Journey to Discovery

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—one 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.

"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—it 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