The training ground was a vast expanse of meticulously kept earth, enclosed by stone walls that echoed with the sounds of exertion and wood striking wood. Banners bearing the Stormborn sigil snapped in the wind, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of yellow and orange. Torches flickered along the walls. As Aren followed the servant through the archway, he saw the grounds were already bustling. Castle guards, clad in leather armor, practiced drills with wooden swords and spears, their movements honed and confident. The air hung thick with the scent of sweat and sand.

He spotted Leo immediately. The Duke's son was already warming up, performing vigorous arm and leg swings. Leo wore simple training clothes that emphasized his powerful build. Even without actively channeling Ether, Leo possessed a natural athleticism, a combination of great genetics and years of dedicated training.

Darius stood nearby, an imposing figure even in casual attire. A massive leather punching bag hung from a thick chain beside him. He gestured for Aren to approach. "Ah, Aren! Perfect timing. We were just about to engage in a bit of a warm-up. Leo is quite keen to demonstrate his strength to you."

Isla and Kira sat on a stone bench near the edge of the training ground, their eyes bright with curiosity. Isla gave Aren a small wave, while Kira offered a more reserved nod. Looks like I have an audience, Aren thought, a touch of nostalgic amusement tugging at his lips.

As Aren approached, Leo stepped forward to join him before the Duke. Darius, with a measured tone, began: "Before we commence, allow me to outline the structure of our training regimen. As you are aware, Aren, we are preparing for a tournament that prohibits both weaponry and the active channeling of Ether. Therefore, our focus will be on unarmed combat and physical conditioning. Ether training will be a separate endeavor, aimed at reinforcing the body's natural permanent resilience, rather than the application of power during combat. Is that clear?"

Aren nodded, appreciating the logic of the approach.

"Warm-up first. Can't have any needless injuries slowing us down," Darius instructed.

Thanks for the tip, The 65-year-old fighter thought, suppressing a sigh. He began his warm-up, starting with his neck and carefully working his way down.

Leo, having completed his stretches, stood ready. Darius, eager to begin, announced, "Leo, while Aren is getting ready, why not show him what you're capable of? Give that bag a proper Stormborn welcome!"

Leo smirked, striding towards the bag. He adopted a wide stance, muscles tensing. "With pleasure," he said, and unleashed a powerful punch into the center of the bag.

The impact was tremendous. The bag flew sideways, swinging wildly on its chain like a rag doll. Dust billowed into the air, and even Aren was impressed by Leo's raw power. The guards watching the training murmured their approval.

"Magnificent power!" Darius exclaimed, clapping his hands. "You see, Aren? This is strength forged through years of training!"

Leo beamed with pride, awaiting praise.

"Impressive," Aren said, nodding. "But strength isn't everything. Technique is also important."

Darius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what do you suggest, Aren? Will you demonstrate your technique for us?"

Aren smiled. "Gladly."

He approached the bag, examining it closely. He ran a hand over the leather, assessing its firmness. The bag was indeed very hard and heavy; Leo's physical strength was clearly exceptional. Must be the effect of Ether body conditioning. Then, Aren stepped back a short distance, adopting a stance that seemed almost relaxed.

Leo and Darius watched in silence, anticipation hanging in the air.

Aren focused on his new body. He tried to feel the connection through his joints, from the ground to his fist. He employed a technique he had studied for decades, one where hardness met softness, where power was channeled through the joints from the ground into the fist. Aren crouched slightly, as if charging his entire body.

He stepped forward, executing a movement that linked all his joints, each one transferring power in sequence until it culminated in his fist.

It wasn't as visually powerful as Leo's strike. The bag didn't fly sideways. But when Aren's fist connected with the leather, a loud, dull thud echoed through the training ground. A small, fist-shaped indentation marred the bag's surface, as if the leather had momentarily yielded to a precise pressure. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, the leather smoothing itself back into place. A sharp throb in Aren's arm served as a stark reminder that his new body was far from conditioned for such a strike.

I need to temper my enthusiasm; this body can't handle my techniques yet.

Everyone froze in astonishment. The guards, who had been continuing their drills, stopped and turned towards Aren, intrigued by the sound.

"What was that?" Isla whispered, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Was that a punch?!" exclaimed one of the guards, shaking his head. "I've never heard anything like it!"

"Was that some kind of Ether sound technique?" muttered another, scratching his chin.

Darius roared with laughter, clapping Aren on the shoulder. "Incredible! You must teach us that, Aren!" Behind the humor, Darius hid a genuine desire to learn such a strike.

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Isla clapped her hands, her face radiant with excitement. "That was amazing, Aren!"

Leo frowned, feeling the attention shift to Aren. But curiosity flickered in his eyes as well. He wanted to understand how Aren had managed to deliver such a blow.

"Alright, enough warming up," Darius said, stepping back. "Now let's see some real combat. Aren, Leo, show me what you're capable of!"

Aren and Leo faced each other, a respectful distance between them. Leo, still slightly annoyed, radiated determination. Aren, despite the praise, remained calm and focused. The guards, intrigued by the unusual display of power, formed a circle around the fighters, ready to watch the sparring match.

"Ready when you are," Leo said, a challenge in his voice.

Aren nodded, adopting a neutral stance. He wanted to assess Leo's abilities and temper his own display of technique to avoid unnecessary questions.

Leo lunged forward, unleashing a flurry of blows. He attacked with brute force, each strike possessing the potential to knock Aren off his feet. Yet, Leo exercised restraint, careful not to inflict serious harm on a seemingly weaker opponent. But Aren was ready. He moved with a grace that belied his lack of Ether enhancement, dodging and slipping through Leo's attacks. He parried, blocked, and evaded, giving Leo no chance to land a single blow.

Predictable, Aren thought, ducking under another clumsy swing. Leo relied too much on his strength and speed, neglecting basic footwork and technique. His movements were telegraphed, his attacks straightforward and lacking finesse. It's like a bull charging a matador – impressive, but ultimately ineffective.

Isla and Kira watched with rapt attention. They were clearly impressed by Leo's enthusiasm they haven't seen for a long time, but also intrigued by the apparent ease of Aren's defense. The guards standing around them whispered, discussing Aren's technique and Leo's strength.

Darius observed the sparring match with a keen eye, occasionally offering commentary. "Leo, do apply yourself with more thought! Utilize your speed to its fullest! Aren, afford him no respite! Press the attack!"

Aren continued to evade Leo's attacks, his movements fluid and economical. He felt like he was dancing around a clumsy giant, conserving his energy and waiting for an opening to counterattack. He needed to tread carefully, so as not to embarrass Leo or injure himself with with his own technique.

This world is so focused on Ether that they've neglected the fundamentals of combat. They rely on external power instead of honing their technique and minds. It was a primitive approach compared to the refined martial arts he had learned on Earth.

Aren subtly shifted his tactics, moving beyond simple evasion. He began to target Leo's arms and torso with rapid, precise strikes, disrupting his balance. These weren't power punches, but carefully calibrated blows designed to inflict pain and force Leo off his center. Knowing that Leo's body was as hard as stone – a dangerous prospect for his own weakened condition – Aren prioritized precision. He focused on specialized strikes that bypassed muscle, delivering force directly to vulnerable organs.

Leo frowned, feeling a surge of frustration. He wasn't used to someone so easily evading his attacks and landing blows in return.

Are his organs conditioned as well? He's barely reacting to my punches!

Aren continued his tactic, gradually increasing the tempo. He moved around Leo like a shadow, striking and retreating, giving Leo no chance to counterattack.

But Leo remained unfazed by the unfavorable situation. His eyes were focused, and even as strikes came his way, he was experimenting. Though his attempts at varying the tempo or launching unexpected attacks were easily anticipated by Aren, whose extensive experience made him impervious to the feints of an amateur fighter.

Fatigue began to set in, manifesting in different ways for each of them. Aren's muscles burned with exhaustion, while Leo's mind seemed to be growing weary, his movements becoming less decisive.

"Enough! That will conclude our sparring for the present. It's evident that you both possess markedly different strengths, rendering this form of training ineffective at this juncture. Aren requires a regimen to temper his physique, while Leo must dedicate himself to honing his technique." Darius's booming voice stopped the sparring match. Leo had not managed to land a clean blow, but he did not seem disappointed.

The guards watching the fight murmured their approval. They were impressed by Aren's technique and Leo's stamina.

Isla and Kira approached, their faces full of admiration, though Kira's was trying to hide it.

"You were both magnificent! I have never seen anyone of your age stand on equal footing with my brother," Isla exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

My age... Right...

"Yes, it seems my brother has finally found a worthy opponent," Kira added, her tone more reserved.

Darius approached Aren and Leo, his face serious.

"It is quite apparent how you might assist each other in addressing your respective deficiencies. Leo, you shall aid Aren in fortifying his physique, both through physical conditioning and the application of Ether, as you yourself have done. Aren, you will instruct Leo in the effective deployment of his strength and the implementation of tactics within combat."

Aren and Leo nodded, understanding that Darius was right. They needed to train differently to achieve their goals.

"I believe that will suffice for today," Darius announced. "Aren, Valerian has graciously agreed to personally instruct you in the fundamentals of Ether channeling. While Jaxx'im is absent, Valerian is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable in this particular endeavor. Leo, your presence would also be appreciated. A review of the basics is always beneficial, even for the most accomplished. Your instruction will begin tomorrow morning. I suggest you use the intervening time to rest and prepare."

The sun had almost completely disappeared below the horizon, and the training ground was lit only by the flickering torches. Everyone left the grounds, contemplating the events of the day.

As they walked, Leo turned to Aren. "I have never seen such movements. You evaded and parried my attacks with such ease. I confess, it was irritating at first. But then I realized you were provoking me to change my tempo and strategy. I am grateful."

He understood. How perceptive, I didn't even say anything.

"Your father is right. We need to work on our weaknesses before we spar again."

"Yes, that was not very productive. I couldn't even land a blow on you." Leo chuckled slightly. Aren smiled in return.

Returning to his chambers, Aren reflected on the day's events. He had learned a great deal about Leo's abilities, Darius's intentions, and the general level of martial arts in Atheria. He realized that his skills were far more valuable than he had initially thought, and that he needed to be careful about how he used them.

He collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. He noticed a large metal mug of water near the bed. He crawled over to take a drink, thirst plaguing him after the training and the alcohol from the feast. But the mug was so heavy that he couldn't even lift it with his injured arm, sore from striking Leo's steel-hard body. Then he remembered what Leo had said about the items here being deliberately heavy for men.

I refuse to be defeated by a beverage container!

He gathered all remaining strength and took a small sip by tilting the mug. Then he fell asleep, exhausted.