Adam was breathing heavily in his room.

  “Damn it… Organ reforging is on another level. Even when I need to breathe, I can’t just stop. I have to slow it down… slowly decrease the amount of Qi I’m absorbing until it’s safe enough.”

  He gripped at his chest, taking deep breaths. After a while, he got up, went to the bathroom, and checked the mirror.

  He was tall for his age—lean but defined.

  “I’m probably as tall as a three-year-old should be, hah… No one’s ever going to believe my real age… at least not physically.”

  He washed his face, then joined his parents for their meal. They all ate in silence, honoring their family traditions. But once dessert arrived, the three of them moved to sit out on the balcony.

  “Adam, you’ve been growing so fast, my boy,” Irina said, laughing softly. “I’m scared you’ll be taller than me by the time you’re ten.”

  “If that’s the case, he’ll be taller than me when he’s five,” Lake added with a hearty chuckle. Then he grew serious.

  “Son, I think you already know you’re not like other kids. You’re smarter, more mature, and extremely talented. Your mother and I have been talking—it’s time we begin your martial training.”

  Adam’s eyes locked onto his father’s.

  “I’ll teach you how to fight with a spear, and I’ll train your physical body to its limits. Your mother will teach you how to fight by using your enemies’ strength against them. She’ll teach you how to dodge, deflect, and dance around your opponents. And once you awaken… she’ll help you become a skilled caster.”

  Lake’s expression softened. “I know that’s something you’ll enjoy. We’ll start next week. Understood?”

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  “Yes, Father. Mother. Thank you very much.”

  Irina smiled gently. “Sorry, Adam. I hope you’ll understand soon.”

  “I already do, Mother. I like training anyway, so I’m happy.”

  The atmosphere returned to something warm and cheerful. Laughter and smiles filled the balcony. And in the blink of an eye, the next week arrived.

  Adam woke up early and met his father in the training room.

  “Good morning, kiddo. Had a good breakfast? You’ll need it.”

  “Of course, Father. I always do.”

  Lake tossed a wooden spear toward him. Adam caught it and examined the weapon. It wasn’t made for combat—clearly a training spear—but it was the perfect size for him.

  I never used a spear in my last life… I was a sword user. But… this might be interesting.

  He tested a few thrusts, getting a feel for its weight. It felt almost weightless in his hands—thanks to his strength.

  “I’m ready, Father.”

  “Good. Follow in my footsteps.”

  Lake took a stance. His spear faced forward, feet firmly rooted into the ground. Adam mirrored him.

  “Not bad. You’re great for a first-timer. Move your left foot a bit behind.”

  Adam adjusted, then planted his feet again.

  “Perfect. Now, son, your weapon isn’t just a tool. It’s an extension of you. When you carry it, your striking area, your center of gravity, and the way you move all shift. Pay attention to that.”

  “When you strike, you don’t just thrust your weapon forward, and you don’t just move your arms. You strike with your entire body.”

  Lake demonstrated with a sudden thrust. Every muscle in his body seemed to twitch in unison—one explosive movement.

  A gust of wind blew past Adam.

  “Incredible strength, Father…”

  “Now repeat the movement I just did.”

  Adam took the stance again, pointing the spear forward. His past experience, combined with his tempered muscles, gave him an edge—but his young, not-yet-matured body still had its limits. He thrust forward.

  “Good enough… for someone who isn’t you. Again.”

  Adam tried again.

  And again.

  Every time, Lake shouted out a correction—posture, grip, breathing, focus. Every small mistake was pointed out and fixed. Lake didn’t let him rest until lunchtime.

  Adam finally collapsed onto his back, chest heaving.

  “I’ve never been this tired…”

  “Well done today. I’ll be honest—you far surpassed my expectations. In just half a day, you learned what would take others a week or more.”

  “Go wash up and eat. Make sure to rest. Tomorrow your mother will take over your training. And believe me—she’s more brutal than I am.”