Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"Quite interesting…" Rain thought. "The history of the world is quite fascinating, even though half of it seems like something straight from a fantasy book. In any case, it seems that I was born in the year 50.105… but this is the human calendar, and those events are from their perspective."

It took Rain three weeks to read the book, but at least he learned a lot more than he had expected. The library wasn't a place that wasn't used often, so Rain had a lot of peace and quiet there, whereas the rest of the school was so noisy that it looked like the hell broke loose.

"I guess I will read some magic instruction books next, but they don't give many tips on how to cast some spells… I guess they know that kids would do that here, and that would be disastrous," Rain thought.

Before Rain could find another book to read. He realized that the teachers were basically repeating the same lessons that they already gave in the first week. It couldn't be helped; most kids couldn't learn all the things that they had been taught, considering that they ranged from several subjects.

"I am pretty sure that I learned everything, but I should check my notes just in case to avoid problems," Rain thought. "I guess I need to get full marks on all tests to avoid problems on graduating on this level."

Military Course 1: Introduction to Basic Military Exercises

In the first lesson of military training, recruits are introduced to a series of basic exercises that lay the foundation for their physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork skills. These exercises are designed to develop their strength, endurance, coordination, and mental resilience.

Physical Conditioning:

· Running: Recruits engage in regular running sessions to improve cardiovascular endurance and stamina. They start with shorter distances and gradually increase the intensity and duration of their runs over time.

· Calisthenics: Various bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, and burpees are incorporated to enhance overall strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.

Basic Combat Training:

Physical Self-Defense: Recruits are introduced to basic self-defense techniques, focusing on hand-to-hand combat and defensive maneuvers. They learn essential strikes, blocks, and grappling techniques to enhance their personal safety and build confidence.

"The others are also pretty simple, so I guess it will be fine," Rain thought. "Still, I should talk with Dad first… and see what he has to say about it."

Rain returned home as usual and helped his mother look after his sisters, also like usual. Roan soon arrived, but Rain only talked with him after dinner about what he was thinking. Roan wasn't surprised that his son wanted to graduate from the first years after just one month.

"If you are confident, then go for it," Roan said. "There is nothing stopping you; saving time is always the best course of action, after all. Still, it might be a bit embarrassing if you fail. Some instructors might also try to do their best to make you fail since that might make people think that their lessons are too easy and that they aren't doing their jobs properly."

Their job was supposed to make kids learn better and faster, but if the instructors came from some noble houses again, it would make sense that they would think along those lines.

"If you pass all of them, things won't become easier, though," Roan said. "You will be the youngest kid in the next group, and that will make them feel like their hard work was a joke. They will try to pick on you."

"I don't mind; I just want to finish school as soon as possible and get some more of my free time back," Rain said.

"That is my kid, alright," Roan said while messing with Rain's hair. "Go get them, tiger."

That was a bit of a weird thing to say to his son, but Rain nodded and then went to bed. He was truly looking forward to the years when he won't feel crazy sleepy at eight in the evening.

— —

"Do you think that it is a good idea?" Leiah asked when Rain left. "Make him graduate from the first course that was supposed to last six months in just one? That and the fact that he has commoner's blood, it will make Rain the target of a lot of angry kids."

"It is fine. He will be fine," Roan said. "You can tell that Rain is way more mature than the kids of his age; he won't let that bother him. Besides, if he continues with this pace, the kids won't have much time to mess with him."

"He is certainly smart, but do you think that he can graduate in three or four years instead of five?" Leiah asked while frowning.

"Heh, I would bet that he can graduate before turning six," Roan grinned. "That will make some idiots understand that there is no difference between noble and commoner's blood."

Leiah wondered why Roan was the one putting so much faith in their son, that was supposed to be her job since her husband already spoiled the girls too much.

Still, now that she thought about it, she didn't recall boys of Rain's age being that dependable… raising him was so easy that she had forgotten that it was the case. As Rain displayed exceptional abilities and promising potential, his mother couldn't help but worry about the challenges he might encounter along his journey.

While recognizing Rain's talents and strengths, she understood that with great promise comes great responsibility and, oftentimes, increased difficulties. She pondered the potential obstacles that could arise as Rain's abilities drew attention and expectations from others. Would he face the burden of high expectations and the pressure to constantly excel? Would he encounter jealousy or rivalry from peers who might perceive his success as a threat? Would he have to make sacrifices and endure hardships to pursue his dreams?

She spent the entirety of the next day wondering about that, but in the end, he returned home saying that he passed all the tests.