"It looks like it worked..." Raiden said.

The trainees were satisfied with the result, but they furrowed their eyebrows when they heard that... it looked like Raiden made them do something that he wasn’t one hundred percent sure. Still, results are everything.

"You should have some energy that you can control; meditate while trying to feel it and make it burn," Raiden added. "Only by using Aura Force as much as possible will you make it stronger. Naturally, that will improve your basic skills, all of them. The only downside is that you can only use it for a certain amount of time, but that is only natural."

After Raiden finished explaining the meditation, he noticed the trainees’ expressions of curiosity and confusion. Their eyes wandered, and their brows furrowed slightly, revealing their internal struggle with the concept. It was clear that while they were willing to try, they were also grappling with the apparent uncertainty in Raiden’s own tone and the potential efficacy of the method.

Raiden could sense their skepticism, understood the source of their hesitation, and then sighed. The trainees were questioning not only the technique but also the confidence of their instructor, or perhaps it was something else. The method’s simplicity contrasted sharply with their evident need for reassurance, and they were likely wondering why Raiden didn’t seem completely sure of its success. His awareness of their doubts was palpable, and it was evident that they were seeking validation and clarity.

Rather than allowing their concerns to fester, Raiden chose to address them directly. He knew that for the trainees to fully engage with the exercise, they needed to feel confident in its value. By acknowledging their unease and offering to clarify any uncertainties, he aimed to provide the necessary support to build their trust and ensure that they approached the technique with a clear understanding and a stronger sense of purpose.

"What is it?" Raiden crossed his arms and asked.

"... Well, we heard a lot of things about you... the warriors of the village," The dwarf boy hesitated before saying that. "We heard that you can do all sorts of things. Just knowing Aura Force will allow us to do the same."

"No, you will need a bit of specialized training that is useless unless you have enough energy to use," Raiden explained. "Hence, improving your Aura Force is imperative here."

Raiden raised his eyebrows when he saw the look on their faces. It looked like the timid kids had gained a lot of confidence thanks to their success, and that got to their heads. Kids will always be kids, so Raiden couldn’t help but shrug.

"Try to use Aura Force for as long as possible, all of you," Raiden said.

The kids didn’t hesitate since that feeling of power was pretty exciting, but soon, they realized that they could only use it for no less than fifteen seconds; the elves could do it for twenty seconds, though. They had a bit more talent when it comes to magic.

"As you can see, you are drained. It will take a while to recover the energy, but the more you do that, the more energy you will have and the more energy you will recover and faster," Raiden said. "Now, you need to know how to learn the techniques, and you will need to keep using Force. Do you think that you can learn any technique by practicing fifteen seconds at a time?"

Gradually, the trainees began to understand Raiden’s reasoning. As they reflected on the information he provided, the logic behind his approach became clearer, especially in light of their experiences during the war. The emphasis on strengthening their foundational skills before advancing made sense to them now. They recognized that mastering basic techniques and control was essential for building a solid base, which would be crucial for their growth and effectiveness in combat.

Their initial impressions of Raiden had led them to believe he might be as stern and demanding as they were accustomed to or that learning advanced techniques would come easily for him. However, this perspective shifted as they considered Raiden’s role as the youngest among the teachers. They realized that his talent wasn’t just in his ability to perform complex techniques but also in his understanding of the fundamental principles of training and development.

The realization that Raiden, despite his youth, had a deep grasp of essential skills and effective teaching methods led them to appreciate his approach even more. They began to see him not just as a capable instructor but as a talented and insightful mentor whose methods were designed to build a strong foundation for their future success.

"Excuse me, but how should we call you?" The dwarf girl asked.

That was a bit of a troublesome topic since Raiden wanted to keep away from others in that country and just do his job, but he realized that keeping his distance could also cause more problems... after thinking for a short while, he made his choice.

"My name is Raiden. It is only for a while. You can call me instructor Raiden," Raiden declared. "Since you finally showed your interest, you can tell me your names as well."

That was a bit of a low blow, but it made the kids understand that a lot of people frowned when they saw Raiden’s black hair. They also heard rumors of a creepy boy in the warriors of the village camp. They recognized that it was him, but it looked like he decided to keep his distance because of those rumors. It was weird since he decided to come as well for the lessons.

"My name is Arburi," The dwarf boy said.

"I am Lutmella, The dwarf girl said.

The dwarf boy stood at a modest height with a sturdy, stocky build typical of his kin. His dark brown hair was cropped short, and his bushy beard, though still growing in, gave him a rugged, determined look. His face was marked by prominent cheekbones and a strong, square jawline, emphasizing his youthful demeanor. He shouldn’t be even thirteen... how come he had a beard? He wore simple but practical clothing—a tunic and trousers in earthy tones, with a belt holding various small tools and pouches.

Beside him, the dwarf girl was slightly shorter but equally robust. Her fiery red hair was tied back into a neat braid that fell to her shoulders, framing her face with a few loose strands. Her face was round with a sprinkle of freckles across her nose and cheeks, giving her a lively and approachable appearance. The dwarves looked more friendly than the elves... at least they could be sociable, even though they looked like timid kids before. She wore a leather vest over a tunic and sturdy pants, with a small, intricately crafted hammer strapped to her belt, hinting at her own skills and interests.

"My name is Sontar," The first elf boy said.

"And mine, Alwin," The second elf boy said.

"... I am Ashera... I suppose we owe some apologies for not introducing ourselves first," The elf girl said.

The first elf boy was tall and slender, with a graceful build that spoke of agility and speed. His hair was a flowing cascade of blond, falling softly around his shoulders and framing a face that was both serene and thoughtful. His eyes, a deep violet, held a calm intensity, showing some keen intellect. He wore a finely tailored tunic in shades of emerald and gold, complemented by delicate silver embroidery along the edges, highlighting his refined taste.

The second elf boy was slightly shorter but possessed a wiry, athletic frame. His hair was a rich chestnut brown, cropped short for practicality, and his eyes were a striking shade of blue, bright and alert. He wore practical, fitted clothing in muted greens and browns, suitable for movement and exploration, with a sturdy leather belt.

The elf girl had a delicate and ethereal presence. Her long, platinum-blonde hair was styled into intricate braids, interwoven with silver threads that shimmered with her every movement. Her eyes were a soft, radiant amber. Her attire was elegant yet functional, consisting of a flowing dress in shades of light blue. She carried a slender, ornate staff, which seemed both a symbol of her grace and a tool for her skills.

"Now that the introductions are over, go meditate," Raiden said.

Raiden sounded a bit impatient, so soon they decided to get to work... he wasn’t annoyed because of the introductions but because he would have to recall their names now, and that seemed like a hassle. He wished that he would have more time for his training instead of thinking about that.

"Instructor Raiden... can you show us your techniques?" The dwarf boy asked, and Raiden realized that he had already forgotten his name.

"... My techniques are basic since I am still learning as well," Raiden replied. "I can give you a brief demonstration once the lesson is over."

The kids nodded and then began to meditate seriously... as expected, teaching was hard.