Chapter 3 The Book of Ki

One week has passed since the start of the training regimen and it was still difficult for me to cope-up with my other classmates. The difference in talent was really hard to overcome.

Those training helped me increase my strength even though I can't use magic.

In this week of training, I felt a significant increase in strength and my body toned so much because of the intense training. My proficiency in physical went up to 17 which is very fruitful. For this past week, I never slacked, especially in the sword training. I mentally memorized all the details taught by instructor Eve including the basics. 

At my free time, I read books in the Royal Library and took down notes about every important thing that I could found like demons weaknesses, dangerous places in the continent and ways to improve physical strength.

After a week's time of searching, I found an old book in the inner most corner of the library. The book was completely covered in dust and almost unreadable.

"Book of Ki Manipulation"

Due to our innate talent as a world traveller, I discovered that we could read anything that were written in this world. 

Taking advantage of this fact, I decided to find time to read books in the library. I continued to read the books and as I read it I found it more and more interesting.

"Ki is also known as Life Energy, this force is an intangible energy inside every living being, with its major focus being in the center of the body. Through right breathing you can increase your physical strength by several folds. The practice of cultivating and balancing Ki is called qigong."

Several manuals and illustrations of practicing qigong are left, though some are unreadable but there are still those that are just slightly damage. The basic diagrams were still clear enough to be learned so I decided to learn these things. 

As someone who doesn't have affinity with mana, these kinds of things best suited for me.

Evangeline's POV

Once I enter the King's chamber, I immediately kneeled down and saluted to show respect to the ruler of this country.

"You called me, Your majesty king!?"

"No need to be polite Royal Knight Evangeline Maelstrom. How did the heroes in their training?"

"Yes! The training is going smoothly for the heroes. Their growth rate was unbelievable, with their current strength they are already on par with 1st class knights"

It was true that the growth rate of the heroes was too monstrous even for me, who was labeled as a genius was nowhere close to their speed.

"How about the other hero? Mr. Andre Crux, is he doing fine? I already know that he does not have affinity with magic and he only have an average strength."

"As for Mr. Andre, though his growth speed was too slow compared to his peers, his diligence and intelligence was made as compensation to that. I think he was a genius in different area, since I first saw him he has the air of being superior to his classmates not in terms of strength but rather the calmness and intelligence he have."

 The hero, Andre Crux, was attentive and focus to all discussions. In the training grounds, he didn't even fell during the harsh trainings of the soldiers. Even the sword techniques and skills are already grasped by him.

As a swordsman, power was important but that's not all, Techniques and strategies are also the main point. Weak people overcame the strong through planning and scheming.

After report to the King, it was already night-time only the hanged lamps in the walls and the stars in the sky were making the surrounding alight. I walked down the alley going back to my room when I heard a rustling sound in the training grounds.

"At this time, there should be no one in the training ground anymore!"

I readied my sword and slowly entered the training grounds.

When I saw the black silhouette inside the training grounds, I immediately and swing my sword towards the shadow.

"W-wait! I'm not an enemy!"

When I heard the distress voice, I instantly shifted the swords trajectory to avoid the boy in front of me.

The boy was taken aback and fell on his butt. 

His hair were disheveled and covered in sweat, the sign that he just finished training. 

He sighed in relief when he saw me.

"Geez that was close."

"Why are you still here Mr. Andre?"

"I'm just practicing the sword technique you teach this morning."

He really is hard working- I thought.

"It is already late. Better get back and rest, there still a morning exercise tomorrow morning"

"Yes, I will head back already. I've just finished my training."

He answered as he picked up the scattered item in the floor then he bowed his head then gave his farewell.

"Then Instructor Eve, I will take my leave. Good Night."

"Wait"

"Do you need something, Instructor Eve?"

"Let's meet here again tomorrow evening." I immediately taken back from what I said.

I blurted out something embarrassing. It felt like I was hitting my student.

"I-it's not like that! I just w-want to teach you! I JUST WANT TO HELP YOU!" I blurted out.

"Hahaha Yes, I understand Instructor Eve00"

I wanted to disappear in thin air but sudden laugh made my mind clear.

"Why are you laughing!?"

I questioned him with slight angry voice but he just earnestly smiled and replied to my question.

"I just thought that Instructor do have a cute side."

"T-that!"

'That attack was unfair. I don't know how to reply to that sudden statement of his as an instructor I must stay calm'

My face immediately burned up and my heart palpitated quickly.

'I don't know what to do!'

"I-I will take my leave!!" I quickly rushed out before I explode in embarrassment.

Andre's POV

I entered my room with a smile. The sudden meeting with instructor Eve and her one in a life time flush face was a really good show.

"That was good!"

I quickly laid down my tired body and attempted to sleep but I immediately stand up and crossed my legs.

"I need to practice Ki."

It's been a week days since I found the book and this past few days, I kept practicing the Ki manipulation manual. Though I can barely feel Ki during my practice, which made me feel dejected that even in this kind of thing is I'm somewhat talentless, I can feel the slow growth of my Ki. 

Even if this training was really hard, the breathing technique allowed me to relieve my stress.

"haaaah!"

I give a big breath as I slowly closed my eyes.

I felt a tinge Ki inside me. It's like a tiny ball of fire.

When I clearly felt the Ki inside of me, I properly arranged my breathing rhythm and slowly circulate the energy around my body. 

After circulating it throughout my body, I gently guided the energy in my right hand. 

Beads of sweat immediately dropped down in my face and I panted while grasping for air. 

'This kind of training was really exhausting.'

I felt my hands were getting warm and producing white-colored smoke.

After a while, my eyes blurred and slowly went blank from exhaustion.