Chapter 18 Dual Circulation

A three months later, on a morning much like any other, Jasper was back in the courtyard, his figure bathed in the glow of dawn as he swung his sword in practiced rhythm. To an outsider, it might have seemed like another ordinary day in the young boy's rigorous training regimen. But inside Jasper's body, a crucial transformation was taking place.

His aura, which usually circulated in a single defined pattern as he practiced his sword technique, was now divided into two separate flows. One flowed according to the aggressive arm strengthening technique, enhancing his physical prowess, while the other followed the path of the Initiate Technique that Grant had taught him.

This dual circulation was a critical milestone for every Martial Artist, a skill that distinguished the capable from the ordinary. It was a perilous technique, the risk of internal injury ever present, if not executed correctly. Jasper had been trying to master this skill under Grant's careful supervision for weeks now, only to be left with bruises and bouts of dizziness due to his failed attempts.

But today, this fateful day, something clicked into place. For the first time, Jasper managed to control both flows of circulation simultaneously. A wave of exhilaration washed over him, his heart pounding in his chest. Yet, he knew better than to let his excitement take over. His focus remained unwavering, his concentration at its peak, as he tried to imprint this novel sensation into his memory.

Having mastered the movements and ensured his ability to repeat the dual circulation a few times, Jasper felt an immense sense of achievement that made him take a break from his rigorous training. The euphoria was overwhelming; it was a major breakthrough, and he was eager to share the good news.

Jasper bolted from the courtyard, his excitement practically radiating off him. Alexa, who had been waiting for him by the entrance, was taken aback as he sprinted past her. Hastily, she hitched up the skirt of her maid's outfit and followed him as quickly as she could.

Soon, Jasper found himself standing before his father's office, a sense of anticipation surging within him. He rapped on the door, waiting for a response. Yet, silence greeted him. Alexa, catching up to him, stood panting, her eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Young Master, what's wrong?" she asked, catching her breath.

Jasper turned to her, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I made a big breakthrough in my martial arts today!" he declared. His exuberance faded slightly as he registered the silence from within the office. "It appears father went out today again. He seems to be getting busier and busier."

Alexa responded, "Well of course, the village chief is probably the busiest man in the village. With how much the village is growing, it's not surprising for him to be out all the time."

Jasper nodded in agreement with Alexa's words. "Well no matter, I'll just head to Grant's room, he should be here." And with that, he took off once more, leaving Alexa to hurry after him.

As the two of them raced through the manor's expansive corridors, Jasper's excitement remained undimmed, his enthusiasm infectious. He was no longer bound by the constraints of secrecy. He was free to discuss his talents openly, to express his joy at each accomplishment, and to share his enthusiasm with others without fear of retribution.

His secret, the one that had led to the events of the past, was no longer a secret. He was free to be himself, to train openly and to celebrate his progress. There was no more hiding, no more worrying about whispers behind his back, no more fear that someone would discover his unique abilities. His talent was no longer a burden he bore alone, it was a beacon, a source of pride that he wore like a badge of honor.

As they ascended the sweeping staircase leading to the upper floors of the manor, their destination soon came into sight - Grant's room. Despite being a servant, Grant was held in higher regard due to his status as a Practitioner in the 1st stage. More than just a servant, he was akin to an uncle or a guardian to Jasper.

Upon reaching Grant's quarters, Jasper, brimming with eagerness, knocked heavily on the wooden door. The sturdy frame echoed his enthusiasm, the vibrations seeping into the room beyond. It wasn't long before the door creaked open, revealing Grant's smiling face. His eyes, always warm and welcoming, now held an expectant spark. The air of excitement around Jasper was contagious, and Grant had been around him long enough to have a good guess at why he was here.

"Jasper," he greeted, a note of curiosity lacing his voice, "What brings you here so early in the day?" His gaze moved past Jasper to rest on Alexa, who stood a few steps behind, trying to catch her breath. "And with such haste too," he added, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.

Breathless from the dash across the manor, Jasper stood straight, his small chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. His eyes sparkled with an unbridled excitement that mirrored his racing heart. Finally, he managed to speak, his words rushing out in an enthusiastic tumble.

"Grant, I did it!" Jasper began, his voice brimming with anticipation. "I managed to control the dual circulation of my aura! It's like... it's like everything suddenly clicked into place. I was in the courtyard and...and..."

His words trailed off as he tried to describe the exhilaration of his breakthrough, but he found that words couldn't quite encapsulate the intense joy and satisfaction that coursed through him. "I just...I just had to tell you, Grant. I've been trying for weeks, and now...I've finally done it!"

His gaze then moved to Alexa, who had caught up to him, her cheeks flushed from the effort. A warm smile crossed his face as he added, "I wish Father was here to see this. But now that Alexa's back, she'll be able to see all my progress!"

Listening to the thrilled boy's explanation, Grant let out a hearty laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners in delight. He reached out, placing his large hands on Jasper's small shoulders, gripping them firmly. "While your father might not be here right now, he did expect you to break through a while back. In fact, he even left you a reward," he said, his voice resonating with approval.

With a gesture, Grant invited Jasper and Alexa to step inside his quarters. The room, though humble compared to the grandeur of the manor, was warm and inviting. "Have a seat and catch your breath," he suggested, indicating the simple wooden chairs.

Jasper, his curiosity piqued, looked up at Grant expectantly, clearly eager to know what his reward was. Grant, catching Jasper's eager look, couldn't help but smile fondly. "Let me go get it," he said, his voice betraying his amusement at Jasper's impatience. "You two can stay here."

With that, he turned, disappearing into an adjoining room, leaving Jasper and Alexa alone in the room, the air charged with anticipation. Jasper sat down on one of the wooden chairs, his mind buzzing with excitement, his heart pounding in his chest. Today was turning out to be a day of surprises, each one more delightful than the last.

Upon his return to the room, Grant carried a small, intricately-carved vial cradled in his hands. Seeing Jasper's curiosity piqued to an all-time high, he couldn't help but chuckle. He carefully handed the vial to Jasper. It contained a deep crimson liquid, seemingly almost alive as it swirled around the vial.

"This, Jasper," he began, his voice laced with reverence, "is the blood of a beast from the Practitioner realm, a 3rd stage beast to be precise."

Jasper's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on the vial. Even he, as a young Martial Artist in training, understood the significance and rarity of what he was being presented with.

"You can choose to consume it, or bathe in it while using a specific breathing technique," Grant continued, "Doing so will help enhance the amount of aura within your body. It will boost your aura capacity, making your aura much stronger."

Grant's words hung in the air, the weight of this reward becoming apparent. It was more than just a gift - it was an investment, a leap of faith in his potential. With it, Jasper's training would take on a whole new level of intensity, a challenge he was more than eager to meet head-on.

His heart pounded in his chest, the magnitude of this opportunity making his blood race. His grip on the vial tightened, a firm resolve etching itself onto his young features.

"I won't let Father and you down, Grant," he vowed, determination shimmering in his eyes. "I will use this gift to its fullest potential, and continue working hard."