The northern plains were quiet at dawn, painted in shades of gold and silver. Mist drifted above the fields, and three figures sat cross-legged beneath an old oak tree.
Arden closed his eyes, his breathing calm and deep. Across from him, Elyndra and Mira struggled to imitate his posture. The elf's back was perfectly straight, her pride refusing to bend. Mira, however, fidgeted constantly, her tail swishing restlessly behind her.
"Stop moving your tail," Arden said without opening his eyes.
"I—I can't help it! It's ticklish when I sit still!" Mira pouted.
Elyndra sighed. "A true warrior must learn composure."
"You sound just like him!" Mira grumbled.
Arden finally opened his eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Both of you… quiet your minds. Qi flows through stillness, not noise."
He rose, brushing the dew from his sleeves. "Before we begin, remember this: power is not something granted—it's cultivated, shaped by discipline. The first seed you must plant is your will."
The two girls exchanged glances, then nodded solemnly.
Arden picked up a handful of soil and let it slip through his fingers. "Qi is life. It flows in everything—air, earth, water, even blood. But humans and demi-humans alike have forgotten how to feel it."
He tapped his chest lightly. "Close your eyes. Feel your heartbeat. Each beat is a rhythm that connects you to the world."
Elyndra obeyed immediately, face serene. Mira tried but ended up squinting one eye open.
"Did you feel anything?" Arden asked.
Mira frowned. "Just my stomach growling."
Arden chuckled softly. "Then we'll start with movement. Follow me."
He stepped back and began to demonstrate slow, deliberate movements—stances from his old world's martial arts: the Flowing River Form. Each breath matched each step, smooth and natural.
"Qi follows intent," he said. "Your body is the vessel. Control your movement, and your energy will obey."
The girls followed clumsily at first. Elyndra's movements were elegant but rigid. Mira's were energetic but wild.
"No," Arden said, stepping behind Elyndra, gently adjusting her arm. "Your blade follows your spirit, not your pride."
He turned to Mira, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And you—too much fire. Balance it with focus."
They tried again, and this time, something changed. The air stirred faintly. A faint shimmer rippled around Elyndra's hands, and Mira's tail stiffened as a spark of warmth spread through her body.
Both gasped.
"This… this is Qi?" Elyndra whispered.
Arden nodded. "The first seed has sprouted."
Days turned to weeks. Under Arden's guidance, the two trained relentlessly. Elyndra practiced with a wooden sword, mastering footwork and breathing. Mira learned hand-to-hand combat, her natural agility blending perfectly with his martial forms.
Their bodies toughened. Their senses sharpened. The villagers began to notice the trio training by the fields each dawn, moving with grace and power that seemed beyond human.
Arden watched them quietly, pride hidden beneath his calm exterior.
They're progressing faster than I expected. Elyndra's Qi affinity is strong… Mira's is instinctive. If they continue at this pace, they'll reach the first stage of cultivation before they're ten.
He gazed at the horizon, feeling the faint pulse of energy in the air.
This world's Qi is impure, but abundant. If I can refine it, perhaps I can merge it with Mana itself…
One afternoon, while they rested under the tree, a distant horn echoed from the south.
Elyndra's ears perked up. "That's… a distress signal."
Arden stood instantly. "Caravan route?"
"Yes. From the trade road. It's not far."
Without another word, he slung his bow over his shoulder and started running. The girls followed.
They found the caravan in chaos—wagons overturned, corpses scattered. Standing among the wreckage were three Ogres, hulking brutes with gray skin and jagged clubs.
Survivors screamed for help.
Mira froze. "T-Those things… they're huge!"
Elyndra gritted her teeth, raising her wooden sword. "We can't face that!"
Arden stepped forward, expression calm. "You won't. I will."
He dropped his bow, focusing his Qi into his palm. The ground beneath his feet cracked.
It's been a while since I tested my limits in this body.
The first ogre roared and charged. Arden moved like lightning—his figure blurred, vanishing from sight. In the next instant, he appeared behind the creature, palm glowing faintly.
"Qi Art—Crushing Mountain Palm."
A thunderous crack echoed. The ogre's chest caved in, its massive body collapsing instantly.
The other two roared, swinging their clubs wildly. Arden dodged with effortless precision, his movements fluid, serene. Another strike, another explosion of force—then silence.
When it was over, the survivors stared in awe at the boy standing amidst fallen giants.
One merchant stammered, "That child… killed three ogres… alone!?"
Arden ignored them, turning to his disciples. "Elyndra. Mira. What did you see?"
Elyndra clenched her fists. "Your movements were beyond comprehension."
Mira's eyes sparkled. "It was amazing!"
Arden smiled faintly. "Good. Then learn from it. Strength isn't just power—it's control, purpose, and timing."
He glanced toward the distant northern horizon.
If ogres wander this close, something darker stirs beyond the border.
That night, beneath the campfire's glow, Elyndra and Mira sat beside him, their eyes reflecting the flames.
Elyndra spoke softly. "Master… what is your goal?"
Arden looked into the fire for a long moment before answering.
"My goal?" he murmured. "To forge a land where no one is bound by fear or weakness. A land of warriors… who protect their own."
He looked at the stars. "The North shall be that land."
The girls said nothing, but in their hearts, something stirred—a spark that would one day grow into an unbreakable flame.