Are you sure you''re not pushing yourself too hard, Rei? We don''t want you to burn yourself out."

    Rei felt a pang of guilt but masked it with a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, Father, Mother. I''m fine. I just¡­ I just really enjoy learning."

    His mother''s smile faltered slightly, but she nodded. "Well, as long as you both are happy and healthy, that''s all that matters. We''re just proud of you two, Rei and Hanna."

    Hanna nodded silently, resolving to continue supporting Rei in the hopes of earning his recognition.

    As the days turned into weeks, Rei''s bond with Luster deepened. While Rei still saw Luster as a tool Rei had formed some kind of attachment with Luster however that attachment was not so strong as to make Rei give up on the idea of using him as a scapegoat. While protecting Luster gave Rei a sense of purpose and joy he hadn''t felt in years it was still far from melting his cold heart that came from staying in prison for years. Luster, in turn, grew more comfortable around Rei, his initial shyness giving way to a quiet trust and admiration.

    Rei''s parents continued to marvel at the change in him, unaware of the true reasons behind it. For Rei, the growing connection with Luster was a small but significant step toward healing old wounds and finding a place in this new life.

    As the days passed, Rei''s bond with Luster grew stronger. Observing Luster''s determination despite his lack of magic capabilities, Rei decided to teach him the basics of spirit arts. If Rei was going to use Luster in future he needed to groom him to get stronger and powerful enough to save him from any danger that might come his way. Also Rei believed that with a stronger body and disciplined mind, Luster could excel in ways others wouldn''t expect.

    One morning After the classes were over Rei took Luster to the area where he usually trained, Rei handed Luster a written exercise regimen designed to strengthen his physical and mental endurance. "Hey Luster this will help you get stronger," Rei said, the tone encouraging yet firm. "Spirit arts require more than just willpower; they need a body that can endure the strain. Follow this, and you''ll see results."

    Luster''s greenish-blue eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Rei. I''ll do my best. I won''t let you down."

 Hannas decision

    Days passed after Rei took over the council. While guiding Luster, Rei also planned to expand the school''s activities. "Sir," Rei addressed the headmaster one day, "let''s launch a short-term program where we collect small requests from villagers¡ªlike helping with farming, moving boxes, or running errands. We''ll charge a little money for these tasks, and the children can do them."

    The headmaster looked hesitant. "But wouldn''t that make it seem like we''re exploiting the children we are here to teach the children not to exploit them Rei"

    Rei smiled, knowing how to counter his concerns. "It''s just for seven days. The children will learn responsibility and practical skills, which will benefit the village. Trust me."

    After some deliberation, the management agreed. As Rei left the meeting, some teachers murmured their doubts. "He''s just a child¡ªwhat does he know about running programs?" one said.

    Another replied, "Don''t forget that this same child helped us establish the school. Maybe there''s a bigger plan behind this."

    Encouraged by Rei''s determination, they proceeded with the idea. The next morning, announcements were made about the new program. Requests started pouring in from villagers: help with harvesting crops, cleaning barns, and carrying goods. Most of the requests came from people who had no children of their own. Children, though skeptical at first, began participating.

    However, not everyone was on board. By midday, some parents arrived at the school, their voices raised in protest. "Why are you making our children work?" one demanded. "This is unfair!"

    Another added, "They''re here to learn, not to toil!"

    The management reassured the parents. "This program will only last for seven days. We''re monitoring it carefully to ensure it benefits the children. During this program we want you to give your feedback". The management did everything to assure the parents about this idea. After all the management can''t reveal that this idea came from a child and that they are following a child''s orders. Reluctantly, the parents agreed to wait and see.

    Four days into the program, the tide began to turn. Children who participated showed signs of improvement¡ªnot just in physical stamina but in confidence and teamwork. Some parents returned to the school, their tone entirely different. "My child helped me in the fields today," one said with a smile. "They''ve become more responsible."

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    "Yes, this program has benefitted my son," another chimed in. "He even taught his younger siblings what he learned!"

    When the week concluded, the program had become a topic of admiration across the village. Rei approached the management to discuss the results.

    The headmaster leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of surprise and respect. "Rei, I must admit, you''ve proven us wrong. This program has been a resounding success. The children learned responsibility, earned a bit of money, and gained skills they can carry forward."

    He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I think we should consider implementing a system like this permanently, but with adjustments. We''ll limit the hours children can work to ensure they still have time for their studies and play. And we''ll ensure the pay is fair."

    Other teachers chimed in with suggestions. "We could expand this idea," one said. "Offer more services, like tutoring, helping with livestock, or even organizing village events. There''s so much potential here."

    The headmaster turned to Rei, his eyes twinkling with pride. "Rei, you''ve shown us that even the youngest among us can inspire change. Your initiative has brought the school and village closer together. We''re proud to have you as part of our school."

    The meeting concluded, and as Rei stepped out, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Yet, he knew this was only the beginning. Balancing his plans with training Luster and hiding his true abilities was a delicate dance, but one he was determined to master.

    Hanna, Rei''s sister, observed all the changes Rei had implemented in the school with a mix of admiration and bitter self-reflection. While she couldn''t deny how impressive Rei''s actions were, she felt a gnawing disappointment in herself. Hanna had always wanted to stand on equal footing with her sibling, but every time she looked at Rei, it was as though he wasn''t just a step ahead of her¡ªhe was on an entirely different level, on a floor she couldn''t even reach.

    Her friends tried their best to console her. "You don''t have to compete with Rei," one said. "You''re amazing in own your way." Another chimed in, "He''s just doing what he can. You''re doing great, too."

    But Hanna couldn''t listen to them. Their words felt hollow because deep down, she wanted to earn Rei''s respect and attention. She understood one thing with unshakable clarity: if she wanted to be acknowledged by Rei, she had to do something extraordinary. She had to be like him an extraordinary person with charisma and knowledge. For that, she needed to build something of her own, a strength that only she possessed.

    Her friends, misinterpreting her disappointment, whispered among themselves, believing Rei''s demeanor toward Hanna bordered on bullying. "Rei''s always so cold to her," one muttered. "How can she even look up to him?"

    Meanwhile, the school''s management was buzzing with plans, inspired by Rei''s initiatives. Some teachers eagerly discussed ambitious ideas, such as expanding the program Rei had implemented or introducing more intricate lessons.

    But Rei cut through their chatter, his voice calm yet firm. "Don''t get ahead of yourselves. We''ll stick to small, manageable goals¡ªnothing more, nothing less. Focus on the basics and build a solid foundation for the school. Any money we receive will go toward repairing this place."

    Some members were disheartened by the restriction, but others were pleased to see Rei prioritizing infrastructure over grandiose visions. One senior member remarked, "He''s young, but his pragmatism is admirable. He''s not just throwing out ideas; he has a plan."

    Rei''s practical approach soon turned heads, earning him further respect among the faculty. Even so, his decisions unintentionally created rifts among some students, particularly the girls.

 Changes

    One day, as Rei was talking with Luster after training, a sudden whizzing sound caught his attention. Before he could react, Luster grabbed his arm, pulling him aside instinctively. But the danger wasn''t entirely averted¡ªa rock thrown with malicious intent hurtled toward them.

    In a flash, a boy with fiery red hair stepped forward, catching the stone mid-air with practiced ease. "Hey! Are you two okay?" he asked, his crimson eyes glinting with concern.

    Rei nodded, dusting off his robes. "Thank you. That was close. I''m Rei, and this is Luster."

    The boy grinned, a stark contrast to Luster''s flustered demeanor as he hovered behind Rei. "Nice to meet you both. The whole village knows who you are, Rei. Especially the girls¡ªthey hate you so much they''d try to kill you if they could." He laughed, the sound full of mischief. "My name''s Kaiser. I''ve been wanting to talk to you for a while. Honestly, I''m a big fan of yours. Will you be friends with me?"

    Rei smirked, finding Kaiser''s enthusiasm refreshing. However, he thought that being friends with a person like this might bring him disaster, but if he played his cards well, Kaiser might be of good use to him. After careful consideration, he said "Sure. Let''s be friends."

    As the three of them began spending time together, Rei noticed something peculiar about Kaiser¡ªhe, like Luster, had no magic capabilities. Seeing potential in Kaiser''s fiery determination, Rei decided to include him in their training sessions. Rei needed bodyguards for the uncertain future and he was willing to manipulate and risk a little if it meant greater rewards.

    During one grueling exercise, Kaiser wiped the sweat off his brow and turned to Luster, who was struggling to keep up. "Is this how he shows his friendship?" he asked, half-joking, half-genuine.

    Luster, cheeks flushed from exertion, managed to stammer, "Y-you''ll get used to it¡­"

    Unlike Luster, Kaiser adapted quickly. His natural athleticism and unyielding spirit allowed him to progress faster in the physical regimen Rei had designed. Together, the trio grew closer, forming a bond that became the foundation of their friendship.

    Rei''s decisions at school, however, continued to earn him hate from many of the female students. Unbeknownst to most, Rei had developed an unconscious bias, often assigning more tasks to the girls while sparing the boys. While the management respected Rei''s authority and could do little to intervene, the girls began to resent him openly, labeling him a tyrant and a demon lord.

    "Who does he think he is, treating us like this?" one girl muttered bitterly.

    Another added, "He''s only a student, yet he acts like he owns the place. If only we could do something¡­"

    Despite their grumblings, they dared not confront Rei directly. His authority had become an unspoken rule within the school, bolstered by his growing reputation for both intellect and power.

    When Rei wasn''t training his friends, he immersed himself in another project: writing books. Drawing on his past life''s knowledge, Rei penned detailed guides on arithmetic¡ªdivision, multiplication, percentages, and more. Once completed, he presented these books to the school council.

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    One council member flipped through the pages, eyes wide with amazement. "This¡­ This is incredible. So much knowledge condensed into a single volume."

    Rei nodded but added a stern warning. "This is only one copy. Use it solely for teaching the children. If I hear of any misuse¡­" He didn''t finish the sentence, instead raising his hand and summoning a swirling wind ball. The orb hovered menacingly, its power palpable as it tugged at the robes and hair of everyone present.

    The council members acted like they were terrified however in reality they were not much afraid they were former adventurers and were quite strong. "Y-you''re right," he stammered. "We''ll use the books exactly as you''ve instructed. I assure you, no one will misuse them."

    Another member spoke up, her voice tinged with awe. "To think, a child could possess such wisdom and power¡­"

    As Rei dispelled the windball, he left the council chambers, satisfied that his warning had been heeded. The council, meanwhile, marveled at the depth of knowledge and authority Rei had displayed.

    While Rei''s accomplishments earned him respect and admiration, Hanna''s frustration continued to fester. Watching Rei gain influence so effortlessly made her feel invisible. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t seem to bridge the gap between them.

    But as she reflected on her feelings, a spark of determination ignited within her. If Rei could achieve so much, then so could she. Hanna resolved to carve out her own path, one that would make her worthy of standing by Rei''s side¡ªnot as his shadow, but as his equal.

    Hanna, Rei''s sister, knew there was one thing she had that Rei didn''t: magic. While Rei excelled in intelligence, planning, and leadership, Hanna had a connection to the arcane. However, she was also painfully aware that every known spell and magical discipline had already been discovered, categorized, and thoroughly explored, from the simplest applications of elemental magic to the intricate details of magic circles and wand crafting.

    Hanna also knew that Rei was developing his elemental manipulation and by how intelligent Rei was he would become one of the strongest people in elemental manipulation so magic was useless in her case.

    As she pondered her next steps, Hanna recalled the training sessions she''d undergone with Rei in swordsmanship. An idea sparked in her mind: she could create a new branch of magic, one that combined magic with weapon mastery¡ªmelding physical and magical prowess into a single, cohesive style. This discipline would focus on using magic not just as a tool for spells, but as a means of enhancing and handling weapons, turning them into extensions of the wielder''s magical energy.

    Determined, Hanna began laying out a plan. She scoured books on magic, borrowing volumes from both her home and the homes of neighbors who trusted her. She studied tirelessly, combing through pages of theory and history, hoping to uncover elements she could adapt to her new discipline.

    As Hanna delved deeper into her research, she stumbled across an uncomfortable truth: her magical aptitude was only average compared to the talents of many renowned magicians in the outside world. For a moment, doubt crept in, gnawing at her resolve. But she quickly pushed the thought aside. Her goal wasn''t to match their innate talent; it was to create something entirely new.

    Hanna learned spells she thought might serve as foundations for her technique¡ªspells that reinforced objects, spells that enhanced physical strength, and spells that amplified precision. She practiced endlessly, integrating these spells with her weapon techniques. Yet, every attempt failed.

    The weapon wouldn''t respond to her magic the way she envisioned. Sometimes the spell would fizzle out entirely; other times, the weapon would briefly glow with energy but become unstable and unwieldy. Hanna quickly realized that her idea required not just technical skill but an understanding of magical principles that even the books she read couldn''t fully provide.

    Despite these setbacks, Hanna refused to give up. She practiced late into the night, her hands blistered and her energy drained. Her failures were numerous, but each one only fueled her determination to succeed. She told herself that breakthroughs often came after the longest, darkest stretches of effort, and she was prepared to endure it all.

    Meanwhile, the school continued to flourish under Rei''s guidance. Word had spread of the program that allowed villagers to request small services from the students, and some elderly villagers, who had no children of their own, began to participate. They welcomed the students into their homes, treating them like their own grandchildren.

    These elders found joy in teaching the children practical skills, including basic weapon handling. For the students, these lessons became as much a source of bonding as they were of learning. Over time, groups began to form among the children, mimicking the adventurer guilds they''d heard about in stories.

    Some groups were small and close-knit, like Bret, Kisa, and Kia, who preferred quieter tasks like farming assistance or repairs. Others, like Miu, Kay, and Jay, thrived on more physically demanding tasks, such as hauling goods or protecting livestock from wild animals. Then there were the larger, more ambitious groups, such as Dan, Hert, and Kaisy''s team, who took on nearly any challenge that came their way.

    This adventurer-guild-like structure breathed new life into the school. The children became more motivated, viewing their tasks as both a responsibility and a game. Bonds deepened, and a sense of camaraderie spread among them. The program wasn''t just teaching them skills; it was shaping their character.

    The elderly villagers, too, found purpose in this dynamic. Many who had once felt lonely now felt surrounded by warmth and laughter. They shared stories of their youth, passed down knowledge, and forged connections that bridged generations.

 Kaisers first step

    While the school thrived, Hanna continued her relentless pursuit of creating her new magical discipline. Days turned into weeks, and her efforts bore little fruit. She tried altering her approach, tweaking the spells, and changing her methods of wielding the weapon, but the results were always the same: no breakthrough.

    Magic required incantations and even then the power would come like a blast unsuitable for her battle with the sword. Even with the changes, there was not much of a breakthrough and the results would be the same.

    Her frustration grew, but so did her resolve. Every failure reminded her of how far she had to go, but it also reinforced her belief that success was still within reach. She often thought of Rei and how effortlessly he seemed to excel in everything he did. That thought was both a source of motivation and a bitter reminder of how much she had to prove.

    Hanna knew that while Rei worked to reshape the school and forge bonds with others, she had to find her own path. The road was difficult and full of uncertainty, but she clung to the hope that someday, her efforts would yield the extraordinary results she dreamed of. And when that day came, she would stand before Rei¡ªnot as someone overshadowed by his accomplishments, but as someone who had carved out her own legacy. Until then, she would keep trying.

    While Rei observed all the changes happening around the school¡ªthe formation of camaraderie among the children, the adventurer-guild-style groups, and the bonds forming between the elders and students¡ªhe didn''t bother with it too much. Rei understood that teamwork and camaraderie naturally came from shared responsibilities and tasks. After all, in his previous life, he had experienced similar things during internships and jobs.

    However, one thing genuinely surprised Rei: the emergence of educational equality. Before the new regime, there had always been a noticeable gap¡ªboys often struggled more with theoretical studies, while girls tended to find practical applications more challenging. Yet, the bias Rei introduced against girls in terms of task allocation inadvertently created a balance. The boys, who were assigned fewer tasks, caught up in their theoretical studies, while the girls, who were pushed into more hands-on roles, started excelling in practical skills. Progression between the genders was now equal; neither group was ahead nor lagging behind the other.

    The Teachers noticed it too however they mistakenly guessed that Rei knew about it happening all along and started looking at Rei in a new light when in reality even Rei had not expected it.

    One day, during a training session with Kaiser and Luster, Kaiser looked up from his stance and asked, "Hey, Rei, why do you hate girls? I mean, by the way, you handle things, it seems like you really despise them."

    Rei paused for a moment, narrowing his eyes as if recalling a painful memory. "Because," he replied, his voice cold and resolute, "they''re manipulative witches. They use others like toys, play with them until they''re no longer useful, and then discard them."

    Luster squirmed uncomfortably, his hands fidgeting as though he wanted to say something but couldn''t find the courage. Kaiser, on the other hand, simply observed Rei''s expression, noting the hardened look in his eyes¡ªa look that told him convincing Rei otherwise was impossible. He decided not to argue.

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    Instead, Kaiser gave a sheepish laugh and said, "Okay, well, this training really helps, man. I mean, I one-upped my father yesterday with my strength!"

    The tension eased slightly at his words, and Rei smirked faintly. "Good. Keep it up. There''s a long way to go."

    As Rei continued to train Kaiser and Luster, the two boys began to grow more knowledgeable and powerful under his guidance. Rei also kept creating and distributing his educational books to the school, ensuring that the children continued learning valuable skills in both academics and physical training. While Rei made books on almost every subject he did not make a book on biology as it wouldn''t be helpful in this world but he did give an explanation to Luster who was curious about why trees are green and grow the way they do. On the other hand, Kaiser was very interested in quantum physics so Rei would often tell him about that.

    Over the months, Kaiser''s progress became evident. His endurance improved, his strength grew, and his focus sharpened. He was visibly maturing into a strong individual. Luster, while improving, began to struggle emotionally. He couldn''t help but feel overshadowed by Kaiser''s rapid progress and the occasional praise Rei gave him.

    After four months of training, Kaiser suddenly stopped mid-session, his expression bewildered. "Rei, I''m feeling a cold sensation," he said, rubbing his arms as if trying to dispel the chill.

    Rei raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest igniting in his gaze. "Wow. To awaken this soon..." He turned to Luster, who was watching with wide eyes. "Come on, Kaiser. It''s time to take you to the second stage. Luster, keep working hard."

    Luster''s expression darkened with frustration. The feeling of being left behind burned within him, and as Rei and Kaiser left, he clenched his fists and silently vowed to train even harder.

    Rei took Kaiser to another part of the forest, where a sparkling river meandered through the landscape, its surface reflecting the golden rays of the sun. Kaiser stopped in his tracks, his mouth slightly agape. "Wow," he breathed. "It''s so beautiful."

    "Yeah, it really is," Rei said, allowing himself a brief moment of appreciation. Then his tone shifted back to business. "Now get back to work."

    Kaiser nodded, his focus returning as he prepared for the next challenge. The goal was to create a Qi field around his body¡ªa protective layer of energy that marked the beginning of true mastery over his inner power.

    At first, Kaiser struggled. His brow furrowed in concentration, sweat dripping down his face as he tried to summon the Qi field. His breathing grew heavy, and eventually, he collapsed to his knees, panting with exertion. "I... I can''t seem to get it right," he said, frustration evident in his voice. "Why is this so hard?"

    Rei stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder and squeezing it gently. "Don''t be discouraged, Kaiser. Controlling your Qi is a delicate skill that takes practice. Remember, even the greatest warriors started as beginners."

    Rei crouched beside him, demonstrating the technique once more. The shimmering Qi field around Rei''s body pulsed softly, almost transparent, but its energy was palpable. "Watch closely," Rei instructed. "You''re trying too hard, tensing up. Qi isn''t something you force; it''s something you guide. Relax and let it flow naturally."

    Kaiser nodded, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He closed his eyes, focusing inward on the sensation of Qi moving through his body. Slowly but surely, a faint shimmer began to form around him. The glow was weak and unstable, but it was there¡ªa testament to his progress.

    "That''s it," Rei encouraged. "Keep breathing, keep focusing. Feel your Qi. Let it become a part of you."

    Kaiser''s concentration deepened, and the field around him grew more defined. It flickered occasionally, but it held. His breathing steadied, and his posture straightened as the energy coursed through him.

    When he finally opened his eyes, they were filled with a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. "I... I did it," he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

    Rei nodded approvingly. "You''ve taken the first step, Kaiser. Now, the real training begins."

    Back at the training area, Luster pushed himself harder than ever. Fueled by the desire to catch up and prove himself, he practiced tirelessly. His hands were blistered, his body sore, but he refused to stop. Every swing of his weapon, every repetition of his drills, carried the weight of his determination.

    He couldn''t let Kaiser outpace him. More than that, he couldn''t let himself fall behind in Rei''s eyes. Luster knew he was still far from awakening, but he vowed that when the time came, he would surpass all expectations¡ªeven his own.

 Learning wind manipulation

    As days turned into weeks, their dynamic grew more complex. Kaiser grew stronger and more confident, Luster more determined and driven, and Rei continued to lead them both, pushing them to their limits while keeping an eye on their progress.

    Unbeknownst to Rei, he was slowly changing too, his tough and calculative exterior was melting away looking at both Kaiser and Luster as close as companions rather than looking at them as tools however the years of suffering still kept his heart as cold as ice and he would still not hesitate to abandon them if required.

    Kaiser tried again and again to control his Qi. Each day brought him closer to the edge of frustration, but he refused to give up. Rei watched him, offering guidance and encouragement where he could, but progress was slow. Even after a full week, Kaiser still couldn''t maintain control of his Qi. His determination, however, never wavered.

    Meanwhile, Luster underwent his own awakening. Unlike Kaiser, Luster seemed to grasp the basics of Qi control more quickly. Within five days, he began showing signs of progress. By then, Kaiser, driven by a mixture of envy and determination, finally managed to control his Qi as well. Watching them struggle for days reminded Rei of how it took months for him to learn how to control Qi. He had to go through the arduous process day after day to control it but Luster and Kaiser were doing it so quickly.

    For a brief moment, Rei wondered if Luster and Kaiser were abnormal. The ease with which Luster and Kaiser had learned seemed unnatural compared to the struggles he faced. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, attributing their success to the knowledge and experiences that you shared with them however Rei also created some theories about their powers if they are abnormal because Rei always explores every possibility before making a decision.

    "Okay," Rei said one morning as he gathered Kaiser and Luster, "now that you''ve both got a handle on controlling your Qi, let''s move on to the next step: controlling the wind."

    Rei began by explaining the concept of centrifugal force, demonstrating how it could be harnessed to create air currents. The two boys listened intently, but the practical application proved far more challenging than they had anticipated. Hours turned into days, but neither of them could generate even the faintest breeze. Frustration began to creep into their expressions.

    That night, as Rei sat on his bed, he pondered how to make the process easier for them. His thoughts wandered to techniques he''d learned in his past life. While he hadn''t needed aids like incantations or rituals, he recognized their potential as tools for beginners. Incantations could be effective but were often cumbersome and lengthy. Then, an idea struck him: hand signs. By creating a series of hand signs to represent specific commands, he could simplify the process and give Kaiser and Luster a clear framework to follow.

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    The next morning, Rei called the two over. "Hey, Luster, Kaiser, I''ve been thinking about a way to help you guys," he said, holding up his hands. "I''ve created some hand signs that should make it easier to control the wind. Think of them as a crutch¡ªsomething to help you while you''re still learning. Once you''ve mastered the basics, you won''t need them anymore."

    He demonstrated two hand signs, explaining their meanings. "This one means ''Oh wind, stir,'' and this one means ''Wind, turn into a whirl.'' You start with the first-hand sign, keeping it close to yourself, and end with the second, extending it outward. Like this." Rei performed the sequence fluidly, the motions deliberate yet graceful.

    Kaiser and Luster nodded, their eyes alight with curiosity and excitement. "Okay, let''s try this!" Kaiser exclaimed.

    "I can''t wait to see the wind form in my hands," Luster added, his determination evident.

    Over the next few days, Kaiser and Luster practiced the hand signs with unwavering focus. Their movements were clumsy at first, but they gradually became more fluid and precise. Rei observed them with a mixture of pride and satisfaction, offering corrections and encouragement when needed.

    One afternoon, as Rei stood at the edge of the training field, he noticed Kaiser standing in the center, his eyes closed in concentration. The air around him seemed to shift, a faint stirring that quickly grew into a visible whirlwind. Dust and debris swirled around him, and his eyes flew open in surprise and delight.

    "Rei, look! I did it!" Kaiser cried, the wind still spinning around him. "I created a real tornado!"

    Rei grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. "That''s fantastic, Kaiser! You''re a natural. Keep practicing, and you''ll have the hang of it in no time."

    The next day, Luster achieved the same feat. A small tornado spun fiercely in front of him, its force kicking up leaves and dirt. He turned to Rei, his expression a mix of excitement and competitive determination. "I did it too, Rei! I''m not far behind Kaiser anymore."

    Rei nodded, smiling warmly. "You''ve both come so far. Now, let''s take this to the next level. I''ll teach you the hand signs for a wind blast, and we''ll practice combining your new skills."

    The training intensified as Rei introduced the new hand signs. He demonstrated each motion carefully, showing how to build up the force of the wind and shape it into a concentrated blast. Kaiser and Luster practiced tirelessly, their hands moving with increasing precision and their Qi control improving with each attempt.

    Days passed, and their progress became more apparent. The once-invisible currents of air they generated grew stronger and more focused until they could release bursts of wind powerful enough to shake the branches of nearby trees. Rei watched them with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that their hard work was paying off.

    Meanwhile, Hanna was busy with her studies, she read many books on magic and even studied about ores that resisted the effects of magic. She planned to use the ores that resisted magic to make weapons so that they wouldn''t get destroyed even if she incorporated magic in them however the main problem she was having was incorporating magic in weapons and not in finding the weapon itself. Her followers too were helping her with her research and even gave the ores they had and helped her in forging the weapon but those were still not enough for a breakthrough.

 Knowing the unknown

    One day, Kaiser stepped forward, his face set with determination. He performed the hand signs with practiced ease, his Qi flowing seamlessly through each motion. With a final flourish, he released the energy in a powerful wind blast that struck a distant tree, sending a cascade of leaves fluttering to the ground.

    "I did it, Rei!" Kaiser shouted, his voice filled with pride. "I mastered the wind blast!"

    Rei clapped him on the shoulder. "Great work, Kaiser. That was impressive. Now keep practicing, and try to make it even stronger."

    Luster, not to be outdone, redoubled his efforts. By the end of the day, he had mastered the wind blast, his attack leaving a similar mark on the training field. He turned to Rei, his eyes blazing with determination. "I''m ready for whatever''s next, Rei. Bring it on."

    Rei smiled, a sense of pride swelling within him. "You''ve both done exceptionally well. But this is just the beginning. There''s still much to learn from now on you two would also help assist me in creating similar attacks"

    As the sun set over the training field, casting long shadows across the ground, Rei watched his students sparring with the wind, their laughter and shouts of excitement filling the air. He couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. Though their journey was far from over, Kaiser and Luster were well on their way to mastering the art of wind manipulation. However, he then let out a manipulative smile because since they had mastered wind blast it meant that they were ready for combat and his protection was confirmed now.

    One day, Rei''s parents Thomas and Lily decided to visit the school to see how Rei was studying and check on his progress. As they walked through the school grounds, they immediately noticed the significant changes in the environment. The school was far better maintained than before, with repaired walls, cleaner courtyards, and an overall sense of organization. However, these changes had already been implemented for a while, so they didn''t pay much attention at first.

    As they moved through the grounds, an elderly man approached them, a kind smile on his face.

    "Oh, are you Rei''s parents? It''s a pleasure to meet you," he said warmly.

    Recognizing him as a member of the school management, Thomas and Lily greeted him respectfully. Thomas, ever the cautious one, asked, "Nice to meet you too. Has my son done something wrong?" After all, Rei was a curious kid in their eyes with misogynistic behavior and he was powerful as compared to other children it would come as no surprise to them if Rei beat up some girls.

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    The old man chuckled heartily. "Oh no, not at all. Quite the opposite. Rei has become a part of the school management and is responsible for many of the improvements you see here."

    Lily gasped in surprise. "What? He brought these changes?"

    Thomas furrowed his brow, clearly processing the information. "Why didn''t we see this coming?" he muttered, half to himself.

    The old man continued, "You must have raised him very well. He has even shared some incredible knowledge with us¡ªthings we had never seen or heard of before and he already mastered a foreign language in terms of reading and we are planning to incorporate them in the next lesson"

    Your parents exchanged a look of disbelief. Lily, still reeling from the revelation, asked, "Can we see some of these books?"

    "Of course, of course. Come with me," the old man replied, gesturing for them to follow.

    The old man led Thomas and Lily to a room filled with books that Rei had created or contributed to. As they browsed through the volumes, they were astonished. The information within was extraordinary¡ªknowledge that seemed almost otherworldly. Thomas and Lily had always known Rei was intelligent, but now they began to view him as a prodigy.

    However as Thomas and Lily thought about it they often saw Rei near the bookshelves writing down whatever he read so Thomas and Lily thought that had neglected to see just how smart Rei was.

    However, they weren''t upset with Rei for sharing this knowledge. After all, Rei was still a child, and they knew they couldn''t control every decision that Rei made. Instead, a new concern took root in their minds: there was nothing left for Rei to learn at this school. They began to discuss the possibility of withdrawing Rei to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

    Later, Thomas and Lily approached Hanna to ask about Rei''s activities at the school. She provided a detailed account of the shifts Rei had brought¡ªhis leadership in creating programs, his innovative teaching methods, and his mentorship of Kaiser and Luster. Hearing this only solidified their belief that Rei had outgrown the school.

    As Thomas and Lily discussed Rei''s future in hushed tones, Rei remained focused on his training sessions with Kaiser and Luster.

    On the training field, Rei pushed them through a grueling swordsmanship drill. Sweat poured down their faces as they struggled to match his movements, their wooden swords clashing with each other under his watchful eye.

    Though Rei hated swordsmanship he was teaching Kaiser and Luster about it to make them stronger and more useful for him. Rei was already planning his future of traveling through the capital to make reforms and organizations and he needed bodyguards for it so he was making them strong so that they could become his bodyguards.

    "Keep your guard up, Kaiser! That''s better. Don''t let Luster catch you off balance," Rei called out, his voice firm but encouraging.

    Luster, panting heavily, glanced at Rei with a determined expression. "Rei, will you keep training us, even if... even if we can''t stay here anymore?"

    Rei paused for a moment, taken aback by his words. But you quickly nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Of course, Luster. No matter where you are, I''ll help you grow stronger. You two have come a long way, and I''m not about to stop now.". However, Rei''s words were only lipservice he was not planning on that.

    Meanwhile, Rei''s parents continued to deliberate.

    "What should we teach him?" Lily asked, her tone laced with worry. "He''s already learning foreign languages, and I think he''s more knowledgeable than we are at this point."

    Thomas stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he considered the options. "I might have an idea," he said at last, his voice resolute.

 Young Mage Emilia

    Over the following days, Rei continued to teach Kaiser and Luster, focusing on advanced sword techniques. Though they struggled at times, their determination never wavered. Rei watched them with pride, knowing that their persistence mirrored his own.

    While Rei trained, Thomas and Lily quietly made preparations, their discussions growing more frequent and urgent. They knew that Rei''s path was destined to take him far beyond the confines of the school and that they needed to ensure he had every opportunity to reach his full potential.

    The days passed, filled with hard work and growth, as Rei, Kaiser, and Luster honed their skills together. Little did Rei know that the next chapter of his journey was fast approaching.

    After a week of waiting, Lily approached her husband, Thomas, once more. "What happened? You said you had an idea. Why haven''t you done anything yet? It''s been a week."

    Thomas, calm as ever, responded, "Patience. Just wait a little."

    Before Lily could press further, there was a knock at the door. Thomas stood up with a small smile. "Looks like she''s here."

    Puzzled, Lily followed her husband to the door. When he opened it, she was met with the sight of a young girl, about 14 years old, holding a small wand with a small crystal embedded in its tip.

    Thomas welcomed the girl inside and led her to the living room, where Lily joined them. The girl introduced herself with a confident smile, "I am Emilia, the mage prodigy."

    Thomas gestured toward her. "She''s the most talented mage in the country right now everyone expects great things from her in the future."

    Hanna, who had been nearby and overheard the conversation, immediately became curious. She stepped forward, her interest piqued. "Wait, the most talented mage? What are your magical attributes, and what have you accomplished?"

    The young mage responded proudly, "I specialize in all attributes but my speciality is water and earth magic. I''ve already mastered the basics of both attributes."

    Hanna frowned, her skepticism plain. "And that makes you a prodigy?"

    Emilia the mage bristled, crossing her arms. "Hey! Learning the basics of two attributes is a big deal. Most people struggle with just one! It''s no small feat." Emilia thought "this backwater girl does not know how difficult it is to learn basics of magic when she would go outside then she would know my real worth"

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    Hanna made a face of disbelief but didn''t press further. Sensing the tension, Lily the mother quickly interjected, "So, what exactly can she teach Rei? He doesn''t know magic."

    Thomas responded with a sly smile. "She doesn''t need to teach him outright. Rei is smart enough to learn on his own. She just needs to show him the different types of magic. Plus¡­" He trailed off, glancing at his wife.

    "Plus what?" Lily asked, her tone sharp with suspicion.

    "Well¡­" Thomas began, clearly hesitant. "Since Rei doesn''t seem to like girls much, she might be able to help him open up a little."

    Hanna immediately perked up, grabbing the young mage''s hands. "Emilia, you can do it! I know you can make him like girls!"

    The young mage pulled her hands back, looking both embarrassed and indignant. "Hey, I''m here to teach magic, not play matchmaker! and what do you mean he can''t use magic how would he learn if he can''t use magic at all" Emilia thought "what? are these people insane that''s why I hate back water places"

    Thomas waved her concerns away with a chuckle. "Don''t worry. You''ll certainly teach him. The method might just look a little different. But first, you''ll need to befriend him¡ªand let me warn you, that''s not going to be easy."

    Deciding to take a look around the house, the young mage wandered the halls, muttering to herself. "What does this family think their son is? A genius? If this wasn''t a promotional task from the adventurer''s tower, I''d have turned it down immediately."

    She recalled the crowd she had seen at the guild, the enticing notice about an F-rank task promising a direct promotion to E-rank. The reward had seemed too good to pass up. Sighing, she looked out of a window and spotted Rei walking back toward the house. He looked cheerful, but she found herself unimpressed. "So that''s him, huh? Doesn''t look like anything special."

    Determined to make a good first impression, she headed to the door to greet Rei. But before she could finish her introduction, "Hello, my name is Emil¡ª" she was suddenly blasted backward by a gust of wind.

    "Are you a thief?" Rei demanded, his tone cold and suspicious.

    The commotion drew Thomas and Emilia, who quickly intervened. They pulled Rei into the living room, where the atmosphere grew tense.

    Lily, his mother, glared at him disapprovingly. "Rei, apologize to Emilia right now! That was no way to greet a guest, especially one as esteemed as she is."

    Rei crossed his arms, glaring at the young mage. "I don''t know what she''s doing here. Why would I need a mage to teach me anything?"

    Emilia, to her credit, maintains a calm demeanor despite Rei''s hostile reception. She leans back in her chair, studying him with an appraising gaze. "I''m not here to teach you magic, Rei. I''m here to help you... expand your horizons."

    She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. "Your parents tell me you have a unique perspective on certain things. I think I can help you see a different point of view, if you give me a chance."

    Thomas nods encouragingly. "Rei, listen to what Emilia has to say. She''s not here to force anything on you. Think of her as... a new friend, if you will."

    Rei bluntly replied again in a harsh tone, "No. I don''t need her help. Women are bad." With that, he turned and walked straight to his room, leaving everyone in the living room visibly shaken.

    Thomas glanced apologetically at Emilia, who still stood near the doorway, trying to process the cold reception. "I''m sorry, Emilia. We didn''t know he would react like this."

    Lily nodded in agreement, her expression one of concern. "Yes, he just... hates girls. It''s something we''ve been trying to work through."

    Hanna, however, leaned forward with a smirk, unable to resist a jab. "Good luck handling him, Emilia. He''s more of a genius than you, after all."

    "Hanna, stop that," Lily interjected, frowning at her daughter''s lack of tact.

    Emilia, however, wasn''t shaken by Rei''s apparent hatred. It wasn''t his words or attitude that bothered her; it was the memory of what she had just witnessed. That wind blast wasn''t ordinary¡ªit was something far beyond what she had expected from a mere boy. Spirit arts were typically used to cut through magic with weapons, not to create elemental forces like Rei had just demonstrated.

 Persuasion

    "Does he have magic?" Emilia asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "How else would he do something like that?"

    Thomas crossed his arms, a hint of pride creeping into his expression. "He created that on his own. That''s why we hired you¡ªto show him different types of magic. We hope it will inspire him to develop even more techniques, but you''ll have to befriend him first."

    "But how can he create more elements?" Emilia questioned, still incredulous. "Even geniuses usually manage only one, at most!"

    Lily smiled faintly, a mix of pride and worry on her face. "If it''s Rei, we think he could create almost all the elements. Maybe he''ll struggle with two or three, but the rest? I don''t doubt his ability."

    Hanna, arms crossed, chimed in again, a sharp edge to her tone. "After all, he''s a real genius, unlike you. People only call you a genius because you managed to learn something others couldn''t."

    "Hanna!" Lily scolded, her voice firm. "It''s not like you''ve created anything new either."

    "I''m not claiming to be a genius," Hanna replied with a shrug. "But at least I''m working on creating something new, unlike someone who''s just riding their reputation."

    Emilia asked, "Wait, you are also creating something new?" She was amazed that these backwater people were so knowledgeable. Hanna replied, "Yeah, I am creating my battle technique using magic to fight with weapons." Emilia was dumbstruck; these people she thought of as backwater people were way more capable than she thought. Hanna then said, "And you called yourself a genius." Lily again scolded Hanna

    Emilia sighed, ignoring the bickering behind her as she made her way to Rei''s room. Her thoughts raced, a mix of irritation and curiosity swirling in her mind. How annoying, she thought. A genius who hates girls. If he''s supposed to be so smart, shouldn''t he love girls and have a high sex drive?

    As she reached the door, she paused for a moment, steadying herself. With a deep breath, she knocked lightly. "Can I come in?"

    "No," Rei replied bluntly, his voice carrying the same harsh tone as before. Back in her town, she was regarded as a prodigy; everyone treated her with great respect and expectations. Even after coming outside, everyone respected her and complimented her, and here is a boy who straight up gives her zero respect. This is a triggering reaction for Emilia.

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    Emilia gritted her teeth, forcing a polite smile as her patience stretched thin. Stay calm, she told herself. He''s just a boy. You can handle this.

    "Rei, please, we need to talk. Your parents hired me to help you, so the least you could do is hear me out."

    The room remained silent, but Emilia pressed on, trying to keep her tone calm and friendly despite his blunt refusal. "I understand you have some... strong feelings about girls. But I''m not here to cause you any harm or discomfort. I genuinely want to help you grow and learn in whatever way works best for you."

    Leaning against the doorframe, Emilia let her crystal wand dangle lightly in her hand. Its surface caught the light, casting faint, glimmering reflections on the wall. "I promise, I''m not like the other girls you''ve encountered. Give me a chance to prove that to you."

    Her voice softened as she continued, shifting from insistence to a more understanding tone. "Let''s start small, if you''d like. We could just talk and get to know each other better. No pressure, no expectations. What do you say?"

    Rei bluntly replied again in a harsh tone, "No. Can you get lost?"

    Emilia felt her patience slipping, her composure fraying at the edges. With every ounce of her willpower, she suppressed the urge to scream at him. He''s just a boy, she reminded herself, though the thought did little to soothe her growing frustration.

    Her hands clenched tightly at her sides, and the crystal on her wand flashed briefly, mirroring the flare of her emotions. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to stay calm.

    Squaring her shoulders, Emilia tried once more to reason with Rei. Her voice, though still steady, was tight with barely suppressed frustration. "Rei, please. You can''t just dismiss me like this. Your parents have high hopes for what I can teach you. I have a lot to offer if only you''d give me a chance."

    She stepped closer to the door, her eyes narrowing slightly as though she could see through it to where Rei was undoubtedly sulking inside. "I know you''re not like other boys your age. You''ve already accomplished so much on your own. But imagine what we could achieve together if you''d just let me in."

    Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, the house was silent except for the faint hum of the crystal on her wand. Despite her frustration, there was a glimmer of genuine curiosity and interest in her eyes as she thought about the enigma that was Rei.

    "Why won''t you give me a chance, Rei?" she asked, her voice softening as she leaned against the doorframe. "What are you so afraid of?"

    Rei said, "You are just a 3rd-grade magician. What can you teach me? I have already accomplished so much on my own and would continue to do so. so get lost."

    Emilia recoiled as if slapped, Rei''s harsh words piercing through her thin veil of patience. She gripped her wand tightly, the crystal flaring brightly for a moment before dimming. He could hear her sharp intake of breath on the other side of the door.

    When she spoke again, her voice was cold and clipped, all pretense of warmth and friendliness gone. "You ungrateful little brat. I am not just some ''3rd-grade magician.'' I am the most prodigious mage, and I offered to help you out of the goodness of my heart!"

    She took a step closer to the door, her anger radiating through the wood. "You have no idea how much I could teach you if only you''d set aside your foolish prejudices for a moment. But clearly, you''re too stubborn and closed-minded to see it."

    Rei heard her turn on her heel, her footsteps retreating down the hallway. "Fine. Have it your way, you little monster. But don''t come crying to me when you realize you''ve wasted your potential."

 Kaiser vs Rei

    As Emilia left, she calmed down and sighed, muttering, "Why did I say that? Now it''ll be even more difficult to befriend Rei. But he''s way too annoying! I''m a genius mage, yet he still called me a 3rd-grade magician."

    Suddenly, she saw Hanna, who smirked knowingly. "Having difficulty? I thought so."

    Emilia narrowed her eyes. "Not now, Hanna. I''m already very pissed off."

    However, Hanna ignored the warning and said, "Don''t worry. I came to help you. After all, if you succeed, it''ll help me too. Go to the right¡ªyou''ll find Rei''s friends there. They might be able to help you."

    Emilia was surprised by Hanna''s unexpected support. She blinked and said, "Thank you."

    As directed, she walked in that direction. After a short while, she heard a question. "Who are you?"

    She turned to see a red-haired boy standing confidently next to a flustered one who seemed to avoid her gaze. "I''m Emilia. And who are you two?"

    The red-haired boy grinned. "I''m Kaiser, and this here is Luster. What are you doing here?"

    Emilia sighed. "I''m just sulking. There''s a boy I need to befriend, but I can''t seem to get through to him."

    Kaiser raised an eyebrow knowingly. "You must be talking about Rei, right? He does hate girls."

    Emilia''s eyes widened. "You know, Rei?"

    Kaiser laughed. "What do you mean by ''know''? We''re his friends, right, Luster?"

    Luster, still a little flustered, stammered, "Y-yes."

    Emilia''s face brightened slightly. "Can you help me? I need to befriend Rei."

    Kaiser crossed his arms confidently. "I was going to suggest the same thing. I want to help him too. Don''t worry¡ªleave everything to us."

    Kaiser and Luster headed to Rei''s room. Kaiser knocked lightly and called out, "Hey, Rei! We made a new game!"

    Rei opened the door, eyeing them skeptically. "What is it?"

    Kaiser smirked, holding up a small wooden stick. "It''s simple. It''s called the shadow game You have to move just like me and copy the symbols I will be making at the same time I would finish making it. If you would not be able to do it, you would lose."

    Rei said, "Wow, it''s an interesting game."

    Kaiser stopped Rei and said, "However, there is a catch. I am a little low on money, so how about we keep a punishment after the game?"

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    Rei considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, sure, then let''s play."

    Rei and Kaiser started playing. Kaiser turned and made a sign, but Rei made the same sign. Kaiser thought, "Rei is very intelligent; it would be very difficult to stop him, but I have a plan" Kaiser spun and made a sign Rei quickly immitated him and Kaiser started doing the same spin and making the same sign for 6 times at a very quick speed then suddenly he started changing the signs and speed himself up and Rei immitated all of it but due to spinning so much Rei head was aching and at the 9th sign Rei messed up and Kaiser won.

    Rei''s head was still spinning as he sat down and said, "Don''t ask for too much money, okay?"

    Kaiser''s grin grew wider. "Who said I would ask for money? I tell you to work with your teacher for a week."

    Rei''s jaw dropped. "What? No! I can''t do that. I bet you planned this from the start!"

    Kaiser laughed heartily. "That''s why it''s a punishment game. Now you have to do it, or else you''ll look bad!"

    Rei gritted his teeth, glaring at Kaiser. "Fine, but I''ll only start tomorrow."

    Kaiser clapped his hands. "Good enough!"

    Kaiser grinned at Rei, his eyes sparkling with mischief and a hint of triumph. He glanced at Luster, who shifted nervously but remained silent, clearly not as comfortable with the plan.

    Meanwhile, Emilia had been watching the exchange with keen interest. Her earlier frustration seemed to melt away as she observed their dynamic. She stepped closer, her crystal wand glinting as she crossed her arms.

    "Well, it seems we have a plan. I''ll leave Rei in your capable hands, boys," she said, her tone tinged with mock surrender.

    She offered a small smile, though there was still a tightness to it, revealing that Rei''s earlier rejection still stung. Her gaze turned thoughtful as she addressed him directly.

    "Remember, Rei, I''m not your enemy. I''m here to help you in my own way. Just¡­ think about what Kaiser and Luster have to say. They only want the best for you."

    With that, she turned and left, her footsteps echoing softly down the hallway, leaving the three boys alone.

    Kaiser watched her retreat before turning back to Rei with a shrug. "Don''t worry about her, dude. We''ll get you through this. Trust us, okay?"

    Rei shot him a glare. "You''re the one who put me through this."

    Kaiser just grinned cheekily in response, clearly pleased with himself.

    The next day, Emilia took Rei to the backyard. However, despite her attempts to appear friendly, Rei remained as tense and wary as if he were facing an enemy. Emilia was puzzled, unsure of what she could teach him. She was a mage, and Rei was a spirit artist¡ªsomeone who cut through magic with weapons.

    She then remembered Thomas''s words: Just show him magic. Deciding to focus on that, she cleared her throat and announced, "Okay, then. Let''s start with rock magic."

    Rei stayed on his guard, watching her with suspicion. Emilia sighed, resigned to his resistance, and began reciting an incantation.

    "Oh, earth, grace me with your power. Turn into strength and charge with unyielding ferocity¡ªRock Bullet!"

    A glowing orb of energy formed at the tip of her wand, quickly condensing into a solid rock bullet. It shot forward with impressive speed, slamming into a large boulder and shattering it into smaller fragments.

    Emilia turned to Rei, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips, clearly expecting him to be impressed.

    "See, Rei? That''s rock magic. I can teach you to harness the power of earth and stone, to shape it to your will. It''s a vital skill for any mage to have."

    She paused, studying his reaction. However, his expression remained cold and unimpressed, and his body language screamed reluctance.

    Her smirk faltered, replaced by a look of quiet determination. Stepping closer to him, she extended her wand, pointing toward the remains of the boulder.

    "Now, your turn. Go ahead. Try to cut through it with your spirit arts. Show me what you''ve got, Rei."

    Her eyes narrowed as she watched him, a mix of curiosity and resolve glinting in their depths. Even though he clearly had no interest in learning from her, Emilia refused to back down. She could sense the potential for an intriguing challenge in the tension between his abilities and her own approach to magic.

    Rei imagined a rock bigger than Emilia''s previous rock emerging from the ground. Rei tried to concentrate on how he could lift the rock, using two vacuums by taking away all the air from the rock''s sides. However, the rock turned to dust on the first attempt. The second attempt, the third attempt, and so on all ended in failures. Frustrated but not giving up, Rei continued until it was late evening.

    As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the backyard, Emilia watched Rei''s frustrated attempts with a mix of patience and growing curiosity. She noticed Rei''s determination, even as his efforts to lift the rock using only his spirit arts proved futile, the heavy stone crumbling under the vacuum he tried to create.

    Finally, as the last light of day faded and the first stars began to peek out in the darkening sky, Emilia gently touched Rei''s shoulder, startling him out of his concentration. "Rei, stop for tonight. You''ve pushed yourself hard, and you need rest."

    She looked at him, her earlier frustration replaced by a newfound respect and understanding. "I see now why Thomas wanted you to learn magic. Your spirit arts are... unique. But they''re also draining, aren''t they? That''s why mages use incantations and wands ¡ª to focus and direct our power without exhausting ourselves."

    Emilia sighed softly, squeezing his shoulder slightly. "Get some sleep, Rei. We''ll pick this up again tomorrow. And don''t worry ¡ª we''ll figure out a way for you to use your abilities together with the magic I can teach you."

 Discovery of Rock Bullet

    During that night, as the world around Rei settled into silence, his mind refused to follow suit. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts heavy and relentless. How much easier would life have been if he had been born with magic? The question gnawed at him, a quiet bitterness taking root. Magic was a birthright, a natural gift for those lucky enough to inherit it. For Rei, it was nothing more than an unattainable dream. The frustration lingered, but beneath it simmered determination. If magic was beyond his reach, there had to be another way.

    Rei thought, "Emilia, Lily, and Hanna all are blessed with magic. Why does god seem to gift everything to women? Even in my previous life, girls were given special privilege over boys. They have trust, laws, everything, and in return, they misuse it to harass others. How infuriating. They are witches, complete witches."

    His thoughts churned, replaying Emilia''s demonstration from earlier that day. The image of her rock bullet shattering the boulder replayed in his mind. Could spirit arts mimic such precision? Such destructive force? The question lingered until, suddenly, a spark of inspiration struck. Rei''s eyes widened as the fragments of an idea began piecing themselves together in his mind.

    Rei thought, " Gods, since you made this world on the partiality of one sex, then I will turn the tables on you and change this world. I will make sure your plan fails."

    The following day, the rising sun found Rei already outside, standing resolutely in the backyard. The air was crisp, carrying a hint of the day''s promise. Closing his eyes, he drew a deep breath, allowing his body to still and his mind to sharpen. He focused, envisioning the ground before him, the raw earth waiting for his command. A pulse of energy radiated from him as he drew the wind to his side, a loyal companion in his pursuit of creation.

    The land in front of him trembled. Then, with a sudden blast, it erupted. Earth and debris were tossed into the air, forming a chaotic storm of dust and soil. Slowly, deliberately, he began to shape it. The wind swirled around the airborne fragments, gathering them into tight formations. Rei raised a hand, palm flat and steady, and the wind obeyed, breaking the clumps of earth into seven distinct, jagged pieces. They hovered in the air, poised like arrows in a nocked bow.

    The next step demanded precision. Behind each floating shard of rock, he summoned wind bombs¡ªcompact spheres of air pressure waiting to explode. With a sharp flick of his hand, the wind bombs detonated, propelling the rock bullets forward with incredible speed. The boulder in front of him stood no chance. The projectiles struck with devastating force, piercing through the stone and leaving a cascade of rubble in their wake.

    For a moment, silence hung in the air, broken only by the soft rustling of settling debris. Emilia, standing a short distance away, was utterly still. Her wand dangled loosely in her hand, forgotten, as her wide eyes remained fixed on the shattered remains of the boulder.

    Slowly, her lips parted, and a grin began to form, spreading across her face like a sunrise. She took a step closer, her earlier irritation and doubts melting away. "Rei," she breathed, her voice filled with genuine awe, "that was... incredible. I''ve never seen anything like that before. It''s not magic, but it''s something else entirely."

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    Her gaze dropped to the fractured boulder, and she knelt to examine the precision of the strikes. Her fingers traced the clean holes left by the projectiles, the sharp edges a testament to Rei''s unorthodox method. "You used wind to shape the earth into projectiles and then launched them with more wind," she murmured, her tone tinged with amazement. "That level of control and precision... even with all my magical training, I could never achieve something like this."

    Standing, Emilia turned to face him, her expression thoughtful, almost reverent. For the first time since meeting him, there was no trace of frustration or condescension in her gaze. "You weren''t born with magic," she said, her voice steady and sure. "But now, I see why. What you have, Rei, is something far more powerful. Something unique to you alone. And I think..." She paused, her eyes bright with possibility. "Together, we can find a way to harness it."

    However, Rei still ignored her. To him, her teachings felt like nothing more than a tool for gaining strength, stripped of any deeper meaning. Emilia could sense his cold detachment, his unwillingness to connect, but she refused to lose hope. If it weren''t for the promotional task that demanded she befriend him, she might not have persisted. Yet, driven by her sense of duty and ambition, she pressed on.

    The next lesson was water magic, an element she had some proficiency in, alongside rock and healing magic. As they stood under the sun, Emilia addressed him with a renewed determination. "Now I''m going to show you water magic. This one''s called Water Ball. Hopefully, you can replicate it using your spirit arts. Let me tell you the incantation."

    Rei nodded absently, his lack of enthusiasm apparent. Emilia sighed inwardly but continued, raising her wand. "Oh, water, show yourself, give me your strength, and change your form. Water Ball."

    As the incantation left her lips, a small sphere of water materialized at the tip of her wand. With a flick of her wrist, she propelled the water ball forward, where it splashed harmlessly against a tree trunk. The force behind it was negligible¡ªmore suited for stunning or impairing an opponent''s vision than causing significant harm.

    Rei observed the display with a critical eye, already analyzing its limitations. He stood still, pondering how he might mimic such a technique. Closing his eyes, he focused on the surrounding air, attempting to draw moisture and shape it into his own version of the water ball. Yet no matter how hard he concentrated, the dryness in the air made it impossible to summon enough water vapor. His efforts failed repeatedly, each attempt leaving him more frustrated than the last.

    Emilia, meanwhile, noticed the subtle dryness in the atmosphere and immediately understood the problem. She tilted her head, her brow furrowed in thought. "So spirit arts are limited by environmental conditions," she murmured to herself. "That makes them versatile but situational. Not ideal for every battle."

    Lowering her wand, Emilia dismissed the water orb she had conjured, its droplets scattering into the air. She stepped closer to Rei, her expression a mix of understanding and determination. "I see the problem, Rei," she began, her tone more empathetic. "Spirit arts are tied to the natural elements, and in a climate like this, water isn''t easy to summon. That''s not a fault of yours¡ªit''s simply the nature of your abilities."

    Rei said nothing, his gaze fixed on the ground, his frustration evident. Emilia softened her tone further, trying to bridge the gap between them. "But don''t give up just yet," she urged. "There''s always a way to adapt. Your power isn''t just about mimicking magic. It''s about innovation, about finding unique ways to overcome limitations. That''s something even the greatest mages envy."

    She hesitated for a moment before placing a hand gently on his shoulder. Her touch was steady, firm enough to draw his attention without feeling intrusive. "Tell you what," she continued, her voice quiet but resolute. "Let''s take a break from the elements for now. I want you to think about something else."

    Emilia leaned slightly closer, her gaze intent. "What drives you, Rei? What''s your passion? What keeps you moving forward, even when things seem impossible? Find that, and I believe you''ll uncover a strength in your spirit arts that no one else has."

    Rei reacted coldly to Emilia''s words, offering no acknowledgment of her praise or advice

 Past Memories -1

    The next day, driven by his determination to refine his abilities, he ventured to a nearby river. The sight of the flowing water filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.

    Standing by the riverbank, Rei extended his hand toward the water. With a deep breath, he focused his spirit arts, and to his satisfaction, manipulating the water proved far simpler here than it had been in the arid backyard. The river''s abundance of water provided a natural medium, and with minimal effort, he lifted a swirling stream of liquid into the air.

    Rei concentrated further, compressing the water with the same techniques he had used to manipulate wind. The dense and vibrant sphere of water shimmered in the sunlight. However, his earlier struggles with atmospheric water manipulation lingered in his mind. The realization dawned on him¡ªcreating a water ball purely from the atmosphere was beyond the scope of his current capabilities. With a sigh of resignation, he decided to abandon that particular endeavor.

    From a distance, Emilia watched, her eyes widening in awe as Rei demonstrated his mastery over water manipulation. The way he controlled the liquid, shaping and compressing it with such ease, left her momentarily speechless. Her own struggles with water magic seemed almost trivial in comparison, and a pang of envy stirred within her.

    As the moments passed, envy gave way to admiration¡ªand determination. She stepped closer to the riverbank, her boots crunching softly on the gravel. Watching Rei''s focused expression reflected in the shimmering water, she spoke with genuine admiration. "Rei, this is incredible. You''ve already surpassed my abilities in water manipulation, and we''ve barely scratched the surface of what you can do. I can''t imagine what other feats you''ll accomplish with your spirit arts."

    Her words hung in the air for a moment as Rei continued to work with the water, his expression unreadable. Emilia paused, choosing her next words carefully, hoping to reach through the icy barrier he had built around himself.

    "But I want you to understand something," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "While your talent is undeniable, it''s not just about raw power. True strength comes from control, precision, and a deeper understanding of your abilities. That''s where I can help you."

    Emilia''s gaze softened as she turned her focus inward, reflecting on her own experiences. "You''ve already mastered two elements with your spirit arts¡ªsomething I could only dream of doing at your age. But I''ve spent years honing my skills, learning to combine techniques and maximize efficiency. If you''re willing, I can teach you ways to channel your power more effectively, to think beyond the basics and explore possibilities you might not have considered."

    The wet ground beneath Rei''s feet gave way, and before he could react, he was plunged into the rushing river. The cold water enveloped him, and the powerful current carried him downstream. Panic surged through his mind as he thrashed helplessly.

    "I can''t swim! I can''t control this water!" Rei''s thoughts raced, his desperation rising with each second. "Someone... anyone... please help me!"

    Through the churning water, Rei caught a glimpse of Emilia running along the riverbank, her face etched with concern and desperation. Her eyes locked on him, unwavering despite the chaos. "Rei! Don''t worry! I''ll save you!" she shouted, her voice trembling but resolute.

    As the current dragged him further, Rei began to slowly sink while moving in the river, neither his body nor his face coming up to the surface of the river now, and a flash of memory surfaced in Rei''s mind. Rei was in the court. He had black hair, and his eyes were covered by his hair. Rei thought, "What is this memory? Whose memory is this? Oh, it''s mine."

    Rei''s sister said, "Judge, we don''t have any evidence regarding my brother''s arrest. you can''t arrest him without any evidence."

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    The judge let out a crooked smile and said, "We have enough situational evidence to arrest him. All these testimonies confirm it."

    Rei said, "They have ties with the real culprit. you can''t consider their testimonies as fair."

    the judge said with a stern voice. "The victim won''t speak unless I say."

    Rei looked at the girls who were framing him. They were smiling as they talked amongst themselves. One of the girls said to Rei''s sister, "There is a law where situational testimonies are taken into consideration. Why don''t you admit it that your brother is a murderer?"

    Rei''s sister glared at her and said, "Shut your mouth."

    The judge said to Rei''s sister, "This is no way to conduct yourself in the court, ma''am."

    Eventually, Rei was arrested and sent to jail. Rei''s sister would visit him every month and would console him that she would get him free. She often researched the ones who framed him and tried to find evidence. One day she saw how Rei was affected by the Jail''s environment. she saw his misogynistic behaviour towards her and said "Hey brother, I am very close to getting you out so just hold on and don''t let the one who framed you change who you are" Rei''s eyes suddenly widened as he heard her saw that then she said "brother, you have a pure heart don''t let that witch taint you"

    As Rei was drifting in the water, he thought, "Why? Why did this happen? What happened after this? Answer me!!!!"

    Another memory came to his mind. This time, during visiting hours, her sister was not present, but the same woman who framed him was. Rei said, "How are you in here laws states no one except the family member can meet the prisoner"

    she said. "The laws have been very loose lately, you know. I came to tell you that a bug oh no more like a bitch tried to get in my way and had a little accident."

    Rei''s eyes widened. "No, don''t tell me."

    She said while smiling, "You know that even little accidents are dangerous, so she just passed away."

    Rei started hammering the glass that was separating him and the woman. He said, "You, how dare you? I will kill you, just you wait." The guards came and took the woman out as Rei kept banging on the glass. When Rei was exhausted, the guards took him.

    As Rei was still drifting, he was angry. Suddenly, he again remembered, "Brother, you have a pure heart; don''t let that witch taint you.".

    Emilia, who was still chasing Rei''s drifting body. She was worried because she had not seen his head out of the water for a while. Suddenly, a hand slowly started coming from the water. The hand grasped a rock that was near it. Rei thought, "I was powerless before, but I won''t be now. I am ready to change myself. I will not go down without a fight.". Rei''s head finally emerged from the water again.

    Still, as he struggled against the current, Rei felt a surge of instinctive trust he couldn''t suppress because Emilia''s face of worry was the same expression that her sister wore in his past life. For the first time, his voice carried genuine emotion. "Help me, Emilia!" he shouted, his voice breaking through the roar of the river.

    Hearing her name, Emilia''s resolve solidifies. Her grip on her wand tightened as she ran faster, her heart pounding in her chest. "Let the water guide me! Turn into a wall and protect my loved ones¡ªWater Wall!"

    The river surged as her spell took effect. A shimmering wall of water rose from the currents beneath Rei, gently pushing him upward and out of the river''s grasp. The wall redirected him toward the riverbank, and as he came within reach, Emilia darted forward and caught him, pulling him into her arms.

    She held Rei close, her own breaths labored from the effort. "Shh, it''s alright, Rei. I''ve got you now. You''re safe," she whispered, her voice soothing as she rubbed his back gently.

    For the first time in a long while, the flicker of warmth in Emilia''s words began to melt away the chill of Rei''s guarded heart. He felt an unfamiliar sense of relief, a vulnerability he rarely allowed himself to experience. Despite everything, Emilia''s unwavering concern and determination to save him sparked something within him¡ªsomething fragile yet undeniably real.

    "Thank... thank you, Emilia," Rei said, his voice carrying a mix of hesitation and sincerity. It was rare for him to express gratitude, especially to a girl. But she had saved him¡ªthere was no denying that¡ªand it felt wrong not to acknowledge her effort.

    Emilia''s eyes widened in surprise at his words, and a soft smile began to grace her face. Gratitude from Rei, given his guarded nature and past, was no small feat. But as her heart lifted, his next words tempered her joy.

    "However," Rei continued, his tone hardening, "it doesn''t mean I''ve changed my mind about girls. They''re still manipulative."

    The warmth in Emilia''s smile faltered but didn''t fade completely. She sighed, recognizing the weight of the bitterness Rei carried. It wasn''t something she could erase in a moment¡ªor perhaps ever. Still, what he said next caught her completely off guard.

    "But... it''s just... you''re an exception."

    Emilia blinked, her surprise evident. She hadn''t expected that. Her eyes softened, and her smile returned, warmer and more genuine this time. "I... thank you, Rei. That means a lot to me, more than you know."

    She paused, her gaze searching his for any trace of the walls he kept so firmly in place. "I know trusting people¡ªtrusting me¡ªdoesn''t come easily for you. And I won''t pretend to understand everything you''ve been through. But I promise you, I won''t give up. I''ll keep trying to show you that not everyone fits the image you have in your mind."

    Emilia stepped closer, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "And just so you know," she said, her tone earnest, "I''m not like the other girls you''ve met. I have my own path, my own purpose. And right now, that purpose is helping you. Not because I have to, but because I want to. I see something in you, Rei, and I''m willing to take the time to help you see it too."

    Emilia was reaching her goal. Though progress was small, it was steady.

 Hannas Naming Ceremony

    From that day onwards, Rei began talking with Lily and Hanna a bit more, trying his best to connect with them. Lily and Hanna saw Rei trying to connect with them, so they also tried to connect with him.

    Rei was trying his best now to forget the injustices that happened in his past life and live his current life.

    Rei practiced swordsmanship with Hanna in the morning, which made her very happy, and he sometimes complimented Lily''s food, which made Lily happy too. Emilia would also train Rei in his element manipulation, and Rei honed his skills well. Slowly but surely, Rei''s cold heart was healing. He could feel a little happiness now, though his cautious side had not faded. He was still cautious around the girls who would try to approach him and give them a bad eye.

    One day, after practicing elemental manipulation when Rei and Emilia approached his home, laughter and chatter filled the air. The house stood adorned with colorful banners and streamers, vivid decorations casting a festive glow over the gathering. The air was thick with the aroma of baked treats and fresh flowers, mingling with the lively sound of conversations.

    Rei''s steps faltered slightly as he remembered the occasion. It was Hanna''s first naming ceremony¡ªa momentous event celebrated every ten years in this world.

    Rei had recently learned that calendars exist in this world, too. They are currently in 73 Jein. 2 years is considered as 1 jein.

    The naming ceremony was unlike any ordinary gathering. Birthdays didn''t exist in this world; instead, each individual celebrated the anniversary of their naming, a sacred event where they get their last name, which marks personal growth and identity. The ceremony itself was rich with tradition. Guests gathered not just to celebrate but to bestow recognition and a title upon the individual, a symbolic gesture that carried meaning for the next decade.

    Inside the house, the main hall had been transformed. Soft, golden light from lanterns bathed the room, reflecting off intricate tapestries hung for the occasion. A circle of polished stones was arranged at the center, representing the individual''s connection to the world''s elements and their journey. Hanna stood near the circle, a mixture of excitement and nerves flickering in her expression.

    As the guests arrived, Rei noticed their glances¡ªa mix of judgment and wariness directed at him. Most of the attendees were Hanna''s friends from school, and their whispers didn''t go unnoticed. The misunderstandings surrounding Rei''s demeanor had painted an unfair picture of him in their eyes. They believed he bullied Hanna, fueling a narrative far from the truth.

    The sting of their looks rekindled Rei''s guarded nature. The progress Emilia had worked so hard to nurture began to unravel. Sensing this, Emilia quickly intervened, leading him away from the guests. Her determination to keep the ceremony from devolving into conflict was evident.

    Hanna, meanwhile, had been watching from a distance. A sigh escaped her lips as she saw the interaction. Deep down, she craved recognition and admiration from her brother. This day, her special moment, was supposed to bring them closer. Yet her plans seemed to crumble before her eyes.

    Emilia turned to Rei with a soft smile, her voice calm yet reassuring. "Don''t worry about their actions. Let''s just enjoy this celebration."

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    Rei nodded reluctantly, recognizing the futility of clashing with the other kids. Together, they stepped back into the hall.

    The ceremony began as the room fell silent. Hanna was guided to the circle of stones by a family friend, who stood in as the ceremonial officiant. Words of blessing were spoken, a prayer for strength, wisdom, and resilience. The stones at her feet glowed faintly, each one pulsing with a soft light as if resonating with her presence.

    A delicate harp melody filled the air as the next part of the ceremony unfolded. Hanna stood poised and serene, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke her vows of growth and commitment for the coming decade. The guests, despite their earlier skepticism, watched in admiration as she carried herself with grace and poise. Finally, she was granted the last name Millford, which was the last name of Lily. Before Hanna and Rei''s birth, Thomas and Lily had decided that if they had a son, he would take the last name of Thomas, and if they had a daughter, she would take the last name of Lily. Hanna''s name now was Hanna Millford.

    The celebration was in full swing as Rei finally stepped out of his room, the three handwritten books clutched in his hands. Downstairs, the laughter and chatter filled the air, underscored by the occasional clink of glasses. As he reached the gathering, his gaze found Hanna surrounded by family and friends, her youthful excitement lighting up the room.

    Lily stood with a thoughtful expression, her voice soft yet clear as she suggested, "How about the title ''The Sunflower Child''? After all, Hanna has always loved visiting the sunflower fields."

    Hanna wrinkled her nose, clearly not thrilled by the suggestion. "Oh no, I wanted a cool title!" she protested, crossing her arms.

    Lily smiled gently, smoothing a strand of Hanna''s hair. "Now, now. Don''t forget, your title reflects your childhood, the things that make you uniquely you."

    Hanna huffed in mild frustration but said nothing more, her gaze drifting toward the gifts awaiting her. "Fine," she said, albeit grudgingly. "Let''s get to the gifts then."

    Lily stepped forward first, presenting her offerings: a delicate set of jewelry, an elegant dress in Hanna''s favorite colors, and a silk ribbon. "These are for you, my dear," she said warmly. "You''ll look beautiful wearing them." Hanna smiled, thanking her mother as she admired the shimmering pieces.

    Next, Thomas approached with his practical, sturdy gifts. He handed her a finely crafted dagger with an intricately etched hilt, a pair of durable boots perfect for exploring, and a set of artisan tools wrapped in leather. "For when you need strength and resourcefulness," he said with a proud nod. Hanna grinned, clearly pleased with the functional items, and thanked him enthusiastically.

    Then came Rei''s turn. He stepped forward, feeling the weight of the three books in his hands. For a moment, there was silence as all eyes turned to him. Hanna''s gaze held a flicker of something unspoken¡ªanticipation, perhaps? He extended the books toward her, one by one, saying simply, "These are for you."

    Hanna''s fingers brushed over the covers, her eyes wide with curiosity as she read the titles: physics, chemistry, and mathematics, all handwritten by Rei. Her lips curved into a soft smile as she looked up at him, nodding in gratitude. This was the first time he had spoken directly to her in such a meaningful way, and it showed in her expression.

    Finally, Emilia stepped forward, her presence drawing warmth into the room. She handed Hanna a beautifully carved magic wand, a thick book filled with her personal records and notes on magic, and a guidebook to casting spells. "For your journey into magic," Emilia said with a smile. "I hope these will help you grow even stronger." Hanna accepted the gifts with an excited nod, her eyes lighting up as she thanked Emilia.

    As the gifts were exchanged, the room buzzed with energy. Each offering was a reflection of its giver: the love and refinement of Lily, the practicality and strength of Thomas, the knowledge and growth Rei offered, and the magical promise from Emilia.

    And while Hanna marveled at the gifts, Rei stood back, observing quietly. The title "The Sunflower Child" now seemed fitting in its own way¡ªa reminder of Hanna''s bright, optimistic spirit that often reminded others of sunshine, even if she didn''t realize it herself.

 Hannas Departure

    During the night, when everyone went away and the party ended, it was time for sleeping. Everyone slept in their respective rooms. Emilia was preparing some of the notes from the books that were present here to take with her. She suddenly saw Hanna practicing swordsmanship by her window; however, her sword techniques seemed a little too cluncky than the usual sword techniques, and then a blast of fire magic was fired by her. Emilia was shocked by what she was doing and went to her and asked, "What are you doing, Hanna? and what was with that bolt of fire magic?"

    Hanna replied, "I am trying to make a new type of combat technique that uses magic and weapons to strengthen the attacks". Emilia was surprised by what she heard and said, "Actually, it''s not possible, Hanna. Shyla Kabergan already told the reason behind it in her book about that". Hanna just kept practicing and said, "Yeah, I have read it, but I think it''s all imagination for others until someone makes it real. We have Rei as a real live example of it. I bet many great people have published books saying Spirit arts can''t be used as a magic too". Emilia was not able to reply to what she said; after all, it was true. Heinz Schowider, Uzena Quell, and many other great people made these comments only to be proven wrong by some kid from a backwater village.

    However, Emilia did not stay silent and retorted, "That might be so, but accept it we are not made for great things. Unlike your brother, you can''t make a new technique after casting a whole lengthy incantation. You can only use a little burst of magic. It''s not possible to keep it at a steady flow rather than making a path just like Rei. You can make a path parallel to Rei."

    Hanna suddenly stopped and said, "Yeah, it is not possible to keep a steady flow of magic, not if I only cast a whole incantation. Yes, I can do this. I am going to my room". Emilia was suddenly confused and said, "What just happened? But it looks like Hanna is not practicing anymore. Now that''s good; she is going to face a tough day tomorrow."

    The next day, as you and Emilia return from your training session at the riverbank, Rei can''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment, even if the result was just a small wall of water. The progress, though slow, is undeniable, as the area of control gradually expands. Emilia, patient as ever, doesn''t rush him, understanding that this process is more akin to creation than mere learning. After all, spirit arts are not typically used to create elements.

    However, as they approach the house, a sense of unease settles over Rei. The atmosphere is heavy and tense, and before long, Hanna stumbles out of the house, clutching a large bag. Bruises mark her skin, evidence of recent injuries, and Rei feels a sharp pang of concern.

    Before she leaves, Rei speaks for the first time with sincerity in his voice. "Hanna, I am sorry for how I behaved. I hope- no, I want that the next time we meet, we''ll share a ton of our stories."

    Hanna pauses and turns her gaze to him, her expression softening just slightly as she replies, "Yes, I promise."

    She continues walking, her steps determined, though unseen by anyone, tears streaming down her face. They are not tears of pain from the beating but tears of emotion¡ªthis is the first time Rei has referred to her as his sister.

    Emilia watches the scene silently, her expression unreadable, as though she understands the reason behind Hanna''s abrupt departure but chooses not to share. Nearby, Thomas stands stoically, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his hip, watching until Hanna disappears from view.

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    Lily''s tears flow freely, her anguish clear, but no one speaks of what has happened. It feels like an unspoken agreement has been made¡ªto let Hanna leave without protest, to give her the space she seems to need.

    Emilia turns to Rei, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Why don''t we go inside, Rei? I think your parents could use some time alone right now. And Hanna... well, she''ll be back someday."

    She placed a comforting hand on Rei''s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Sometimes, the most we can do is be there for them, even if it means giving them the space they need. That''s what family is for, after all."

    Rei went inside, already engrossed in his studies, not paying much mind to the earlier events. He knew Hanna would be safe and was confident she could take care of herself. As Rei delved into the complex language of Eden, his understanding grew deeper with each passing day. The intricacies of the foreign tongue began to unravel before him, and his focus remained unwavering, even as the tension lingered in the air of his home.

    Days turned into weeks, and during this time, Rei began to open up¡ªnot just to Emilia but also to Lily. He would help his mother with her work, sharing once-rare moments. Both Thomas and Lily noticed the change, their happiness evident in their smiles as Rei began to show a side of himself they had longed to see.

    On the 37th day, Rei found himself back at the riverbank, Emilia by his side. She watched intently as he experimented with his spirit arts, summoning and releasing gusts of wind to manipulate the water into a delicate wall. It was an impressive sight¡ªa remarkable attempt at bending the elements to his will through spirit arts, but the result was far from perfect.

    Emilia clapped softly, her expression a mix of awe and pride. "Rei, that''s... incredible. I''ve never seen anything like this before. To think you''ve taken the foundational concepts of water magic and adapted them to your spirit arts... It''s brilliant."

    Her smile softened as her eyes traced the fragile, shimmering water wall. Concern crept into her voice. "But... It''s so delicate. A strong gust of wind or even a small disturbance could cause it to collapse entirely. You''ve taken the first step, but there''s still so much more to refine."

    Emilia stepped closer, her tone filled with encouragement and gentle caution. "This is just the beginning, Rei. With time and practice, you''ll master this technique and create water walls that can withstand even the strongest of forces. For now, though, consider this a victory. You''ve opened a new path in spirit arts¡ªa path no one else has ventured before."

    During this time, Lily was pregnant with another child. At two months in, she carried a small but growing life within her, with five more months remaining until the child would be born in this world''s unique seven-month gestation period.

    Rei immersed himself in honing his spirit arts, throwing himself fully into developing new techniques. After a week of focused effort, he discovered the concept of seismic waves. By directing them strategically, he realized he could manipulate the earth itself, creating a powerful and unyielding wall.

    For five days, Rei worked tirelessly, channeling his Qi into the ground beneath him. Every motion, every focus of energy, brought him closer to his goal. Finally, with a burst of determination and skill, he succeeded in raising an earth wall stretching an impressive 42 feet from his starting point¡ªa testament to his growing power and innovation.

    Eager to share his discovery, Rei demonstrated the technique to Kaiser and Luster. He carefully showed them the intricate hand signs required to manifest the wall, explaining the importance of channeling the seismic energy effectively. Both watched in awe, their enthusiasm palpable as they witnessed the blurring of traditional magic and spirit arts¡ªa technique unlike anything they had ever seen.

    The following day, as Rei strolled alongside Emilia, she brought up an idea that had yet to cross his mind. "You know, Rei, you''re essentially creating an entirely new branch of spirit arts. It''s not just a technique¡ªit''s something revolutionary. It needs a name," she said, her voice thoughtful as she glanced at him with a curious smile.

    Rei pondered her words, the weight of his discovery sinking in. Spirit arts had always been used alongside weapons, acting as an extension of the user. But what he was doing¡ªdirect manipulation of the elements through spirit arts¡ªwas something entirely new.

    After a moment of contemplation, a name formed in his mind, one that felt fitting for this new frontier. "Sorcery," he said, letting the word roll off his tongue with satisfaction. "And those who practice, if it is a male, he would be called a wizard and if it is a female, she would be called a witch. It''s a nod to the elements I''m manipulating and a testament to the primal power behind my spirit."

    Emilia smiled warmly at his declaration, her eyes alight with admiration. "Sorcery," she repeated, her tone carrying a sense of reverence. "A name worthy of what you''re creating, Rei. You''re carving a path for something extraordinary."

    Rei couldn''t help but feel a flicker of pride at her words. For the first time, he realized that his journey wasn''t just about pushing his own limits but redefining the possibilities of spirit arts for the world to come.

 Emilias Departure

    The next stage of Rei''s training involved mastering the remaining basic magic techniques: Earth Pillar, Earth Strike, Earth Slide, Tunnel, Water Wave, Water Strike, and Water Slices. Over four intense months, Rei poured all focus into learning each one. During this time, Rei also created a unique magic¡ªWater Bubble¡ªallowing the creation of an air pocket beneath the water to breathe. It was a groundbreaking idea that showcased Rei''s innovative approach to magic.

    Emilia watched Rei''s rapid progress and couldn''t help but feel overshadowed by the brilliance displayed. Determined not to fall behind, she pushed herself harder, delving into intermediate magic. After relentless practice, Emilia achieved a significant milestone: mastering the powerful Earth Tomb spell.

    The day after her success, Emilia led Rei to an open field. The air was heavy with anticipation, the sun casting long shadows as it descended toward the horizon. Standing in the center of the field, she turned to Rei, her expression serious.

    "Now," she said, her voice steady and resolute, "it''s time for the final test of your spirit arts against intermediate earth magic."

    Rei nodded, bracing for whatever was to come.

    Emilia stepped back, closing her eyes as she began her incantation. The ground trembled beneath her feet, the air thickening with the gathering energy. Her voice carried authority as she invoked her spell:

    "Earth, lend me your support, destroy my enemies, and send them to their deaths. Earth Tomb!"

    With a deafening roar, massive chunks of earth erupted from the ground, forming a colossal, jagged boulder. It loomed before Rei, its sheer size and density a testament to Emilia''s mastery of intermediate magic.

    Reacting without hesitation, Rei tapped into spirit arts. The air around swirled as Rei generated a powerful whirlwind, the centrifugal force whipping through the field. Channeling seismic waves into the earth beneath, Rei sent a barrage of rock and soil toward the towering boulder.

    As the debris swirled in the vortex of wind, Rei took control, lifting it into the air and turning it into a spinning projectile. The once-immobile boulder was now at the mercy of manipulated forces.

    Focusing energy, Rei crafted a new technique¡ªa concentrated Rock Tomb. The dense sphere of compressed air and countless rocks shimmered, pulsing with destructive potential.

    With a shout, Rei unleashed the Rock Tomb. It screamed through the air, its trajectory precise and unyielding. The blast struck the boulder head-on, detonating with incredible force. The explosion sent shockwaves through the field, shattering the massive construct into countless fragments.

    As the dust and debris settled, Rei stood amidst the devastation, chest heaving with exertion. The field lay in ruins, a testament to creativity and control, as well as Emilia''s raw magical strength.

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    Turning to her, Rei met her gaze with a mix of pride and caution. Emilia''s expression was unreadable for a moment before it softened into a smile.

    "Impressive," she said, her voice warm with admiration. "You''re not just mastering spirit arts, Rei¡ªyou''re redefining them."

    The words struck a chord in Rei, affirming not just the progress but the path being carved through sheer will and determination.

    Emilia looks at Rei with a mix of awe and bewilderment, her brow furrowed as she tries to reconcile Rei''s accomplishments with her understanding of magic and spirit arts. In just a single year, Rei has not only created an entirely new branch of spirit arts that is Sorcery but also integrated elemental manipulation into it¡ªfeats that were once thought impossible.

    "I... I don''t understand it, Rei. If someone like me, hailed as a genius by my village, struggles to grasp such feats with magic, what does that make you?" she murmured, her voice a confusing blend of pride and envy. Shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts, she adds, "You''ve taken everything I''ve taught you and not only mastered it but pushed the boundaries of what''s possible."

    Suddenly, Rei realized she was going to leave. A foreign sadness settled deep in Rei''s chest, a sensation that hadn''t been felt in years. Some tears began to form in Rei''s eyes, but they never escaped. Still, Emilia noticed the unshed tears shimmering, and her expression softened.

    As the realization sank in for both of them, Emilia''s expression turned bittersweet. She knew that Rei''s growth had far outpaced what she could teach, and the thought of leaving filled her with a deep sadness. "You always are a step ahead of me. I suppose tomorrow is farewell, then," she said softly, her smile tinged with melancholy. "You''ve learned everything I could impart to you."

    Reaching into her pocket, Emilia pulled out a beautiful pendant crafted from a deep, vibrant blue crystal. The krystalite shimmered and danced in the light, catching Rei''s gaze.

    "Here, take this pendant," Emilia explained, her voice steady as her fingers worked deftly to fasten the chain around Rei''s neck. "It''s made from the finest blue krystalite I could find. As long as you wear this, you''ll be able to use basic water magic¡ªeven without possessing any innate magical ability yourself."

    The pendant settled against Rei''s chest, the hot touch of the krystalite a constant reminder of Emilia''s gift and the power it bestowed. Its weight was more than just physical; it was a symbol of everything Rei had achieved and the path that lay ahead.

    Emilia''s eyes lingered on Rei for a moment longer before she looked away, her emotions hidden behind a practiced smile. Tomorrow, she would leave, but the bond they had formed would remain.

    As Rei stands in the house the next day, Emilia enters with a thoughtful expression, carrying a small, intricately crafted object. She holds out a slender, 9-inch long stick made of deep, polished black wood, topped with a swirling, smoky grey gemstone that seems to shift and dance. The intricate symbols on it made it look like a specter instead of a wand.

    "Here, Rei. Take this," she said, pressing the object into Rei''s hands with a gentle smile.

    Rei stares at the wand¡ªor what it appears to be¡ªwith a mix of confusion and curiosity. A frown crosses Rei''s face as the question comes, "Emilia, I''m not a mage, and I can''t use magic. Why are you giving me a wand?"

    Emilia chuckles softly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. "Typically, a mage would gift their student with a wand upon their graduation, but your case is... unique. This," she explains, gesturing to the object in Rei''s hands, "is not a typical wand. I made this special for you."

    She pauses, choosing her words carefully. "It''s a conductor for your qi, Rei. The wood and stone within radiate a subtle energy that can help you direct your spirit arts more efficiently and increase the range of your manipulation. Think of it as an extension of your own power."

    Emilia shrugs slightly, a hint of a grin playing at the corners of her mouth. "I don''t know what to call it since it''s the first of its kind. That''s why I leave the naming to you. Why don''t you choose a name that feels right for this unique tool?"

    Rei ponders the object, turning it over in their hands, feeling the smooth, polished wood and the cool, pulsing energy of the gemstone. A name from another life surfaces in Rei''s mind, and a soft smile spreads across their face.

    "How about... Sceptre? A wand for Wizards and Witch will be called a Scepter and the name of this Sceptre.... I''ll call it Chaos. It has a certain... appeal to it," Rei muses, the name rolling off their tongue with a sense of familiarity. In ancient Greek mythology, Chaos is a primordial deity representing the primordial emptiness or void from which the universe and all things emerged, which perfectly describes your Sorcery.

    Emilia nods, her smile widening. "It''s a bit of a strange name, but it''s fitting. The Chaos¡ªa symbol of the unpredictable and chaotic path that lies ahead. Yes, that suits you perfectly. The next time we will meet, we will discuss our adventures that we had, okay?". Rei said "yes we will".

    With a final, warm smile and a wave, Emilia turns to leave, stepping out of the house and out of Rei''s life, at least for now. Her presence may be gone, but the impact she''d had remained, forever etched in Rei''s heart.

 Menacing Rei

    After Emilia''s departure, Rei immerses himself in fire manipulation. The days became weeks, and weeks into months, as Rei experimented tirelessly, drawing inspiration from concepts like the fire piston and utilizing oxygen as a medium to tame the unpredictable element. Rei, Kaiser, and Luster dedicate countless hours to their respective pursuits near the familiar riverbank, forming an unspoken camaraderie.

    Luster after practices also started cooking, ensuring Rei and Kaiser are well-fed and cared for during their training sessions. His culinary skills and the warmth of his comforting cloak during chilly evenings become a cherished part of their routine. Kaiser, on the other hand, dives deep into his sword training, guided by Thomas, who teaches him the intricate movements of the Central Sword Style: Earth Form.

    In this world, there are 5 sword styles. The North Sword Style relies on sharp cuts at the body like the Northern plain''s winds. South Sword Style relies on gentle swings like the water waves from the Southern ocean. West Sword Style that relies on short movements like the Western sands, Eastern Sword style that relies on covering quick continous swings at the head like the Eastern mountains, and Central Sword style that relies on attacks from unexpected locations like the dangerous Central Forest. Each Sword Style has 5 forms: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Woods, and each form has 9 verses.

    Kaiser''s relentless determination allows him to surpass even Rei in swordsmanship, a fact he relays with pride. He eagerly shares the knowledge of the first verse, "Sword Meets Sword," with Rei, encouraging him to master the foundational techniques. The sound of clashing steel filled the air as Rei worked diligently to refine his skills, determined to close the gap between his progress and Kaiser''s newfound expertise.

    Meanwhile, Thomas, inspired by Rei''s innovations, dedicates himself to learning the hand signs Rei had developed for elemental manipulation. The chaos of his younger years seems to transform into focused energy as he begins to wield the elements with increasing precision and confidence.

    Back at home, the atmosphere shifts with the arrival of Maria, Rei''s newborn sister. Lily and Thomas pour their energy into caring for the infant, navigating sleepless nights and the challenges of raising a child after years of relative calm. Despite the bustling household, Rei''s journey remains steadfast.

    Rei channels their energy into perfecting both spirit arts and combat, finding balance amidst the changes. Each day brings them closer to mastering fire manipulation, a symbol of their unwavering determination and the path they''ve chosen to walk.

    While it was still a long time before Kaiser and Luster would have their first naming ceremony, Rei had already begun preparing gifts for the occasion. It was a way to show gratitude for the bond they shared. Over time, Rei had completely opened up to Lily, their mother, and the hatred they once held for girls had finally vanished.

    One day, while practicing sword techniques with Kaiser and Thomas in the open yard, a villager ran toward them, his face etched with worry and fear. The man''s voice was trembling as he exclaimed, "Mr. Thomas! I saw some bandits heading near the village. They seem to possess magic¡ªwe need to do something!"

    Thomas immediately sprang into action, his commanding presence filling the space. "Alright, listen up!" he barked. "We have a situation. Spread the word, door to door, and warn everyone. Gather any weapons you can find and transfer all the women and children to the safe house. Tell the women who can fight or heal to meet us at the village gate¡ªwe''ll need everyone''s help!"

    Lily, her expression a mix of fear and determination, hurried over to Rei. She pressed little Maria into Rei''s arms. The baby''s small form was warm and soft against Rei''s chest. "Rei, take Maria to the west side of the village. Protect her, no matter what," she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. Without waiting for a response, Lily and Thomas rushed toward the village gate to coordinate the defense.

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    Rei quickly secured Maria to his back with a sturdy cloth, freeing his hands for combat. Kaiser joined him, and together, they sprinted toward the west side. Along the way, they encountered a group of students from the village school. Armed with simple weapons, the students stood resolute. Rei recognized them instantly as former classmates. The girls carried expressions of anger and determination, while the boys seemed stoic and focused.

    "Come, let''s go!" Rei called out to them. "Where are the women?"

    Kaiser replied without hesitation, "They''re headed north. Don''t worry about them."

    Rei asked, "Should not the women stay with us?"

    Kaiser replied, "No, if both the women and children got caught, no one would survive, so that''s why we are separated so that if one group gets caught, they could send a signal to the skies for the other group to flee."

    Rei could not argue the practicality of this tactic. North was a particularly eye-catching area, a place where if bandits breached, they would go to. However, if the bandits somehow went west first, the children would be left vulnerable, but at least he knew that the women were in the North.

    With that reassurance, Rei led the group forward. But on the other side of the village, chaos erupted. A group of frightened villagers arrived, shouting pleas for help.

    "Please, help us!" a woman cried, her voice breaking.

    "What''s happening? Aren''t they bandits?" another villager asked in confusion, their face pale with fear.

    One of the frightened newcomers gasped out an explanation. "The bandits threatened us to come to the village so they could attack from the west! They''re using us as bait!"

    A murmur of panic spread through the crowd, and one villager, an older man with a weathered face, shouted, "Our children are headed to the west side!"

    Thomas, who had been coordinating the defense, froze for a split second before his commanding voice rang out. "We have to save them! Let''s move out, now!"

    Rei felt his grip on the sword tighten, his heart pounding in his chest. Maria''s small weight on his back grounded him, reminding him of his responsibility. With every fiber of their being, He was determined to protect her and the others. Innocent lives hung in the balance, and Rei would not falter.

    Suddenly an explosion happened in the wall. It was an intermediate fire magic flame blast, which destroyed the wall, and a group of bandits barged in.

    The bandits, a motley crew of rugged, battle-hardened warriors, charged toward your group with reckless abandon. Their commander used another fire blast. Their eyes widened in surprise as Rei quickly conjured 3 makeshift earth walls using the Chaos sceptre, the ground trembling and rising to form a barrier between the group and the oncoming threat. The Fire blast collided with the 3 walls and destroyed them, but Rei created another earth wall. For a moment, the thought of retreat crossed Rei''s mind, but he dismissed it immediately. The bandits were adults, stronger and more experienced than their group. One lesson from swordsmanship rang clear in Rei''s mind: showing your back to an opponent was equivalent to death. The only way out was to fight.

    Rei gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath, "Damn it, what''s happening..."

    Panic spread among the classmates like wildfire.

    "What''s going to happen to us?" one shouted.

    "Are we going to die?" another whimpered, trembling.

    Some students broke ranks, turning to flee. "Stop!" Rei yelled, his voice firm and commanding. The runners froze in place, turning to see Rei''s determined face staring down at their frightened expressions.

    "Everyone, form a group with your friends!" Rei barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Girls, use your ranged weapons and magic to attack from a distance! Boys, ready your melee weapons and prepare for close combat!"

    The children hesitated, their fear etched in their faces. One boy shouted, "Why should we listen to you? How can we trust you''re not just using us to escape?"

    Rei thought, "If this was a year ago, I would have abandoned them and run for my life. However, things are different now." Rei glanced at Maria, who was sleeping, and made a determined face.

    Rei''s gaze hardened as he responded, "If we wanted to retreat, those bandits couldn''t stop me, Kaiser, or Luster. But this isn''t just about us. If we run, you''ll all be left defenseless. If you want to survive, follow my lead."

    Rei said, "Within this ragtag group of children, only I, Kaiser, and Luster have the most experience. If you want to survive alongside me."

    A girl and a boy from the group said, "We won''t follow you." "Like hell you can do anything". Soon, everyone started cursing Rei. Kaiser and Luster wanted to retort, but Rei stopped them. He made a disgusted face and pointed the Chaos sceptre towards the kids. Rei then said in an angry tone, "Fine, have it your way, anyone who doesn''t follows me would die." The children looked at Rei with horror and fearful face a girl said "You won''t do it, even you-" However before she could say anymore Rei used wind slice which left a cut on her cheeks. Blood trickled down from her cheeks. She put her hands in the cheeks and then checked her hand and saw blood. She got on her knees and screamed in horror.

    The children now took a huge gulp, and Rei said in a menacing tone, "Either you die, or you fight. I don''t want to hear any more excuses."

    One by one, all the children began to step forward, nodding in agreement with pure fear and horror.

    Rei turned to them, his expression fierce and unyielding. "Listen up, you fools! If you want to live, you need to follow my orders. Now move, and stay close together!"

 Divided we stand as one

    "I''m opening the barrier!" Rei shouted, channeling his qi into the sceptre. The earth wall trembled and shifted, breaking apart into a barrage of earth bullets. As the bandits lunged forward, the projectiles ripped through the air with a sharp whistle.

    The bullets struck with devastating force. While the more experienced bandits dodged and the bandits with magic deflected the assault, several were caught off guard and stumbled back with light injuries. The momentary chaos gave the group a critical advantage.

    Rei, Kaiser, and Luster surged to the forefront, leading the charge. Their battle cries pierced the air as they dashed toward the bandits, courage blazing in their eyes. The bandit sent their low-level rookies to deal with them. Rei had predicted that they would send low-level bandits; it was all part of his plan. He was able to predict this because they were kids, so the bandits underestimated them. The clash of steel against steel echoed across the battlefield as the students engaged the bandits in close combat. Improvised weapons clashed against blades and armor, each strike fueled by desperation and determination.

    Rei created earth walls between the rookie bandits and led all the children who could use magic into the forefront of the battle.

    The Bandits, with magic, started attacking with spells from a distance; however, Rei erected an earth wall shielding the kids from the magic. Rei soon created countless earth walls to prevent mages'' attacks from hurting the kids. The battlefield was now divided into 2 sides. On one side, the children who did not possess any magic fought with low-level bandits in groups alongside Luster. On the other side, the children with magic stood behind Rei and Kaiser, who were faced with more experienced bandits and bandits who possessed magic.

    Rei stood firm, Maria secure on his back, the Chaos sceptre in hand. He could feel the weight of responsibility pressing on his shoulders. The villagers, the children, and their families¡ªthey were all counting on this moment. Steeling himself, Rei stepped into the fray, his heart burning with resolve.

    The battle had begun, and Rei was determined to protect everyone, no matter the cost.

    Two bandits came in front of the mages. Rei saw that both of them were holding swords. Kaiser readied his sword.

    One of the bandits said to Rei, "You have a great tactic. I am the bandit commander, and even I am impressed, separating mages and rookie bandits. We thought this was a backwater village, but there are some prodigies here."

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    Rei remained on his guard and said, "Our parents will come here soon. If you leave now, we will act like nothing happened, and you can attack some other village. How does that sound?"

    The bandit commander laughed and said, "Are you for real? You are a very interesting person making a deal like this." His laughter turned into a menacing look and he said, "However, that''s what makes you the most dangerous." He lunged at Rei, and Rei created an earth wall.

    Similarly, the other bandit also lunged forward, passing through Rei, but Kaiser used his sword to intercept him before he reached any other kids.

    On the other side, the battle surges on, each moment blending into the next, an unrelenting whirlwind of steel, grit, and raw willpower. The bandit general before Rei narrows his eyes, his smirk faltering as he underestimates the young warrior''s resolve. With the Chaos sceptre pulsing in his grip, Rei channels his qi to reform the shattered earth wall into a barrage of compact, razor-sharp earth shards. They hurtle toward the bandit general, forcing him to weave and dodge with surprising agility for someone of his bulk.

    "You''ve got guts, kid," the bandit commander growls, rubbing a grazed arm. "But guts won''t save you."

    "Maybe not," Rei retorts, stepping forward, his gaze unwavering. "But they''re enough to stop you."

    The clash is a furious blur. The bandit general slashes at Rei with relentless strikes, his blade gleaming under the sunlight. Each swing tests Rei''s defences, but he matches the general move for move, countering with earthen shields and well-aimed earth projectiles. Each exchange drains Rei''s energy, but he refuses to falter.

    Nearby, Kaiser engages his opponent with a deadly rhythm of swordplay and spirit arts. The bandit said, "You know who I am, the bandit general." Kasier, in turn, replied, "I don''t care who you are, you won''t pass me." The bandit general attacks Kaiser with more experienced swordplay; however, Kaiser uses earth bullet because the Bandit general was not expecting it. He got grazed by it, and blood trickled down from his grazed skin.

    Though the bandit general outclasses him in experience, Kaiser''s adaptive use of earth bullets keeps his foe off balance. Sweat drips from his brow as his voice rings out over the clamor: "I''m not going down before you do!" His blade met the bandit''s with a resounding clang, a testament to his growing skill.

    Watching the battle between Rei and Kaiser, the children who possess magic and the bandit mages decide to join the fray, too. Both sides attacked with barrages of magic spells. Since many children could use magic, many of the children who possessed earth attributes used earth walls to stop magic from the bandits, and the other children used offensive magic.

    On the other part of the battlefield, Luster fights with a methodical precision, alternating between defense and bursts of calculated aggression. His earth walls absorb punishing blows, while his earth bullets force his enemy to retreat. "Stay focused!" Luster yells to a group of classmates nearby, his voice steady despite the chaos.

    The children here, however, had no choice but to attack; the bandits were strong, and they could see it after they got pushed around. Some children were even pinned to the ground, with the bandits looking greedily at them. Most of the bandits just pinned the children to the ground, making them lose their will to fight so that they could sell them in the slave market however suddenly attacks from a sleathy place making the bandit groan as he cut a slight cut and then a loud voice rang, "don''t lose your will to fight, they want exactly that. we have to fight together." It was Bret, the class''s most charismatic kid and the who tied the class together.

 Rear gaurd Battle

    Miu, Kay, and Jay, who the bandits still pinned, heard Bret''s speech. They knew that now that things had come to this, they had to fight; otherwise, they would lose their lives. Kay and Jay looked at Miu expecting her to help however, she too was pinned, but suddenly a boy attacked the bandits and she got free. She then disappeared out of the view near the bushes.

    Kay, Jay, and Miu were trained by a retired assassin, so their attacks were not grand and instead relied on attacking from places where their enemy could not locate them. Miu, now completely blending in with her surroundings, attacked the 2 bandits that pinned Kay and Jay with her bow. Sensing the attack, the bandits dodged, but after glancing at the spot where they had left Kay and Jay, they did not find them.

    The atmosphere soon became eerie. The two boys seemed like they had disappeared into thin air; however, in reality, the two boys were behind a tree. Kay and Jay slowly climbed up on the tree, not making any sound as they moved. Miu, too, positioned herself without being found out. Suddenly, they jumped from the tree onto the bandits with daggers pointed at them. The bandits noticed it and made a posture to capture and pin them down again, but then Miu shot 2 arrows at the bandit again, and they were thrown off guard, but they were still experienced enough to dodge their Kay and Jay attack.

    Kay and Jay threw the dagger they had at the bandits, but the bandits dodged those, or that was what it seemed. Kay and Jay then swing the dagger that they had attached to a string and cut off the bandits'' hands. The bandits screamed as their hands were cut off, and 2 shots of arrows from a bow again came from the unknown locations, but the bandits dodged them.

    During that time, Kai and Jay used the string to pull the dagger back into their hands again as they attacked from behind the bandits.

    Miu, Kay, and Jay weave through the melee like shadows, their daggers finding their marks with terrifying efficiency. Their seamless teamwork outpaces their opponent, who collapses under their final, well-coordinated strike.

    Similarly, Bret had garnered a lot of attention being the most charismatic, Kisa and Kia were freeing all the pinned-down friends, and Bret and some other boys were protecting them using their swords. Whenever some bandits would pin those boys, Bret would swoop in to save them, and whenever they would try to pin down Bret, those boys would come in front of him, protecting him.

    However, Bret''s role did not stop there; he assessed the battlefield and then commanded the freed children to attack, and then they would attack a single bandit in groups of 10 and kill him. His charisma was not all that was helping him; under his leadership, children were gaining ground, too, so they kept on following him.

    Suddenly, a bandit said, "These kids are insufferable." He was coming with an intent to kill. Bret saw that and went towards him. He said, "Girls help me, boys protect them." Girls readied their bows while boys formed a wall in front them, giving them enough space to fire. The bandit came and said, "Kid, stand down. You are no match against me." Bret said, "Let''s see about that."

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    The bandit attacked Bret with his sword, but Bret dodged it and attacked with his sword; however, the bandit easily dodged the attack and kicked Bret. The bandit was going to deliver the finishing blow when suddenly a flurry of arrows came at him, and he had to dodge. Bret again got up and attacked, but he was way too inexperienced for the bandit, and the bandit dodged him again, but the flurry of arrows came again

    Bret learned to fight from a man who was a retired soldier of the royal court. Kisa and Lisa learned how to use a bow from that soldier''s wife, who also served in the royal court. Bret, Kisa, and Lisa had very patriotic hearts. Bret was very envious of Rei, who was very powerful and had a strong will that, even in this situation, he stayed behind to fight even taking the charge to fight in the forefront of the battle. He wanted that kind of bravery where one would not be afraid to even lay his life for others. After watching Rei, Luster, and Kaiser stand up, Bret, Kisa, and Kia thought that they did not want to shame their mentors by dying by the hands of the bandits or running away from a fight.

    The bandit watching Bret, tired and huffing, said with a smug face, "You should stand down now, you can''t beat me". Bret, gripping his sword tighter, said, "I still have more power inside of me." The bandit, getting tired of Bret, attacked with rage and said, "you little-" But suddenly a flurry of arrows again came Bret sensing the chance kicked the Bandit. The Bandit did not expect this and was thrown onto a cart. The Barrel from the cart dropped on his head and he saw Bret in a terrified expression now. Bret then cut off the head of the bandit.

    After killing the bandit Bret gained experience in fighting and was now able to fight any rookie bandit alone with his sword.

    However, for Dan, Hert, and Kaisy, it was different. They were the outcasts of the class, so they had no friends they could rely upon, but still, till now, they had not been pinned to the ground for even a single time.

    During the entire time of the battle, they were outrunning the 3 bandits laying traps to slow the bandits down. Dan looked at Hert with a knowing glance, and Hert nodded. Kaisy, who then looked at Dan, also nodded. Dan, Hert, and Kaisy separated. Hert suddenly dashed at the Bandit who was chasing him and attacked his leg with his hammer. Not expecting it and still tired the bandit was not able to dodge and fell on his knees. Hert quickly fled from the bandit before he could attack.

    The Bandit muttered under his breath, "That shitty child, I am going to kill him for making a fool out of me." He suddenly felt a cold metal running down his neck and constricted against his neck, making him unable to breathe. Dan had put his chain around the bandit''s neck. The bandit tried to attack Dan with his sword, but his hand was suddenly attacked by an arrow, injuring him.

    The one who attacked him was Kaisy. Dan was still being chased by his bandit pursuer, but he used the chain to drag the bandit. Furthermore, Hert was waiting for his chance to attack the bandit chasing Dan.

    Dan, Hert, and Kaisy were trained by a trio of retired adventurers who never made any big achievements. Those adventurer focused on their bonding more than their fighting style. They gave them some tips on their fighting style, but the fighting technique was built by Dan, Hert, and Kaisy themselves.

    As Dan was about to get caught, Hert used his hammer on the bandit''s leg, and the bandit groaned in pain and fell on his knees. Hert then struck the hammer on that bandit''s head, and the bandit fell unconscious. Hert then killed the bandit using the bandit''s sword. Dan hung the chain on top of a sturdy tree branch and hung the bandit to death. Before moving to his other prey, the bandit that was chasing Kaisy.

    Kaisy went to another area and saw Dan and Hert hiding, who nodded to her. She turned into an alley, and the Bandit chasing her turned, too. Dan hit the bandit''s leg with his chain, tripping him, and Hert hit on his head with his hammer. Finally Kaisy used her bow and killed the Bandit.

    Luster, too, was stopping several bandits however, he did not kill them due to being cautious about them breaching him after getting an opening and going towards the children. The battle was turning in favor of the children.