One week had passed since the start of the training regimen, and I still struggled to keep pace with my classmates. The difference in innate talent was truly a hurdle. Yet, the intense training helped me significantly increase my physical strength, even without the ability to use magic.
In just this week, I felt a significant surge in my power. My body was toned and hardened from the rigorous exercises, and my Proficiency in Physicality had risen to 17—a very fruitful gain. I hadn't slacked off once, especially in sword training. I meticulously committed every detail taught by Instructor Eve to memory, starting with the basics.
In my free time, I frequented the Royal Library. I devoured books and took copious notes on everything I could find: demon weaknesses, dangerous continental locales, and methods for improving physical strength.
After a week of persistent searching, I finally discovered an ancient volume tucked away in the innermost corner of the library. It was completely covered in dust and almost unreadable.
"The Book of Ki Manipulation"
As a world traveler, I possessed the innate ability to read any language or script in this world. I used this advantage to spend every available moment in the library. I blew the dust off the old tome and began to read, finding it more and more fascinating with every page.
"Ki is also known as Life Energy. This force is an intangible energy that resides within every living being, primarily focused in the center of the body. Through correct breathing techniques, one can increase physical strength by several folds. The practice of cultivating and balancing Ki is called Qigong."
The book contained several manuals and illustrations detailing the practice of Qigong. Some sections were illegible, but the basic diagrams were only slightly damaged and clear enough to be learned. Since I had no affinity for mana, this ancient practice seemed perfectly suited for me. I resolved to learn it.
Evangeline's Report
Evangeline's POV
As soon as I entered the King's chamber, I immediately dropped to one knee and gave a crisp salute to show respect to the ruler of the country.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" I inquired.
"There is no need for such formality, Royal Knight Evangeline Maelstrom. How are the heroes progressing in their training?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The training is proceeding smoothly. Their rate of growth is unbelievable. With their current strength, they are already on par with our 1st-class knights."
It was the truth. The heroes' growth rate was monstrous. Even I, who was labeled a genius, was nowhere close to their speed.
"And what of the other hero? Mr. Andre Crux. Is he managing well? I am aware that he lacks an affinity for magic and only possessed average starting strength."
"As for Mr. Andre, while his pace is slow compared to his peers, his diligence and intelligence more than compensate for it. I suspect he is a genius in a different area. Since I first met him, he has possessed an air of superiority over his classmates, not in terms of strength, but in the calmness and keen intelligence he projects."
I recounted my observations. Andre Crux was attentive and focused during all discussions. On the training grounds, he never faltered during the harsh drills. He had already mastered the basic sword techniques and skills I taught. As a swordsman, power is vital, but technique and strategy are paramount. The weak overcome the strong through careful planning and cunning.
An Unexpected Encounter
After reporting to the King, it was late. Only the wall-mounted lamps and the stars provided light. I was walking back to my room when I heard a faint metallic shing and a rustling sound coming from the training grounds.
"At this hour, the training grounds should be deserted!"
I silently drew my sword and cautiously crept inside. I immediately spotted a black silhouette moving within the deep shadows. Instinct took over, and I swung my sword in a clean, swift arc toward the figure.
"W-wait! I'm not an enemy!"
Hearing the distressed voice, I instantly shifted the sword's trajectory, forcing the blade to skim past the boy standing before me.
The boy, startled by the sudden attack, stumbled backward and landed hard on his rear. His hair was disheveled, and his shirt was drenched in sweat—a clear sign he had just finished an intense practice. He sighed in relief when he realized it was me.
"Geez, Instructor Eve. That was close," he muttered, catching his breath.
"Why are you still here, Mr. Andre?" I lowered my sword.
"I was just practicing the sword technique you demonstrated this morning," he said, rising to his feet.
He really is hardworking, I thought.
"It is already very late. You should return and rest. There is a morning exercise tomorrow."
"Yes, I was just finishing up." He quickly gathered the wooden practice sword and other scattered items from the ground, bowed his head, and prepared to leave. "Then, Instructor Eve, I will take my leave. Good night."
"Wait." The word escaped my mouth without thought.
"Do you need something, Instructor Eve?"
"Let's meet here again tomorrow evening."
I immediately regretted the phrasing. I had blurted out something embarrassing. It sounded like I was asking him out!
"I-it's not like that!" I stammered, my face heating up. "I just... I want to teach you! I just want to help you improve!" I finished in a frantic rush.
He broke into a sincere laugh. "Hahaha. Yes, I understand, Instructor Eve."
I wanted the ground to swallow me whole, but his sudden laugh somehow cleared my mind.
"Why are you laughing?" I questioned, my voice tight with a hint of annoyance.
He just smiled earnestly. "I just thought that my Instructor has a surprisingly cute side."
"T-that!"
That statement was unfair. As his instructor, I was supposed to remain composed, but I had no idea how to reply to that sudden, bold compliment. My face flushed scarlet, and my heart began to hammer against my ribs.
I don't know what to do!
"I-I will take my leave!" I bolted, rushing away before I could completely explode in embarrassment.
Andre's Qigong
Andre's POV
I entered my room with a wide smile, still savoring the sudden meeting with Instructor Eve and the rare, flushing look on her face.
"That was good!"
I was about to collapse onto my bed when I immediately stood up and crossed my legs into a meditative position.
"I need to practice Ki."
It had been a week since I found the book, and I'd been secretly practicing the Ki Manipulation manual every night. Though I could barely feel the Ki during my initial attempts, which made me feel momentarily dejected that I was talentless even in this discipline, I could sense the slow, persistent growth of my Life Energy.
Even though the physical training was hard, the controlled breathing of Qigong helped relieve my stress.
"Haaah!" I exhaled deeply, slowly closing my eyes.
I soon felt a faint tinge of Ki inside me—it was like a tiny, nascent ball of warmth. Once I clearly perceived the Ki, I regulated my breathing rhythm and slowly began to circulate the energy throughout my body.
After the circulation was complete, I gently guided the energy toward my right hand.
Beads of sweat instantly rolled down my face, and I panted, grasping for air. This training is incredibly exhausting.
I felt my hand grow warm, and a faint, white-colored vapor began to rise from my skin. After a long while, my vision blurred, and the world slowly faded to blank exhaustion.