"Can we start now?" Ranav's eager voice echoed in the quiet study.
Jessica sighed, her tone exasperated. "I told you, I have a theory. It needs work."
"Then let's start working on it."
"You're too impatient," she replied.
"I don't have the luxury of patience, Jessica. Time is the only advantage I have. While others my age are still playing, I can advance by training. The moment they start training, they'll advance too. Some geniuses will surpass me over time. I'm no genius, how much progress I can make before they start is my only edge."
Jessica paused, sensing the sincerity behind his words. "Fine. I understand. But I can't do this here. You'll need to take a few days off from your master's house. And before we begin, I need to read some books I saw earlier to refine my theory."
"Which ones?"
"On the left shelf, beside the door. Third row: Differences Between Meditations. Fifth row: Why Casting Time Differs?, Mana vs World Energy, Principles of Mana Flow. Sixth row: Basic Meditation Techniques from Six Families. Then, move to the next shelf…"
As Jessica listed the titles, Ranav pulled the books one by one, forming a growing pile on the floor. By the time she finished, he had gathered over fifty books.
He frowned, realizing a potential problem. "Oh no. How am I supposed to put them back in the right spots?"
Jessica chuckled. "Don't worry. I remember where each one belongs. I'll guide you when the time comes."
Relieved, Ranav smiled. "Thanks. Let's start reading."
With Ranav flipping the pages, Jessica scanned through the books at an incredible pace. After a few hours, she announced, "All done. Now put them back."
Following her meticulous guidance, Ranav returned the books to their rightful places.
"Please start Aikido," Jessica pleaded. "I'm low on mana."
"Right away."
Ranav sat cross-legged, began his breathing technique, and directed mana into the ring. Time passed as the soothing flow of energy replenished Jessica.
Nanima's voice called out from the kitchen, breaking Ranav's focus. "Ranav, come here!"
He stopped his practice and asked Jessica, "Are you okay? Need more mana?"
"I'm fine for now. Go. But remember, leave after lunch. We've got some work to do. I'll explain later."
Ranav joined his master in the kitchen. Together, they prepared lunch, their routine seamless after days of practice.
As they ate, Nanima asked, "How's training with Old Raman going?"
"I've finished learning the basics of swordsmanship. He seemed impressed."
Nanima smiled. "That's good, but remember, your strength is far above your peers because of your Mana Body Training. The Voidvine flower also enhanced your senses. You may not realize it yet, but in a fight, your reflexes will be sharper. However, don't rely on strength, focus on technique. It'll serve you better in the long run."
"I'll keep that in mind, Master."
"How's your progress with the Mana Body Training Manual?"
"I've finished the book and need to practice on my own now. Speaking of which, I'd like to take a break from coming here for a while. I need time to focus on my training."
Nanima nodded thoughtfully. "That's fine. With sword training in the morning and magic practice along with body training, you've taken on a lot. Don't forget to rest and enjoy time with your family. You're still a child, Ranav. Sometimes it's okay to take a break."
Ranav smiled. "I understand, but I enjoy training and challenging myself. I don't find the games other kids play interesting. I'm happy with my current life."
"As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. Remember, I'll never force you to do anything. You can always share your thoughts with me."
"Thank you, Master."
After finishing lunch, Ranav bid Nanima goodbye and headed home.
As he walked, Jessica spoke up. "We need to head to the forest. Take the shortcut to your usual spot."
"Why now? It's already afternoon."
"Mana Body Training requires a highly nutritious diet, especially meat. Judging by your family's usual meals, we need to hunt if you're going to keep up."
Ranav sighed. "You're right. My family can't afford meat every day. Let's go."
He crossed the fields to save time, exchanging greetings with their farmhands as he passed. Entering the forest, he moved cautiously, scanning for any signs of wildlife. After thirty minutes of searching, Jessica alerted him.
"There are squirrels in the trees around us. I'll need to control your body to take the shots."
"Go ahead."
Jessica guided Ranav's movements, firing mana bullets with precision. Several squirrels tumbled from the branches.
"Quick, collect them into the storage ring!"
Ranav moved swiftly, gathering the fallen animals. Some were still alive, so he dispatched them quickly. In total, they caught fourteen squirrels.
"Not bad," Jessica remarked. "It's a decent amount of meat for today."
Ranav nodded. "We'll have to hunt earlier in the day next time. If I'm late, my mother will scold me. Trust me, you don't want to hear it."
As Ranav neared the edge of the forest, Jessica warned him. "Your father is at the farm."
Ranav froze. "What should I do? If I walk out empty-handed and magically produce squirrels at home, he'll get suspicious."
He thought quickly. "I'll store most of the squirrels for now and take a few out. That should be believable."
Jessica suggested, "Use some vines to bind the legs of four squirrels and carry them out."
Ranav nodded, finding vines nearby to tie the squirrels. With the makeshift bundle in hand, he emerged from the forest.
Trinav spotted him immediately. "What have you got there?"
"Squirrels, dad. I caught them in the forest."
Trinav, already aware of his son's growing skills, accepted the explanation without probing further. Together, they returned home, where Trinav processed the squirrels.
That evening, the family enjoyed barbecued squirrel, a rare treat that brought smiles to their faces. Ranav felt a deep sense of satisfaction, not just from the meal, but from his steady progress toward his goals.