Chapter 7: Entering the Mysterious Path
The sun had just risen when Kallen found himself leading into the open courtyard, a space reserved for trainee knights and those chosen to learn the sacred combat arts. His instructor, Sir Borwin, stood waiting for him, his shadow long and imposing against the orange horizon. Today was different from the lessons Kallen had received from scholars about the mysterious paths. Today, his training would be under the guidance of a skilled swordsman, someone who had survived the battlefield and walked the fine line between life and death.
The morning was refreshing and quiet as Kallen met Sir Borwin for the first time in the training arena. The knight stood tall, his face weary from years of service, but his eyes sharp and focused. Kallen observed him with analytical precision, already calculating the value and efficiency of his new instructor’s training.
"Good morning, young Kallen," Borwin said in a steady, deep voice that matched the weight of the armor he wore even during training. His eyes were dark and piercing, as though every glance could cut through pretense and reveal what lay beneath. "You have been chosen for something granted to very few: the opportunity to learn the path of the knights. I am here to train your body, but also your mind and spirit. You must learn to see beyond your immediate senses, to feel the flow of energy that surrounds you at every moment."
Kallen’s sharp mind raced as Borwin spoke. His embodied consciousness, the artificial intelligence now housed in a human form, realized that the fundamental principles of this world were not so different from the data-driven systems he once knew. But in this new life, in the world of Eurythia, these systems were powered by mana and life energy, not by binary code.
Borwin seemed to sense Kallen's focus, though he mistook it for the natural eagerness of a young boy. As the knight paced around the courtyard, the gravel crunching under his boots, he said, "The path you begin today is not an easy one. Knighthood is more than just skill with a sword. We deal with energy and essence to strengthen our bodies and fortify our wills. What you learn here will change you physically and mentally. You will not be the same child you were yesterday."
Borwin stopped before Kallen, towering over him with a solemn presence. "Before we begin, you must understand that our system differs from that of mages or scholars. We do not manipulate the world or bend the elements to our will. We knights purify the life energy within ourselves. Our strength comes from within."
"Unlike mages, knights do not open mental realms," Borwin explained. "Our path is more grounded, more physical. We rely on refining life energy within our bodies. But to reach the level of an elite knight—to truly be counted among the best—we must intensify this energy. Through mysterious flow postures, breathing techniques, and potions, we purify our inner flow, strengthening our bodies until we reach the pinnacle: the Essence of Life."
Kallen absorbed this knowledge, his mind already processing the concept. The combination of techniques—physical discipline, energy refinement, controlled breathing—was the key. Only by mastering these could one achieve the title of a true knight. But even then, the Essence of Life represented the ultimate culmination of a knight’s training, transforming life energy into a concentrated force that set elite knights like Borwin apart from the rest.
Kallen, with his vast analytical mind, grasped the implications of Borwin’s words. Knights, though limited compared to mages who could manipulate the forces of the mysterious realm, were not without their unique powers. Their path required immense physical training and mental discipline, but in return, they gained unparalleled control over their bodies and the essence flowing through them.
"In the coming months, you will practice the mysterious flow postures," Borwin explained, gesturing to the training ground. "These physical movements will attune your body to the natural forces of the world, guiding you toward harmony. But most importantly, the Blue Resonance Breathing technique, practiced in tandem with the proper movements, will allow you to inhale and exhale mana, which will strengthen your physical vessels and awaken the power of life."
Though Borwin’s explanation was straightforward, it reflected the weight of tradition. The techniques he spoke of had been passed down through generations of knights, refined by countless warriors who had fought and died in the service of their kingdoms. Kallen could sense the magnitude of what he was about to learn.
"As a beginner, your task is to condition your body," Borwin continued, focusing his eyes on Kallen. "The mysterious flow postures will prepare your muscles, bones, and tendons to channel life energy, fortifying your body against external harm. Through these postures, you will also be able to absorb potions more efficiently, accelerating your progress."
Kallen had analyzed many subjects in his previous life, but this kind of training was new to him. It possessed a purity, a direct connection between body and mind that intrigued him. It wasn’t about manipulating abstract data; it was about controlling the flow of life itself.
Borwin began the demonstration, moving with a grace and precision that seemed to defy his size. His limbs extended in smooth, controlled arcs, and Kallen could almost feel the energy shifting around him. "This is the first form," Borwin said, holding his body at a strange angle, his feet rooted firmly to the ground. "Observe how the energy moves through me as I shift my weight. It’s not just about balance—it’s about drawing mana from the earth and sky and channeling it through your body."
Kallen watched closely, his analytical mind dissecting every movement. He noticed how Borwin’s body seemed to hum with invisible energy, how his muscles contracted and relaxed in perfect harmony with his breath. The knight wasn’t just demonstrating physical movements; he was embodying a deeper principle—the connection between the body and the natural forces of the world.
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"Now, follow me," Borwin instructed, stepping back to give Kallen space. The boy mimicked the knight’s posture, feeling the tension in his muscles as he tried to match Borwin’s movements. Though his body was still small and undeveloped, it responded surprisingly well. The artificial intelligence within him, with its unmatched processing power, allowed him to adapt quickly, adjusting his stance and balance with each breath.
Borwin frowned as he watched. The child’s coordination was perplexing.
"Good," Borwin said, observing Kallen’s progress. "But don’t rush. These forms require patience. They may seem simple, but their secret lies in repetition. Control your breathing, calm your mind, and let the energy flow through you naturally. If you force it, you will only harm your body."
Kallen nodded, slowing his movements, allowing his body to relax into the posture. As he did so, he began to feel a subtle shift in the air around him, a faint tingling sensation spreading from his fingertips to his toes. He inhaled deeply, following the rhythm of the Blue Resonance Breathing technique, and for the first time, he felt the flow of mana entering his body.
The sensation was faint, like the whisper of wind on his skin, but it was there. Kallen’s ever-alert mind registered the feeling immediately, and he began mapping the pathways the energy took as it moved through his body. It wasn’t just the air around him—it was the essence of the world itself, drawn into his body through the breathing technique Borwin had taught him.
"Excellent," Borwin murmured, his voice tinged with unexpected awe. "Harmony — on the first attempt."
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For the next few hours, Kallen practiced the forms repeatedly, his body slowly adjusting to the demands of the training. Borwin watched in silence, occasionally offering a correction or a piece of advice, but for the most part, he allowed Kallen to find his own rhythm. By midday, the boy’s muscles ached, and his limbs were heavy with exhaustion, but there was a spark in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.
Borwin noticed it as well. He said in a gruff but approving tone, "You’ve succeeded on your first day. Most beginners take weeks to feel the flow of mana. You’ve managed it in a few hours."
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Kallen’s mind was still racing with possibilities. If he could master this technique so quickly, what else could he achieve? The path of the knight, though different and more limited compared to the mysterious paths he had studied, presented its own unique challenges and rewards.
The training was brutal. It required hours of intense physical exertion, each movement demanding precision and awareness to make the body attune to the surrounding mana. The mysterious flow postures, combined with the breathing technique, tested the body even further, twisting it into unnatural forms to force mana through the smallest channels.
For a full year, Kallen trained relentlessly under Sir Borwin’s supervision. Every morning began before dawn with the same grueling routine: breathing techniques, mysterious flow postures, and hours of training with heavy swords. Kallen ignored the pain, his face set in a mask of indifference as his body transformed. His muscles became lean, his bones strengthened by the effects of the monthly potion, and his mind sharpened by the sheer, inhuman discipline he imposed on himself.
His training progressed much faster than Borwin had anticipated. By the end of the first year,
Kallen's body had reached the level of an Advanced Knight Trainee.
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Borwin stood before Lord Erlin, his face serious but showing a hint of astonishment. "He has accomplished in one year what should have taken five. He is ready."
Erlin nodded, his expression unreadable as always. "Proceed to the next stage. He will need more than just physical prowess if he is to survive what comes next."
Kallen’s training soon shifted to combat. Sir Borwin introduced him to swordsmanship, though it wasn’t the typical style noble knights used. It was brutal, efficient, and designed to kill, not to display honor. Borwin explained, "Chivalry isn't about gallant duels. It's about survival, adapting to the situation, and winning at any cost."
Their early training sessions were intense. Borwin’s strikes were swift and calculated. Every swing of his sword seemed aimed at exposing Kallen's weaknesses. But Kallen adapted. He analyzed Borwin’s movements, memorizing every pattern and subtle quirk in the knight’s attacks. His sharp, calculating mind began to see openings in Borwin’s defenses.
During one session, Borwin charged at Kallen with a downward strike. Kallen dodged the attack, pretending to block with his sword before using his free hand to grab a handful of dirt and fling it into Borwin’s face. For a split second, the knight faltered, his vision obscured by the dirt. Kallen seized the opportunity and aimed a strike at Borwin’s leg. But the knight’s experience was evident — even blinded, Borwin sensed the attack, activating his inner power to harden his body with life force.
Kallen’s blade struck Borwin’s arm, but instead of cutting flesh, the impact reverberated painfully through his wrist. It felt like hitting a steel wall. Borwin had harnessed life force — an advanced technique only true knights could achieve — allowing him to reinforce his body and weapons.
Kallen withdrew, panting, retreating into a defensive stance as he processed what had just happened. He had forced Borwin to use life force, something the knight rarely did against a trainee. Despite losing the exchange, Kallen understood the value of this information. He had pushed Borwin to reveal his trump card.
Borwin’s voice was low and controlled, though there was a glimmer of surprise in his eyes. "You’ve learned well. Few make me use life force. You show no mercy, and you’re unpredictable… but you still lack experience."
Kallen nodded, absorbing the lesson. He realized he had yet to master the life force needed to contend with Borwin. Yet, his mind was already working on new strategies, seeking ways to exploit the gaps in Borwin’s swordsmanship.
As the months passed, Kallen's training became even more grueling. He pushed his body to its limits every day, enduring relentless physical and mental discipline. He fought Borwin until his arms burned and his legs buckled, only to wake up the next morning and do it all over again. His thoughts grew sharper, his body more attuned to the flow of mana around him, and his ability to predict his opponents’ movements more refined. His swordsmanship reached new heights as he studied every angle, every potential weakness, never satisfied with his progress.
He didn’t just master the sword, but also the subtle tactics of warfare — deception, ambushes, and using the environment to his advantage. He learned that combat wasn’t just about strength; it was about the art of misdirection and psychological manipulation. And while his body became as resilient as any squire’s, honed by the potion and Borwin’s relentless training, it was his mind that set him apart.
One year had passed, and the foundation was laid. Kallen had exceeded the expectations of all who had witnessed his progress, including Borwin. He was now ready for the next stage: unlocking his mental realm and beginning the true journey along the mystic path.
But even as he prepared to drink the next potion and step into this deeper level of training, Kallen’s mind remained focused on one thing: control. Control over his body, over the flow of mana, and ultimately, over the very forces that shaped the world around him.