The lessons were nothing special—repetitions of stances, attacks, and defenses. Aiden talked a little with Lioren, but not much, and he felt a bit nervous.
After returning home, Cedric spoke with Sebastian for a moment. Then they went to the back of the estate, and Cedric entered with Aiden to train, while Sebastian watched closely.
Cedric sat down on his knees and gestured for Aiden to do the same.
"Listen. First of all, I want to say something you already know—I'm very, very proud of you. You're learning to fight quickly and easily. You've reached that stage where it's becoming more than just swinging a sword or another weapon."
"You didn't do anything like that in today's lesson, but not every class will cover this. At home, I'll teach you myself, because you advanced differently than the other kids. Usually, children advance when the time comes and they pass a test. You advanced only as you improved, and you're not grouped with beginners anymore. They won't be focused on repeating the basics. But that's not the point—I'll get to the real matter instead of rambling."
He took a deep breath and spoke in a serious tone, as if addressing a student.
"Vita… You've heard of it several times, I'm sure, but now I'll go into detail. Vita is a natural energy impulse generated by the body and spirit."
Aiden nodded to show he understood what his father meant.
"Now focus. I'll repeat this a few more times in the future, but you need to memorize it as soon as possible and have it ready at your fingertips. Even if I wake you in the middle of the night and ask for details, you should answer without hesitation."
"Vita flows through the MERIDIANS—a network of healing channels in the body. The key points are called VITA NODES."
"Vita Nodes are spread throughout the body—from the very top of the head, through the chest to the shoulders and fingertips. They also extend down through the abdomen, legs, and to the very tips of the toes."
He paused for a moment to let Aiden reflect on the information, knowing it would take many repetitions for him to truly memorize it.
"Vita, of course, flows through the nodes. Different races use different terms. Among humans, it's called 'Vita'—a life pulse, a natural energy impulse generated by the body and spirit. For example, ancient terms among elves and dwarves refer to the same thing, but they call it 'Qi.' It describes a subtle 'neural network' of energy in every being."
"In trade cities, the term 'Pulse' is often used. It refers to the intensity of one's internal power current."
"It's called by different names, interpreted a bit differently too, but ultimately it's the same energy under another label. I won't say which term is correct, because in the end, it doesn't matter."
He paused again, then continued:
"Continuing—nodes are spread across the whole body, but they have main clusters where they are densest. At the top of the head is the Crown, also known as the Apex. In simple terms, to help you interpret it, it connects spiritual energy and stabilizes the mind. It's very important and very difficult to master."
Cedric chuckled lightly.
"Next is the Heart—but don't confuse it with the actual heart," he said, then continued more formally, "The Heart is in the center of the chest, and it's also called the Core. It was first named 'Heart' because of its function—control of emotions and strength enhancement. While enhancing strength is something you'll be learning soon, and it's important for becoming stronger, emotional control is incredibly difficult and will be taught much later."
Seeing that Aiden was still listening attentively, Cedric felt a warm flicker inside, as if the boy's very spirit had lit up.
"Next is the Plexus, or the Solar Plexus. It's located above the navel and acts as a kind of generator of inner fire and determination. It's hard to explain exactly what I mean—it's also difficult to master, and you'll learn it in the future."
As he finished his sentence, Sebastian chimed in:
"That's something you'll need in real fights—those to the death."
He grinned menacingly.
Cedric looked at him and grimaced, while Aiden was slightly startled.
Cedric turned back to Aiden, made sure the boy was looking at him and focused again, and continued:
"Next are the limbs—arms and legs, especially the hands and feet. The nodes are mostly in the wrists and ankles. They're responsible for precise attacks and reaction speed. It's like thinking with your arms and legs."
"Last but not least is the 'Spine.' It's part of the lower back, located at the base of the spine. It's responsible for bodily stability and endurance—pretty self-explanatory."
Seeing that Aiden, despite trying hard and focusing, had a lot to take in, Cedric ruffled his hair and stood up.
"As a reward for your hard work, you get a week off from training."
Aiden quickly stood up, beamed with joy, and hugged his father.
"Thank you!"
Cedric noticed Sebastian's expression—it clearly said he didn't approve—but he ignored it. Sebastian didn't argue further and accepted what had happened.
He told his son:
"Aiden, but don't think it'll always be like this. You just need to rest and memorize what I taught you today. I'll tell you more details later, but for now, you have the day off."
Aiden smiled and ran ahead, even though he had seemed tired just moments before.
Cedric and Sebastian started discussing some important matters—several of them related to Aiden