Martial Arts Training

George sat in his crib, deep in thought. He had reached the peak of the Magic Apprentice realm, just one mana particle away from ascending, yet the system had imposed a restriction.

[Warning: Host's body is too underdeveloped to handle the next stage of magical energy. Forceful ascension may result in long-term harm. Progression is currently locked until further physical maturity is reached.]

The message flashed in his mind, and frustration welled up inside him. He had been making steady progress, only to hit an invisible wall. Still, the system's caution made sense. His body was still that of an infant, and magic progression needed a stable foundation. He exhaled slowly, deciding that if cultivation was no longer an option, he needed to find another way to improve himself.

His mind drifted back to Cedric's sparring match during the birthday party. The fluidity of movement, the controlled strikes, the precision—it was something entirely different from magic, yet it fascinated him. Martial arts could be the key to strengthening his body, and there was no better teacher than his own father, Marcus, a seasoned martial artist.

But how could he, as a mere baby, communicate his interest?

An idea struck him. The next time Marcus trained in the backyard, George made sure to watch closely. Every time his father swung his sword, George's eyes followed with rapt attention. Whenever Marcus practiced footwork drills, George would wiggle and shift excitedly in his crib, attempting to imitate the movements in his limited way.

At first, Marcus didn't notice, but as the days passed, he began to catch the subtle patterns. One evening, as he wiped sweat from his brow after a vigorous training session, he glanced at his youngest son and chuckled.

"You like watching, don't you, little guy?" Marcus muttered, walking over to George's crib.

George gurgled in response, raising his tiny arms as if reaching out.

Marcus smirked, shaking his head. "You're far too young for a sword, but… I suppose there's no harm in helping you build some strength."

With that, he carefully picked George up and carried him outside. Christine was skeptical at first, but Marcus reassured her that he wouldn't push their son too hard. He started small—helping George stand upright while supporting his weight. At first, George wobbled uncontrollably, his legs weak and unsteady, but Marcus patiently guided him.

"Balance first, then movement," Marcus instructed, as if teaching an actual student.

Day by day, they continued these simple exercises. Marcus would have George attempt to shift his weight from one foot to the other while holding his hands. He helped him practice balance by standing against support. George, eager to improve, put his all into each session. His body, though small, gradually adapted.

As time passed, the system finally took notice of his efforts.

[New Skill Acquired: Basic Body Control (Rank F)] [Description: The foundation of all martial arts. Enhances balance, stability, and controlled movement.]

George smiled inwardly. It was a small step, but a crucial one. If he couldn't cultivate magic for now, he would hone his body and prepare for the road ahead.

And so, under the watchful eye of his father, George took his first steps into the world of martial arts.