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—this 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.
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—to 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—not 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—a 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—a 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—a 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—a 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—it'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—direct manipulation of the elements through spirit arts—was 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.