Raiden, Javier, and Ruth went home together and then decided to read the scrolls at Raiden’s home. They only read the first page since they were too curious about each one of them.

Path of Strength: This path focuses on enhancing physical power and resilience. Practitioners of this path use Aura Force to amplify their strength, allowing them to perform feats of immense power and endure significant damage.

Path of Agility: Those who choose this path use Aura Force to boost their speed, reflexes, and flexibility. This path emphasizes swift movements and evasive maneuvers, making practitioners incredibly fast and difficult to hit.

Path of Perception: This path involves honing the senses and enhancing mental acuity. Practitioners can use Aura Force to heighten their awareness, see through illusions, and anticipate their opponent’s moves.

Path of Defense: This path is dedicated to creating protective barriers and fortifying the body against attacks. Practitioners can generate shields of Aura Force , making them nearly invulnerable in battle.

Path of Healing: Those who follow this path learn to use Aura Force to mend wounds and restore vitality. Practitioners can accelerate healing processes and even transfer their own energy to heal others.

Path of Manipulation: This path focuses on controlling external elements and using Aura Force to manipulate the environment. Practitioners can move objects, alter terrain, and use Force creatively in combat.

"This sure is interesting," Raiden said when they all finished reading the introductions of the scrolls. "They probably will grant us basic knowledge on how to control our Aura Force and then we will use that to develop our own techniques, that is what the instructor is doing on that floor."

"We have to choose ourselves... I am not sure we can make such an important choice," Ruth said while showing her worries on her face.

"It is better than let others do that and we dislike that in the future," Javier said.

Javier was usually the most nervous and cautious member of the group. He often hesitated overthought decisions, and second-guessed himself during training sessions. However, as he examined the six scrolls detailing the paths of Aura Force mastery, something seemed to change. For once, his usual nervousness gave way to a palpable eagerness.

Raiden and Ruth noticed the shift in Javier’s demeanor. His eyes lit up with excitement as he studied each path, and his hands trembled not with anxiety but with anticipation. It was clear that the opportunity to choose his own path for developing techniques had ignited a newfound enthusiasm in him.

Javier’s excitement was contagious, and it boosted the morale of the group. Seeing their usually nervous friend so eager and confident about his choice inspired Raiden and Ruth to think more deeply about their own paths.

Allowing kids to choose one of the six paths for developing their Aura Force techniques is a significant decision, as it will shape their future abilities and define their lives. Kids can choose a path that aligns with their natural abilities and interests, leading to more motivated and engaged learning. For example, a child with a natural aptitude for speed and reflexes might excel in the Path of Agility.

Early specialization allows students to develop expertise in a specific area, making them highly skilled and effective in their chosen domain. This can lead to greater proficiency and mastery over time. Allowing kids to make such a crucial decision empowers them and teaches responsibility. They learn to take ownership of their choices and the consequences that come with them, fostering maturity and independence.

On the other hand, there were demerits as well. Children might not fully understand the long-term implications of their choice due to their limited life experience and perspective. They might choose based on current interests rather than considering future needs and possibilities. As they grow and develop, their interests and abilities might change. A path chosen at a young age might not align with their future self, leading to potential regret and dissatisfaction.

The weight of making a life-defining decision can be overwhelming for kids, causing undue stress and anxiety. The pressure to make the "right" choice can be daunting. Without proper guidance, kids might choose a path that does not align well with their true potential or interests. This misalignment can result in frustration and hindered development.

"What are you going to choose, Raiden?" Ruth asked. "Your sister healed us when we were rescued, you would have an easy time learning from her, right?"

"As if I could ask her to teach me what she had such a hard time learning... Besides, what is the point of deciding something based on how easy it would be to learn?" Raiden furrowed his eyebrows.

"I guess that is right..." Ruth said while looking away.

"We shouldn’t choose the same paths," Javier declared. "Maybe we will work together in the future on missions outside the village, so it will be better if we can cover different paths."

"I don’t think that our leader would make us work together that easily just because we are friends," Raiden said. "Well, you still have a point. We should just choose the path without talking with the other just in case in order not to influence the others."

"That is for the best," Javier nodded.

After talking for a bit, the group decided to split up, each needing time alone to think about their future paths. Javier, usually the most nervous, seemed determined to dive deep into his thoughts about the Path of Agility. Ruth appeared contemplative as well, considering her options with a seriousness that matched the gravity of the decision.

Raiden, on the other hand, felt a bit different. As he wandered through the backyard, he mulled over the various paths detailed in the scrolls. Truth be told, he didn’t think he had to worry that much. Unlike Javier and Ruth, he felt confident in his ability to adapt and use his powers to enhance whichever skills he chose to focus on.

His system had always given him an edge. Raiden believed that regardless of the path he chose, he could leverage his powers to level up his skills and achieve great results. This belief made him less anxious about the decision, though he still recognized the importance of choosing a path that resonated with him.

Despite his confidence, Raiden knew he had to be cautious. His unique ability gave him an advantage, but there was an element of unpredictability he couldn’t ignore. He didn’t know when his system would recognize the techniques he developed as official skills. This uncertainty meant that his progress could be uneven, and he needed to be mindful of that.

Raiden leaned back against the wall on the side of the door, thinking about the techniques he’d been working on. He had used his system to level up skills, but these moments were inconsistent and hard to predict. He couldn’t rely solely on his system to advance his abilities; he needed a solid foundation and consistent practice.

The scrolls detailing the six paths were in front of him. Each path offered a structured way to develop specific skills, and choosing one would give him a clear direction for his training. Raiden understood that by following a chosen path, he could steadily build his abilities while waiting for his system to catch up.

"Oh, yeah, it is finally time for you to start that, huh?" Iri said when she suddenly arrived at the end of the afternoon. "I thought that you wouldn’t have a hard time making your choice."

"Your little brother is pretty reliable in your head, huh?" Raiden asked.

"Indeed, you can leave the impulsive choices in the family for me," Iri said. "Well, take your time, it is your first day on this floor, after all."

Raiden wondered if his mother and father would be that nonchalant about his choice as well, they were pretty chill parents, so that seemed to be the case. They also trusted him, so there was that as well...

As Raiden continued to review the scrolls, he began to narrow down his options. He realized that since he was still learning how to make potions, he could afford to set aside the Path of Healing for now. Healing was undoubtedly a valuable skill, but it didn’t align with his current goals or the immediate demands of his training.

Raiden’s mind drifted to his weapon of choice: the spear. Speed, precision, and agility were crucial for effective spear combat. A spear fighter needed to move quickly and strike with pinpoint accuracy, often relying on agility to outmaneuver opponents. Given this, the Path of Agility started to seem like the most suitable option for him.

Choosing the Path of Agility would help him improve faster in his preferred style of combat. It would enhance his natural strengths and complement his fighting technique, allowing him to become more efficient and effective. By focusing on agility, Raiden could develop skills that would serve as a strong foundation for his future growth.

"It is the obvious choice... perhaps too obvious," Raiden thought.