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.
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—something 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.