Day Two of Training

### Chapter 15: Day Two of Training

Aric woke early, the first light of dawn just beginning to filter through the dense canopy of trees surrounding their secluded campsite. The air was cool and crisp, infused with the earthy scent of pine needles and damp soil. He stretched his limbs, feeling the familiar, satisfying ache that came from a day of hard training, and then set about the quiet task of preparing breakfast.

He moved with the quiet efficiency of someone accustomed to the stillness of the early morning, careful not to disturb Van, who was still nestled in the warmth of his blankets. The fire from the night before had burned down to a bed of glowing embers. Aric added a few sticks of wood and gently blew on the coals until the flames flickered back to life, their warmth gradually pushing away the morning chill.

From their provisions, Aric pulled out fresh eggs, a small chunk of cured meat, and a few slices of bread. The eggs cracked open with a satisfying sound as they hit the hot pan, their sizzle filling the quiet morning air. He placed the bread on a flat stone near the fire to toast, watching as the edges slowly browned. The rich aroma of cooking food soon began to fill the campsite, mingling with the natural scents of the forest.

As the smell of breakfast wafted through the air, Aric glanced over at the tent where Van was still sleeping. A soft smile touched his lips as he walked over and knelt beside his son. With the gentleness of a father who cherished these rare moments, he placed a hand on Van's small shoulder and gave it a gentle shake.

"Van, wake up," Aric murmured, his voice warm with affection. "Breakfast is ready."

Van stirred slowly, his eyes blinking open as he fought off the remnants of sleep. He rubbed his eyes with small fists and let out a yawn, still half-lost in the peacefulness of dreams. "Good morning, Dad," Van mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

Aric chuckled softly and ruffled Van's messy hair. "Morning, sleepyhead. Come on, let's get some food in you. We've got a big day ahead."

Van sat up, stretching his small limbs, trying to shake off the last of his grogginess. The enticing smell of breakfast quickly brought him fully awake, and he followed his father out of the tent to where the fire crackled warmly, casting flickering shadows across the forest floor.

They sat by the fire, the morning sun just beginning to bathe the forest in a soft, golden light that dappled through the leaves overhead. Aric handed Van a plate with eggs and toasted bread, and together they began to eat, the simplicity of the meal enhanced by the shared company and the serenity of the morning.

"Dad," Van began, a mischievous grin creeping across his face, "are we going to tell Mom about our breakfast skills when we get back?"

Aric smirked, playing along with his son's teasing. "What do you mean, 'our' skills? I seem to recall doing most of the cooking."

Van laughed, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Well, you didn't burn anything, so I suppose you did okay."

"Oh, just okay?" Aric said, raising an eyebrow in feigned offense. "Careful, or I might let you cook the next meal all by yourself."

Van pretended to mull over the idea, then grinned widely. "Maybe I'll just leave the cooking to you, then."

They shared a laugh, the easy camaraderie between them making the meal even more enjoyable. As they finished eating, Van wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked up at his father with eager anticipation. This was more than just a camping trip; this was an opportunity for him to grow stronger, to become more like the man he admired so much.

"So, what's on the agenda for today, Dad?" Van asked, his eyes alight with excitement.

Aric leaned back, stretching his arms over his head, his muscles rippling beneath his tunic. "Today, we're going to focus on close combat and improving your physical enhancement abilities. We'll start with some stretches to get warmed up."

Van nodded, his expression shifting to one of determination. *I'm going to train hard and get used to this body,* he thought, remembering the frustration he had felt during their last encounter with the Shadow Lynxes. The battle had been a harsh reminder of the limitations of his young form, but it had also reignited the fire within him to improve.

They stood and moved to the center of the clearing, where the morning light filtered down like a spotlight on their training ground. Aric led the way through a series of stretches, ensuring Van was limber and ready for the intense training ahead.

"Stretching is important," Aric explained as they moved through the exercises. "It not only prepares your muscles for the work ahead, but it also increases flexibility and helps prevent injuries. A good stretch can make all the difference in a fight."

Van listened carefully, mimicking his father's movements with the precision of a dedicated student. He could feel his muscles loosening, the stiffness from yesterday's exertions gradually melting away as he pushed his body through the familiar routine. Each stretch brought a sense of readiness, a feeling that his body was waking up to its potential.

After the warm-up, Aric straightened and looked at Van with a serious expression. "Alright, Van. Today we're going to spar. I want you to pick up your knife and try to hit me. I'll be going barehanded, so you'll need to focus on using your physical enhancement abilities to land a blow."

Van's heart began to beat faster with anticipation. Sparring was his favorite part of training. "Alright, Dad," he said, picking up his knife and settling into an attack stance. He activated his physical enhancement, feeling the Aether surge through his veins, making his limbs feel lighter and stronger, his senses sharper.

Aric took a defensive stance, his muscles coiled and ready, though he didn't activate his own physical enhancement. His eyes were sharp, watching Van closely, gauging his son's movements with the keen eye of a seasoned warrior.

"Begin!" Aric called out.

Van moved swiftly, lunging forward with the knife aimed at his father's side. But Aric was faster, sidestepping the attack with the fluid grace of a trained fighter. He parried Van's next strike with a smooth motion of his hand, his expression calm and focused. Van pressed on, attacking with a series of quick jabs and slashes, but each time, Aric either dodged or deflected the blows, never once breaking his composed demeanor.

*If I were in my past life's body, I would have ended this with one strike,* Van thought, a flash of frustration seeping into his mind. But he quickly pushed the thought aside, refocusing on the task at hand. He knew better than to let impatience cloud his judgment.

Van took a step back, reassessing his approach. He noticed that his father wasn't taking the fight seriously; he was holding back, matching Van's current abilities without overwhelming him. Seeing this as an opportunity, Van decided to change his tactics. He feigned a high strike, and just as his father moved to block, Van dropped low, aiming for Aric's leg.

The knife grazed Aric's thigh, drawing a thin line of blood. Van quickly retreated, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched his father's reaction.

Aric looked down at the minor wound, surprise flickering across his features. He hadn't expected Van to land a hit, even a light one. "Well done, Van," he said, a note of pride evident in his voice. "I didn't think you'd be able to get me."

Van couldn't help but smile, but the moment was short-lived. Aric's expression grew serious as he decided to increase the intensity. With a swift, fluid motion, he disarmed Van, sending the knife flying from his hand and leaving him momentarily defenseless.

Van quickly adapted, raising his hands in a defensive stance, but he knew his chances of winning had just diminished significantly. His father was far too experienced, and Van's young body, despite its enhancements, still had limits.

They switched to barehanded combat, but after a few exchanges, Van realized that his father's superior skill and strength were insurmountable. Every move Van made was met with a precise counter, every strike blocked with practiced ease. Breathing heavily, Van stepped back and lowered his hands, a calm acceptance settling over him. "I surrender, Father," Van said, his voice steady despite the exertion.

Aric smiled, his eyes glowing with pride as he walked over and pulled Van into a warm embrace. "You did well, Van. You're learning fast, and the fact that you managed to land a blow on me at all is incredible for a five-year-old."

Van leaned into the embrace, feeling the warmth of his father's approval. "Thanks, Dad. I'll keep working hard."

Aric pulled back, ruffling Van's hair affectionately. "If the villagers knew about the skills of my five-year-old son, they'd be green with envy," he said with a chuckle, a mischievous glint in his eye as he imagined their reactions.

Van couldn't help but feel a swell of happiness. The thought of making his father proud filled him with a renewed determination to keep pushing himself, to keep improving.

After their sparring session, they took a break to rest and eat. The sun had climbed higher in the sky, its warmth contrasting with the coolness of the forest. They shared a simple meal of dried meat and bread, their conversation light and filled with laughter as they discussed the morning's training and their plans for the days ahead.

When they finished eating, Aric stretched and looked at Van with a smile. "Now,

Van," Aric continued, "we're going to spend the rest of the day focusing on stretching and endurance training. It might seem boring, but it's crucial for building flexibility and strength."

As they went through the stretching routine, Aric explained the benefits in more detail. "Stretching helps your muscles recover faster after intense training. It increases your range of motion, which is essential for quick, agile movements in combat. Plus, it helps prevent injuries. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to pull a muscle or strain something during a fight."

Van followed his father's lead, feeling the tension in his muscles ease as they stretched. The slower pace was a welcome change from the intensity of their earlier training, and he understood its importance. His father's knowledge and experience were invaluable, and Van absorbed every lesson like a sponge, determined to apply them in the future.

Once the stretching was done, Aric led Van through a series of exercises designed to build endurance. They ran through the forest, dodging trees and leaping over obstacles, testing their stamina and agility. Van pushed himself hard, determined to keep up with his father, who seemed to glide effortlessly through the undergrowth.

After what felt like hours, they returned to the clearing, both of them breathing heavily. Van's legs felt like lead, but he was proud of himself for keeping up with his father.

"You're doing great, Van," Aric said, clapping his son on the back. "Endurance is just as important as strength. The longer you can last in a fight, the better your chances of coming out on top."

Van nodded, grateful for his father's encouragement. He was exhausted, but he knew that this kind of training was essential if he wanted to improve.

As the day turned to dusk, they prepared dinner together, this time with Van taking a more active role in the cooking. The fire crackled warmly, casting long shadows that danced in the growing darkness. They sat together, enjoying the fruits of their labor, the meal simple but satisfying. The quiet of the evening was punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter as they reminisced about the day's events, sharing stories and memories that deepened their bond.

When dinner was finished, they cleaned up and retreated to the tent. The night was calm, the sounds of the forest soothing as they settled into their blankets. Van felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing he was growing stronger, not just in body but in the bond he shared with his father. As he lay there, the stars above twinkling faintly through the gaps in the canopy, he closed his eyes, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring, knowing that with his father by his side, there was nothing he couldn't overcome.