Chapter 11 - First Progress

The afternoon sun hangs low in the sky as our training continues. Shiro is back on the practice field, this time with a whole new energy. After the conversation with our father, Shiro feels more motivated, although I still see the uncertainty in his eyes.

Reina and I are right next to the training ground. Unlike Shiro, I'm being taught magic, not sword fighting.

Just as Shiro is about to finish his practice strike, two voices are heard. Father has a surprise for Shiro.

When I look up, I recognize two of the adventurers from the guild. They are the men who had told Shiro so much about swords back at the guild.

"Daigo invited us to show you something." One of them says with a broad grin. "After all, a future fighter needs inspiration."

Shiro can't help but smile as the adventurers prepare. One of them draws his sword and takes his position. "We're going to show you a technique that doesn't require magic but is still incredibly effective. Watch closely."

With a fluid motion, he thrusts forward, turns to the side, and lets the blade spin in a controlled but lightning-fast swing. With a precise cut, he splits the training dummy, which is made of thick wood, in half.

Shiro watches with wide eyes, his heart beating faster. He wants to be able to do that too.

"This technique is called the 'Whirlcut'. It requires skill, body control, and perfect timing. But if you stick with it, you'll be able to do it too, eventually."

Shiro nods eagerly, his uncertainty replaced by excitement. Father steps next to Shiro and places a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, training isn't just about effort. It should motivate you too."

Meanwhile, I continue training with Reina on my magic. I was able to release mana in the morning, but controlling it and using it to influence wind and earth is a whole different thing.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I can feel the mana inside me. It's there, but still not really controllable. I release it again. This time, I can even maintain it.

"Good, Sota. Now try with wind." Reina says, her voice calm but firm. "You've released the mana. Now you need to direct it."

I nod, although my hands are still trembling slightly. I try to concentrate, feeling the mana in my palm, and imagine the mana turning into wind, swirling around.

"Focus on the wind that's already there. It's all around you, so you need to learn to influence it, not to create new wind."

I picture the mana connecting with the wind and then blowing away from my palm.

"Come on." I murmur, focusing even harder, but the wind remains still. No movement. Eventually, the mana dissipates, and the blue light vanishes from my hand.

"It's not that easy, Sota." Reina says, her voice still calm. "Wind is unpredictable. You can't just control it like a sword. It requires patience and a good sense."

I try again, but once again, I fail.

"I can't do it." I say finally, frustration clear in my voice.

"You released the mana and focused it in your hand. That's already a big step. But you need to learn to control it." Reina says gently. "Every step you take brings you forward. Now try again with earth. Earth is heavier, more stable. You can't just move it like wind, but you can influence it."

I bite my lip as I kneel down and place my hands on the ground. I focus the mana and try to maintain it. When I succeed, I attempt to channel the mana into the earth.

"Come on, mana!" I shout.

Seconds pass, but nothing happens. The ground stays solid, unaffected by my efforts.

"I'm sorry." I murmur, exhaustion pulling me down to the ground.

"You don't need to apologize." Reina says calmly. "It's not going to happen overnight."

"You're not giving up, are you, Sota?" Shiro calls from behind. He's been watching me the whole time. My pathetic attempt to make the wind blow and influence the earth.

I turn around and look at Shiro, embarrassed. "No! Of course not!"

Just as I position myself for another try and place my hands on the ground, Reina interrupts me.

"That's enough for today." She says. "You need rest to process all this."

I look at her, disappointed. "Please, Reina! Just one more time!"

Reina gives in.

"Alright." She says. "One last time, but that's really it."

Joy spreads through me. "I promise!"

I close my eyes and place my hands on the ground one last time, beginning to focus the mana.

Once again, I manage to keep the mana active, and I concentrate on channeling the mana into the earth.

I breathe in. I breathe out. I see it. I see how the earth absorbs my mana and how it spreads everywhere.

"I did it!" The earth vibrates beneath my hands. My father, who has also been watching, gives me a proud look.

"Very good." Reina smiles with satisfaction.

The day draws to a close. After training, Shiro and I quickly take a bath, and it doesn't take long before we all gather for dinner. The kitchen is filled with the scent of freshly prepared meals.

"Dinner is ready." Mother says as she sits down. "I hope you're hungry."

"Of course I am after such training!" Shiro says and sits down next to me. He grins as he serves himself.

Reina, sitting at the other end of the table, looks at him with a smile. "Sword fighting isn't easy, huh?"

"Yes! But I want to get stronger, so I have to push through!" Shiro says with a grin.

I take a bite and then turn to Reina. "At least I managed to influence the earth today. But I still don't quite get the wind."

"That's completely normal." Reina says, nodding. "Wind magic is much harder."

Father, who has been quietly listening, nods as well. "Both magic and sword fighting require a lot of endurance and patience. You have to keep going or it won't work."

"I will, Father." I say, taking another bite of my food.

After dinner, we help each other clear the table. Our mother takes care of the dishes. For us, it's time to get ready for bed.

"Alright, off to bed, you two. Tomorrow your training continues." Father says with a smile.

Shiro and I head to my room.

Like the past few days, we sleep together in my bed since Shiro's room is still occupied by Reina. We lie side by side and stare at the ceiling.

"Today was a great day, huh?" I say to Shiro.

He nods slowly. "Yeah! The adventurers' techniques were absolutely amazing."

For a moment, there's silence. Then Shiro whispers. "Do you think I could become that strong someday?"

I look at him in surprise. "Of course. Father said it just requires enough endurance and patience. Don't you remember?"

Shiro takes a deep breath. "Right. I just can't give up."

Then he turns to his side, his expression softening. "And you? You used earth magic for the first time today."

I snort. "Well, I just made it vibrate."

Another short pause. Then Shiro says. "In two years, we'll both be a lot stronger."

I agree with him. "Yeah. In two years."

Shortly afterward, he falls asleep while I stay awake for a while longer.

I am worried about the increasing number of demon attacks and it makes me wonder.

Will there even be two more years?