Journey to Discovery

The next day when Rei saw Thomas he asked "Dad I wanted to ask what is that pendant you are wearing" Rei pointed at a pendant Thomas wore. The pendant was made of a strange yellow ore shaped like an open book with 2 wings behind it. When Thomas noticed that he said "Oh this pendant I am wearing because it's my religion" Rei knew about Religions but he had to act his age even though Thomas thinks that Rei is a prodigy it wouldn't look good if a kid randomly knew things that elders knew. Rei asked, "What is a religion?" Thomas said "You are too young to learn about that okay I will tell you some other time" With that Thomas, Rei, and Hanna reached the field.

Thomas said "Today Hanna is going to teach you the basics of the sword" Rei clicked his tongue and said with a dismissive tone "Fine I will learn from Hanna" Hanna excitedly said "Hurray let's go first thing first it's the grip of the sword that matters you hold it like this" Rei nonchalantly did as he was told however Hanna came and said "not like that put it like this" she adjusted Rei's hand to a more fitting position and then said "Maintain the grip okay" Hanna was very excited for this training.

Hanna then took Rei to a side and said "Now practice sword swings" Rei started doing sword swings however his face clearly showed that he was not interested in swords at all. Hanna was excited that Rei obeyed her every command and said "Now do it as many times as you can this is the basic foundation" Rei did his sword training all day during that time Hanna too practiced by Rei's side.

3 days passed

Doing sword training, again and again, made Rei irritated. Rei just wanted to make more ways he could use Qi as magic. He did not want to learn swordsmanship. When they reached the field this time Thomas suggested something different. Thomas said "Hey Hanna how about today we hold a mock battle between you verses Rei" However Hanna did not like the idea and said "How can I attack Rei plus he does not even know any sword techniques like me" Thomas said "Don't worry it might be your chance to show him your power and skills" Hanna thought for a moment and said "okay sure I would try my best" she was now ready for the fight. Thomas then asked Rei "What about you Rei are you up for it" Rei thought for a moment and said "Okay" Rei just wanted swordsmanship to end.

Thomas gave Rei and Hanna two wooden swords and after keeping them at a distance from each other he said "Okay start the fight". Rei charged in head first while Hanna remained standing. Rei swung his sword toward Hanna however at the same time Hanna swung it too in a way such that it blocked the sword. Rei pulled it back and gave it another swing but Hanna kept blocking it with natural ease despite Rei's strong swings Hanna was able to block it however it did not mean that Hanna won. Rei had a trick up his sleeve

When Rei was recently locked up in Jail he learned all kinds of self-defense techniques one of which was Kendo. Rei changed his posture to a kendo pose and attacked in a straight way Hanna tried to block it again but this time Rei did not back down. Hanna too kept pressing Rei. Both of them were in a stalemate when suddenly Hanna backed down and attacked Rei. Rei was able to block it however barely but Hanna kept attacking more at his sword blade than at him and the sword fell from Rei's Hand.

Thomas said, "Hanna wins". As Hanna waited for Rei's reaction she saw that he was not bitter about his loss however the loss still did not bode well. During that day Hanna expected some bitter reactions from Rei but instead of any bitterness, Rei showed some recognition of Hanna's strength which made Hanna happy as it was the first step at the very least of gaining Rei's approval. 

As the months pass, Thomas continues to push Rei in his training, determined to help him master his Qi and ensure his safety even further. Hanna, eager to prove herself and win Rei's approval even further, Hanna was now teaching him the proper forms and techniques.

"The sword is an extension of your body, your Qi," Hanna explains, demonstrating a graceful strike with precision and poise. Her movements are fluid, and she hopes to inspire Rei.

Thomas steps in, adding, "Because you're using Spirit Arts, proper training will allow you to cut through magic itself." His tone is serious, emphasizing the importance of this skill.

But Rei struggles with the sword. It feels clumsy and unwieldy in his small hands, frustrating him more than anything. Hanna, undeterred, goes out of her way to guide him, demonstrating moves and giving pointers. However, Rei's cold shoulder and pointed indifference make it clear he has no interest in bonding with her. Still, she persists, doing everything she can to bridge the gap between them.

Thomas observes with patience, offering gentle encouragement whenever Rei falters. He knows his son's frustrations well by now and tries to nurture his progress.

One day, after Rei's repeated struggles with a particularly challenging form, Thomas stops him mid-swing.

"Rei, look at me," he says, his voice calm yet firm. Rei hesitates but meets his father's steady gaze.

"I know this is hard for you," Thomas continues, his tone understanding but resolute. "But you have a gift, a power that few others possess. You must learn to control it, to use it properly."

He places a reassuring hand on Rei's shoulder, his eyes filled with both pride and concern. "I'm not going to give up on you. We'll find a way to make this work, to help you become the best you can be."

Rei nods slightly, his frustration still evident, but the determination in his father's voice strikes a chord within him. He knows he cannot abandon the path he has chosen, even if it means enduring lessons he despises. Meanwhile, Hanna watches the exchange from a distance, her resolve unwavering. She's determined to prove herself to Rei, no matter how many cold looks or dismissive gestures come her way.