An Unexpected Encounter

Waking up early, I proceeded with my training. First, I started with my mediation. I had retained my overwhelming magical prowess, but there was a fatal flaw that I had discovered a number of years ago. Whenever I use a certain level of magic, it would produce strain on my body. The first time that I fired off a tactical level spell, I passed out for a number of day. When I defeated the demon king, I was near the point of death for two weeks.

However, during my studies, I had discovered a number of different types of energy. One of which would be referred to as ki in this world. By reinforcing my body with physical training and ki training, it is able to withstand the strain caused by my magic powers.

"Finally," I muttered half-way through my meditation.

It had already been three days since I had returned, but my ki center had remained locked until now. When I first discovered ki, it took my two decades to arrive at this point. Now, focusing my thoughts, I began to draw the ki out of the core and form paths through my body. Taxing my concentration for the next half an hour, I managed to establish the ki paths throughout my entire body. The form that the paths took would help to determine the effect that it could have.

Standing up, I went through the motions, moving my body as if I was fighting invisible enemies maneuvering through imaginary obstacles in the air. By body flexed, and bent in ways that I had originally thought impossible. After an hours practice, I was shaking and sore, and covered in sweat. I quickly cleansed my body with magic and sped up my recovery. Dispersing my barrier, I found that it was still before six and headed for the kitchen.

Humming softly to myself, I prepared a quick breakfast of french toast, sausage, and mixed fruit for myself and my family. After a moments thought, I also prepared some lunch for us as well. It was easy to make some wraps, fruits, and vegetables.

'How is the progress, Maxium?'

'I estimate that it will require a week before I will be prepared to hack into the necessary systems,' he answered silently. 'I could force my way in within three days, but I will need a week before I can enter and leave undetected.'

'Keep me updated and see if you can find anything regarding supernatural species.'

"Making breakfast, Kelvin?" Mother asked, clearly surprised by my actions.

"I just wanted to take some of the burden off you," I grinned seeing my mother's reaction. We called Ben and he entered the kitchen a few minutes later.

"Wow, first dinner, now breakfast. When did you get so good at cooking?" Ben asked curiously, his mouth half full of food.

"Oh, I just learned a few things recently," I responded vaguely, but seeing their skeptical looks, I decided to change the topic. "Will you be late coming home tonight."

"Yes," Mother sighed. "We might be opening a new store soon so things are hectic."

"Do you also have practice today?"

"Yes," Ben managed to answer around a mouthful of food. "But I should be home earlier today."

"Maybe I should find an interest or part-time job," I muttered, realizing that aside from school and my friend, Trent, I really didn't have much going on in my life. I was no longer one to remain idle.

"Yes, please find a hobby," Mother cried enthusiastically as she heard my mutterings. "But no job. Speaking of which, I need to be off. Love you."

"Love you too," we answered in unison.

Mother sped off and we quickly finished up breakfast. While I was washing up, Ben got ready for school and then we headed out. Remembering yesterday, I looked down the street as soon as we left and found Trent walking towards us, but he wasn't alone.

Walking beside him was a boy that vaguely resembled him, but we some distinctive features. He was slightly taller than Trent and had dark, brown hair. He was a lighter tan than Trent with sharp features. Due to the ki's influence, I could make out his brilliant green eyes from this distance.

"Morning Trent. Who is this with you?" I asked as they approached. Like yesterday, Ben ran off as soon as he got close.

"Morning," he answered. "Oh, this is my cousin Rey. He came to stay with us for a bit and will be attending school here."

"Nice to meet you," Rey smiled, extending his hand.

"Likewise," I answered, shaking his hand. It was strong and I could catch the hint of something electric moving through it. This was someone to watch.

We chatted casually as we walked to school. I discovered that Rey had come from the opposite side of the US and had just gotten off the plane to Virginia that afternoon. His parents were working overseas with a family shipping company and he had decided to live with Trent's family for the time being. He appeared to be intelligent and outdoorsy, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more that he was hiding. Well, I guess everyone was hiding secrets. I would just keep my eyes open for now.