16 7th year

It has already been one year since Jake first awakened his core.

The whole year was nothing but training, and it is supposed to be the same in the future until his core fully matures.

Jake woke up to the familiar sight of his bedroom ceiling. Turning his head towards the clock, he saw it was 5:00 in the morning. Quickly freshening up, he dressed in his training clothes and headed to the park.

Upon reaching the park, he found his friends already waiting for him. Thanks to the guidance of Reynold and Tom, each of them had achieved a commendable physique through dedicated training. Thanks to Sera's Rune classes, their magic is as strong as the muscles they had developed.

"Morning, Jake!" greeted Jimmy, a broad smile on his face. His once lanky frame now boasted the results of months of disciplined workouts.

"Morning," Emily said calmly, her once chubby physique now slim and athletic.

"Yo! Jake, ready for another drill?" Mark greeted with a smile on his face. He had also transformed from a skinny to a muscular but lean kid.

"Absolutely," Jake responded with a grin. "Let's see who finishes first."

Each of them smiled and began their basic routine until Reynold and Tom arrived.

After an hour, the morning routine of the group came to an end. Jake and Tom approached, each carrying a basket.

"Now you all are ready for weapon training," Reynold smiled and said. Previously, they had to wait at least two hours before Jake and his friends could even walk after Elite's Drill, but now they stood upright with steady breaths.

Tom and Reynold put the baskets down and opened the covers, revealing numerous wooden weapons inside.

"First, each of you pick a sword and swing it 100 times," Tom instructed. Jake and the others nodded, eager to begin, and approached to pick up the wooden swords.

The weight of the wooden weapons felt unfamiliar in their hands. The group, once accustomed to basic drills, is now being prepared for a new level of training. As they swung the swords through the air, each movement became a testament to the strength and agility they had developed over the past year.

Reynold and Tom watched with approving nods, their experienced eyes assessing the fluidity and precision of each swing. The sun continued its ascent in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training ground as the group continued performing basic downward slashes with the wooden swords.

After completing the assigned drills, the wooden swords were returned to the baskets. Tom and Reynold exchanged satisfied glances, acknowledging the progress of their students.

"Good job, everyone," Reynold praised. "Weapon training is as much about discipline and control as it is about strength. You're all making remarkable strides."

Reynold, with a twinkle in his eye, looked at Jake and continued, "You've surpassed the novice stage. Your sword handling shows a level of finesse and control that's impressive."

Jake nodded and smiled; his father wasn't teaching him basics of weapons, saying he is not ready, but he has a quest to complete, so he had no choice but to learn it himself, plus Nexus's guidance also helped him. Fortunately, he learned the basics of the sword and obtained a Slime Gate key.

[ Gate Key: Slime

Rank: E

Description: what else to explain? It's a normal gate with nothing but slimes ]

"Now, keep the feeling of swinging the sword remembered," Tom advised as he passed wooden spears to Jake and his group.

"Thrust it, 100 times," Reynold instructed. Jake and the trio wasted no time and began executing the thrusts as instructed.

The transition from sword handling to spear thrusts added a new dimension to their training. The wooden spears, longer and more versatile, required a different set of skills. As Jake and his friends carried out the thrusts, they focused on the fluidity and precision needed to handle this new weapon.

Reynold and Tom observed their movements, offering occasional pointers to enhance their techniques. The rhythmic sound of wooden spears cutting through the air echoed in the training ground, creating a cadence that mirrored the synchronized effort of the group.

After completing the set of thrusts, they paused to catch their breaths.

"Next is..." Reynold and Tom began, instructing them to use six more weapons.

The array of weapons laid out before them showcased the diversity of combat skills they were about to acquire. Each weapon presented its own set of challenges and nuances, demanding adaptability and a keen understanding of its unique characteristics.

Reynold and Tom guided them through the intricacies of each weapon, emphasizing the importance of versatility in combat. From daggers to staffs, the group immersed themselves in the training, absorbing the knowledge imparted by their mentors.

At 12:00, their training came to an end.

"Do you know why we let you try various weapons?" Tom asked as the group sat together to rest.

"To let us learn various kinds of weapons," Mark answered.

"To increase our adaptability," Emily answered.

"Same as Mark, to let us train in various kinds of weapons," Jimmy added.

Jake chimed in, "To be prepared for any situation."

Tom nodded, acknowledging their responses. "Exactly. In the unpredictable journey that lies ahead, you might encounter different adversaries and challenges. Having a diverse set of skills ensures that you're ready for whatever comes your way. Adaptability and preparation are key."

Reynold added, "Remember, your journey is dynamic. The skills you've acquired here are tools in your arsenal. Use them wisely, and always be open to learning. That's the mark of a true warrior."

Jake and others smiled happily after being praised by them.

"But it wasn't our motive," Tom said.

Reynold nodded and continued, "Our true aim was to see which weapon is suitable for you all."

Jake and others nodded and then inquired, "What are our weapons?"

Tom smiled slightly and said, "Jake's suitable weapon is the Chained Dagger, while Emily's suitable weapon is the Bow and daggers."

Reynold looked at Mark and Jimmy and said, "Jimmy's weapon is the Spear while Mark's weapon is the Sword."

While others' weapons were swords, spear, and bows, Jake wielded a unique weapon – a dagger with a long chain. The dagger itself resembled a short, straight sword, intricately designed and finely crafted. The chain attached to it allowed Jake to control the weapon's reach and movement with finesse. It isn't just a dagger attached with a rope but a dagger attached to a chain made of wood, making it a perfect training tool.

Reynold had specifically selected this weapon for Jake, considering the unique abilities bestowed upon him by the Void Spirit. The combination of the chained daggers and Jake's Void Spirit created a deadly synergy, plus it allows him to seamlessly transition between close and ranged combat.

After the rigorous training session, Jake and his friends made their way back home, their bodies pleasantly fatigued from the day's exercises. Upon arriving home, they took some much-needed rest to rejuvenate their energy. The familiar surroundings offered a sense of comfort plunging them into slumber.

After a restful sleep, Jake and his friends awakened, readying themselves for the next class with Sera. They went through meditation, clearing their minds and centering their energies in preparation for the day's lesson.

When the time came, they made their way to Jake's home. The air in the lobby, where their Rune class took place, was filled with the sweet smell of herbs. The room had an air of tranquility, a space conducive to the study and practice of the mystical arts.

As they settled into their seats, Sera entered the room, her presence commanding respect and attentiveness. The group greeted her with a nod of acknowledgment.

"Today, we will delve into the combination of basic Runes," Sera announced, setting the tone for the day's lesson.

The class unfolded with a blend of theory and practical application. Sera guided Jake and his friends through the intricacies of combining different runes, emphasizing the significance of intention and understanding the inherent connections between runic symbols.

The room filled with the soft glow of runic symbols as Sera demonstrated various combinations. The air buzzed with the ethereal energy of the runes, creating an environment that facilitated a deeper connection with the Runic forces at play.

As the class progressed, Jake and his friends absorbed the knowledge with focused attention. The combination of basic runes opened up new possibilities, allowing them to unlock more intricate and powerful effects.

Sera's teachings were not just about memorizing symbols but understanding the essence behind each combination. The synergy between runes, like a language of the cosmos, unfolded before their eyes.

At 6:00, their class ended, and Jake's friends returned home. Each of them then started using the refining art given to them by Tom.

Jake talked with Nexus for some time before starting his own refinement.

[ Chained Dagger, it sure is a unique weapon] Nexus remarked as Jake returned to his room.

"I know right, never ever I thought of this weapon, but it's best suited to me, though I was thinking of a sword but yeah it feels more comfortable to use than a Sword," Jake nodded and replied, looking at the chained Daggers.

[It's good as your progress with it will be much faster than a sword.]

Jake nodded and then started using ??? foundation art.

That's how the days of Jake and his friends went on till they reached the age of 12, or until their core matures fully.