Chapter 11 Awakening Aura

The morning sun hadn't yet peeked over the horizon when Grant arrived at Jasper's chambers. His steps were soundless, a trait he had honed over years of dedication to martial arts. He carried with him a package, within which lay a beautiful bronze Rapier.

"Young master Jasper," he began, his voice steady and firm. "It's time for you to begin your journey in Martial Arts."

With a soft creak, the wooden door to Jasper's room opened, revealing the five-year-old boy rubbing his eyes, roused from his sleep by Grant's voice. The room was sparse, bathed in the dim glow of early dawn. The air held the chill of the morning, a crispness that marked the start of a new day.

While Jasper did expect that he would have to go to the Martial Hall soon, as his naming ceremony just passed, he was still quite surprised to be awakened so early.

Grant set the wrapped package down on the small wooden table by the window. Jasper's eyes widened in surprise as he unwrapped it to reveal the Rapier. He looked up at Grant, his gaze filled with awe and a tinge of apprehension. "For me?"

Grant nodded, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes. And now, let me teach you a sword technique. This isn't just any technique. It is designed to help you awaken the aura that resides within your body."

Looking at down at the sword Jasper couldn't help but grow excited, ecstatic almost. The sleepy feeling from having just being woken up washed away and was replaced with motivation. "Finally I'm going to be ale to learn martial arts!"

After unveiling the Rapier and explaining the plan for training, Grant gestured for Jasper to follow him. The duo left the dimly lit room and made their way to the courtyard. The early morning air was fresh and filled with the aroma of blooming flowers. The courtyard, encased in a gentle light, was surrounded by robust, towering trees that had stood the test of time. A serene aura enveloped the area, it was a perfect training ground.

Once they reached the courtyard, Grant drew his own sword. "Watch closely, Jasper," he instructed, holding his weapon with an experienced grip.

Jasper, his tiny hand clutching his new Rapier, nodded and fixed his gaze on Grant. He watched, his young mind attempting to absorb every detail, as Grant moved through the sequence of the sword technique.

Grant's movements were fluid and graceful, like a dance honed over countless hours of practice. Each stroke of his sword was precise, each step was measured. The blade cut through the air effortlessly, creating an intricate web of motion. The soft sound of the sword slicing through the air was the only thing that broke the silence of the morning. It was a powerful spectacle, a display of years of discipline and hard work.

Once Grant finished his demonstration, he turned to Jasper. "What you saw was the essence of our martial tradition. The steps, the swings, the turns, each of them have a purpose. They're designed to awaken the aura inside you. Now, it's your turn to try."

Jasper, awestruck by the spectacle, nodded enthusiastically. Holding his bronze Rapier in hand, he tried to mimic the movements he had just witnessed. His initial attempts were far from perfect; his movements lacked the fluidity and precision of Grant's. He stumbled a few times, the weight of the Rapier proving a bit too much for his small hands. His swings were awkward, and his footwork was clumsy.

Grant attentively observed Jasper attempting the sequence. The boy's movements were, as expected, unpolished and awkward. His stances were a little off, his grip on the rapier shaky. But there was a determination in his eye.

Seeing the boy's struggles, Grant couldn't help but smile. He remembered his own early days, the countless hours spent in training, the countless mistakes he'd made. It was all part of the journey. Of course, unlike Jasper he never had a mentor or such comfort… "Alright Jasper, let's take a break. Watch me again from the top."

Grant ran through the sword technique once more, deliberately slowing his movements down. "Focus on my feet, Jasper. Notice how I shift my weight from one foot to the other as I swing. And look at my grip on the sword. It's firm, but not too tight. You must be flexible yet controlled."

Jasper watched attentively, taking note of every little detail. Once Grant finished, Jasper picked up his rapier and tried again. This time, his movements were slightly more refined. He remembered to keep his grip firm but flexible, and he copied Grant's footwork to the best of his ability.

"Excellent progress for a single day," Grant praised, ruffling Jasper's hair. He wore a warm smile, the setting sun casting a gentle glow on his face. "Remember, every expert was once a beginner. The key is perseverance. Keep practicing these movements and eventually they will become like second nature."

Jasper looked up at him, his eyes glimmering with unyielding determination. His body ached from the unaccustomed strain, and he could feel his energy waning, but he didn't complain. He simply nodded and managed a tired smile. "I will keep practicing, Grant."

The sight brought a wave of pride over Grant. Seeing the spirit in this young boy, he couldn't help but envision a promising future. "You're going to do great things, Jasper," he murmured, a conviction firm in his voice.

That night, as Jasper drifted off to sleep, his mind echoed with Grant's words. They were not just words of encouragement, they were a promise of the journey to come. Despite the throbbing in his muscles, Jasper felt a sense of contentment. He was on the path of martial arts, the path his father had tread, and that brought a smile to his face.

***

The next morning, the first rays of the sun had barely graced the sky when Jasper found himself being roused by Grant. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, blinked open to find the familiar, reassuring face of his mentor looming over him.

"Up and at 'em, young master," Grant said, a teasing sparkle in his eyes. "There's a lot to be done today."

Stifling a yawn, Jasper dutifully followed Grant out to the courtyard. Despite the early hour, the air was already beginning to warm, the quiet chirping of the birds the only sound to accompany them.

Once they reached the courtyard, Grant motioned for Jasper to stand in the middle. "Show me what you remember from yesterday, Jasper."

Nodding, Jasper picked up the bronze rapier. His body felt stiff from the previous day's exertions, but he was determined to push through. Drawing a deep breath, he began to perform the sword technique.

His movements were better than they were yesterday. But halfway through, his body misaligned, causing him to lose balance and tumble to the ground. He felt his face heating up in embarrassment, but then he heard Grant's hearty laughter.

"Good try, Jasper," Grant praised, extending a hand to help the boy to his feet. His laughter was not one of ridicule, but one of shared camaraderie. "This is all part of the learning process. Your body is still adjusting to the training."

He moved to the center of the courtyard, expertly running through the sword technique. "Now, watch again. And remember, you don't need to be perfect. You just need to keep trying."

With that, he left Jasper in the courtyard, the boy's determined gaze watching him leave. As Jasper picked up his sword and resumed his practice, Grant couldn't help the proud smile that spread across his face. The boy had a long way to go, but he had the heart.

***

Over the next few days, Jasper's routine remained the same. He would be awoken by Grant, they'd move to the courtyard, and then the training would begin. Each day, Jasper's grasp over the sword technique improved. His footwork became steadier, his swings more controlled. He could feel a change in his body, a newfound strength that wasn't there before.

On the seventh day of training, something extraordinary happened. As Jasper moved through the sword technique, he felt a surge of energy well up inside him. It was a warm, pulsating force that flowed through his veins, bringing with it a rush of power. Jasper stood in the courtyard, his heart pounding, as he experienced the awakening of his aura.

It was unlike anything he had ever experienced. This energy was raw, untamed, it coursed through him like a wild river. His body felt lighter, stronger. His control over his muscles were heightened, every movement and swing felt controlled. He could feel the distinct connection between the new energy flowing in his body and his muscles. The sensation was one he had never felt before.

As the realization dawned on him, Jasper could barely contain his excitement. He had awakened his aura. He had taken the first step on his path as a martial artist. His joy was immeasurable, his heart filled with triumph. This was only the beginning, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held.