That evening, as the family gathered around the dinner table, Ranav shared the news with his father. "Father, the ex village chief, Tenali Raman, has agreed to teach me swordsmanship."
Trinav's expression brightened. "The old chief? That's excellent news! He's an honest and brave man, someone I deeply respect. He was rewarded several medals from the kingdom for fighting bandits and Savage beasts. You'll learn more than swordsmanship from him, you'll learn discipline and wisdom."
Ranav smiled, pleased with his father's approval.
Trinav leaned back in his chair, a glint of pride in his eyes. "I'll take you to the knights' training ground tomorrow morning. The journey of a swordsman begins with dedication, so be prepared for hard work."
The next morning, Trinav woke Ranav before the first rays of sunlight had touched the horizon. "Get up, son. You've got training to do."
After freshening up, the two set out toward the knights' training ground. When they arrived, Tenali Raman stood waiting, he had a commanding presence that radiated authority despite his advanced age.
"Ranav, you're early. Good." The chief's voice was steady, with a hint of approval.
Trinav exchanged pleasantries with the chief while Ranav stood quietly, observing his surroundings. The training ground was a wide expanse of packed earth bordered by wooden dummies and targets. A few trainee knights practiced drills nearby, their weapons clanging rhythmically.
"Let's start with a warm-up," Tenali instructed. "Three laps around the training ground. Go."
Ranav nodded and began running. Meanwhile, Trinav and the old chief ended their conversation and Trinav left the training ground.
By the time Ranav completed his third lap, he was breathing heavily but stood tall, awaiting the next instruction. Tenali glanced at him, noting the boy's resilience.
"Good. Now, physical conditioning."
Ranav followed Tenali's guidance, moving through a series of exercises: push-ups, squats, and agility drills. Other trainees began to arrive, their curiosity piqued by the presence of a child under the chief's tutelage. Whispers spread among them.
"Who is he?"
"Isn't that Vivita's younger brother?"
"You don't know her? Vivita from our school. Suki's neighbor."
"He's just a kid. Why's the chief training him?"
Ranav ignored the murmurs, focusing on his exercises. By the time he completed the drills, his muscles burned, but his resolve was unshaken.
Tenali nodded in approval. "You have endurance. That's good. Now, let's begin your sword training. You'll start with the basics, the foundation of every swordsman in our village."
He lifted a wooden sword and demonstrated the first sequence of movements.
"Watch carefully," Tenali began.
"One: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Two: Grip the sword with both hands, your dominant hand near the hilt, the other further down.
Three: Hold the sword in front of you, the tip pointing slightly downward, to the right side of your body.
Four: Anticipate your opponent's strike.
Five: Step back and to the left, angling your sword to meet their attack.
Six: Deflect their strike, guiding it downward and away from your body.
Seven: Deliver a diagonal cut from your upper right to the opponent's exposed side.
Eight: Return to a ready stance and prepare for the next move."
Ranav watched intently as the old chief repeated the sequence, each movement fluid and precise.
"Now, your turn," Tenali said, handing him a wooden katana.
Ranav moved to an open space and began practicing the steps. As he worked, Jessica's voice echoed in his mind, her tone as sharp as the blade he imagined wielding.
"Straighten your elbow. It's slightly curved."
"Don't put too much weight on your left foot. Balance it.
"Good. Now focus on your upper right for the slash. Yes, there!"
With Jessica's guidance, Ranav refined his movements. Her corrections were so precise that even the smallest imperfections couldn't escape her notice.
After half an hour of focused practice, Ranav approached Tenali. "Chief, may I demonstrate the sequence?"
Tenali nodded. "Go ahead."
Ranav performed the routine with an accuracy that left the old chief momentarily speechless. When he regained his composure, he clapped Ranav on the shoulder.
"Well done, boy. You've got a sharp mind and a keen eye. Come back tomorrow, and we'll continue."
Ranav beamed at the praise and headed home.
After breakfast, Ranav visited Nanima's house to resume his studies. As he entered, Nanima was preparing to leave for her shop.
"Master, I've started sword training with the chief," he informed her.
"Good. Swordsmanship will complement your physical training. Now, focus on your studies. I'll be back later," she said, heading out the door.
Ranav entered the study, the familiar scent of parchment and ink welcoming him. He picked up the Mana Body Training Manual, but after an hour of reading, he needed a break.
"Jessica, I think it's your turn to read now," he said.
Jessica's voice perked up. "I've read most of the light-element books already. I think I can guide you through level-two spells. But if we continue like this, topic by topic, we might miss something important. I propose reading shelf by shelf. What do you think?"
"Good idea," Ranav agreed. "Let's start by organizing the shelves."
As they browsed the study, they discovered a variety of topics. Besides Basic Magic, Magical Spells, Forgemastery and Beast Taming, there were books on Alchemy, Formation Mastery, Beast Summoning, and even Necromancy.
"I'll start with healing and element books," Ranav decided, pointing to a specific shelf.
Jessica read rapidly, scanning book after book. After completing 35 books, she requested a pause to replenish her mana.
Ranav sat cross-legged and began his Aikido breathing technique, sending mana into the ring. After an hour, Jessica was ready.
"Let's continue," she said.
"Actually, I'll focus on the Mana Body Training Manual. I want to start the next stage." Ranav wanted to read again.
"I can help you with that. I've finished your book… You've completed the Dantian Formation level. The next stage is Body Tempering. For this, you'll need a stronger breathing technique," she said.
"What's so special about these techniques?" Ranav asked.
Jessica explained, "Breathing techniques are at the heart of body cultivation. The stronger the technique, the more efficiently mana flows through your body, strengthening it. In places like the Airavata Kingdom, clans guard their unique breathing techniques as their most valuable secrets. These techniques are why some clans produce powerful warriors while others struggle."
Ranav frowned. "If they're so secretive, how can I get one? I'll have to ask Nanima again."
Jessica's tone tinged with pride, "You are in luck! Your current Aikido technique is decent, and with the knowledge I've gained, I believe I can enhance it. If my theory is correct, we could develop one of the strongest breathing techniques in the world."