Training (2)

On the training grounds, Neo could be seen practicing his sword skills with great focus and determination. He was honing his technique with the "Dancing of Blades," a sword art that had been passed down through his mother's family for generations. This art was a fluid and graceful style that required precise movements and footwork to execute.

The "Dancing of Blades" emphasized the use of footwork to maintain balance and create openings for swift attacks. The technique was characterized by a series of quick and precise strikes that allowed the user to overwhelm their opponent with a flurry of attacks. It was said that the art was so graceful and elegant that it looked like a dance, hence the name. As Neo practiced the art, he could feel the weight of his family's legacy resting on his shoulders.

It wasn't just his physical strength that set him apart from his peers. Rather he possessed an innate understanding of the art of swordplay that seemed almost otherworldly. Neo had always been fascinated by the art of swords and the strategies of warfare. He would spend hours in the library, pouring over ancient texts on military tactics and sword fighting techniques. His sharp mind and unwavering dedication to the art of the sword allowed him to quickly pick up on the nuances of different sword styles and techniques.

Despite his young age of four years old, it had already been six months since Neo began his training, and everyone around him was astonished by the talent he had displayed. He had already mastered the basics of swordsmanship, an achievement that brought a rare smile to his father's face. It was a moment of pride for both the father and the child, as they shared a bond through the art of the sword. Even at such a tender age, the young prodigy was determined to push himself to new heights and continue to hone his skills. It was clear that he was destined for greatness, and everyone who witnessed his progress was in awe of his natural talent and unwavering dedication.

To Neo, time seemed to fly by as he grew stronger with each passing day, a feeling that filled him with joy. As he finished his training, he made his way over to his mother. Tomorrow was his fifth birthday, and his mother had revealed that his father had prepared a special surprise for him. Neo was surprised to hear this news, as his father was not known for his generous spirit. The anticipation of what the gift could be filled him with excitement and curiosity. As he settled down for the night, he could hardly wait for the morning to come, eager to see what his father had in store for him.

Morning arrived swiftly, and Neo eagerly made his way to his parents to enjoy breakfast together. As members of the nobility, proper etiquette while dining was of the utmost importance, a value that Neo's father placed great emphasis on. Despite this formality, their family was quite affluent, able to indulge in meat dishes on a daily basis. This luxury helped Neo grow stronger at a faster rate, providing him with the nourishment needed to excel in his training.

After finishing their meal, the three of them continued their conversation. Neo's mother eventually excused herself, leaving Neo alone with his father. Suddenly, his father posed a thought-provoking question. "Neo, do you know why our family grows up to be such powerful knights?" Neo was caught off guard and hesitated before replying, "Is it because we are naturally talented?" His father shook his head, indicating that this was not the case. "No, my son. There are many individuals with natural talent. It's because of the gift your grandfather received from Fuxi when he was young. He bestowed upon us a body enhancement technique known as the Body Renewal Technique, which allows us to grow stronger. While this technique is not the most powerful, it is one of the purest. And it allows us to switch to other techniques later on, which is a rarity."

"Encouraged by your determination, I will teach you the Body Renewal Technique," Neo's father said, cautioning him not to focus solely on this technique, as it works best when combined with physical training. Rising to his feet, he gestured for Neo to follow him to his private training chamber, where he retrieved a book from a secure vault. He then proceeded to explain the technique in detail. "The Body Renewal Technique grows stronger higher the user's talent. It consists of five talent levels, and the symbol on your forehead glows brighter as you train, indicating your level of talent," he explained.

Neo received the book from his father and began to read. Perhaps because of the fusion of his soul with the original soul of the body, he found it easier to remember and process information. After just half an hour, he had finished reading the technique and returned the book to his father. His father nodded in approval and instructed Neo to begin practicing the technique.

Neo sat down on the ground in a meditative position, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He focused on his breathing, feeling the mana in the air enter his lungs. Slowly, he passed the mana through his heart, feeling it circulate through his body. The process was exhausting, but he pushed through, determined to master the technique.

As Neo began the technique, he entered a state of deep concentration and was completely immersed in the process. He was unaware of his father's exclamation of shock as he watched in amazement at Neo's talent. "By the Emperor's name, I have never seen such talent. Even I was only a second level talent, which was considered very good, but my son has a fifth level talent," he exclaimed in disbelief as he chuckled with joy. The entire room was illuminated by the bright light emanating from Neo's forehead, which beamed an hourglass figure.

After Neo completed the technique, he opened his eyes and glanced around the room. He saw his father beaming with pride and telling him, "I am proud of you, son." Neo felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that he had impressed his father. Moreover, he felt a surge of energy in his body, which he assumed was from practicing the technique. Feeling a bit exhausted, Neo closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep on the spot.