The next day Terrmomix's training began. He and his master went out to the front yard of the cabin.
—Listen, Terrmomix. There is something you need to know before enrolling in the academy —said his master.
—Something important? —asked Terrmomix.
—Exactly. There is something called techniques. Do you know them?
—Mmm... no.
—Techniques are manifestations of a person's energy and fighting spirit. Each individual has a different nature, and when that energy awakens, it takes a unique form.
—A unique form?
—Yes. It can be an element like fire, water, ice, among others. Or even things like weapons, plants or swords.
—And how can I get a technique?
—Techniques cannot be learned. They only appear if your body is compatible and capable of withstanding them. For that you will have to train a lot.
—And if my body is not compatible with any technique?
—Then, even if you train for years, you will never get one. And without a technique, you cannot enter the academy.
—I understand... —Terrmomix looked a little worried.
—Besides, you cannot choose your technique. They appear randomly. Some say they are based on the bearer's personality or fighting spirit, but the important thing is that if you awaken one, you will have to adapt to it no matter what it is.
Terrmomix nodded as he listened carefully.
—Techniques can only be used through katanas or swords.
—Only katanas or swords?
—Yes. Only very few people in the world have managed to use their techniques with other weapons.
—And if my katana breaks?
—That is almost impossible. When the bearer chooses their weapon, the technique bonds with it. It is as if the technique lives inside the katana, which is why it is very difficult to break
—And if for some reason it breaks?
—Then two things can happen. Either your technique allows you to bond with another katana... or your technique disappears forever.
Terrmomix sighed.
—Having a technique is harder than I thought.
Son laughed softly and stroked his head.
—And that is not all. When someone awakens a technique, at first they can only make small attacks. If you try to use too much energy, you could end up breaking your own body.
—Huh? Really?
—Yes. If you want to use bigger and more powerful attacks, you will have to train twice as hard.
—Then I will do my best, master.
—That is the attitude, little one.
—And that is all about techniques?
—Well... not exactly. Sometimes techniques also bring disadvantages.
—Disadvantages?
—Yes, although it is not common, so do not worry too much. But there are also modified techniques.
—Modified techniques? What are those techniques?
—As the name suggests, they are altered techniques to quickly increase their power. But that has a price. These techniques do not live in a weapon, but inside the user's own body... in a specific part. And that brings terrible consequences. Never try anything like that, understood?
—Yes, I promise.
—Good. Then now we will start training, little one.
—Yes—Terrmomix grabbed his wooden katana and got ready to train—and modified techniques are allowed.
—No, they are prohibited in the academy and all over the world, in fact doing that is considered a crime.
Son got ready to receive the little one's attacks.
—Ready?.
—Yes—Terrmomix inhaled and then exhaled to concentrate.
The little one ran towards his master to launch attacks that were predictable for Son. The training lasted an hour without rest. Terrmomix fell to his knees on the ground, his body could not go on anymore.
—Good, let us rest a little—said Son as he wiped his forehead with a small towel.
They sat on the grass, the little one took his water bottle. When he drank all his water he put the bottle aside.
—Master.
—Huh? What is wrong?
—Do your other students already know how to use a technique?.
Son smiled.
—Yes, only one of the five... Well six now including you, but the answer is yes.
Terrmomix's eyes sparkled with excitement and amazement.
—Really! And what is it like?! Who is it?!
—His name is Marco and he is a prodigy, he has been my apprentice for seven months.
—And what technique does he use?!
—White fire. His technique awakened recently so he can only create small fireballs, but he works hard every day. More than anyone.
—He sounds like an amazing person, I hope I awaken a technique soon too.
—Do not rush, everything in your own time. If you work hard you will see that very soon you will have a technique.
—Yes, you are right, I want to be someone amazing and strong like you and Marco
—Oh even stronger than me!—Son stood up from the grass—Well, let us keep training.
Terrmomix nodded and stood up too. Vexana and Robertita were watching his training from the cabin door. The two of them were happy for their father, because they knew how much he liked to train his students.
Training ended when the sun began to set, when they were heading back inside the cabin, Son heard footsteps in the forest.
He turned to look and recognized five familiar figures who knew the forest.
—Ah! Terrmomix, look!.
He turned and the first thing he saw was five boys his age approaching. His master approached the boys and Terrmomix followed him.
—Hello master!—exclaimed one of his students
The five saw Terrmomix and stopped.
—Master, who is he?—asked another of his students.
Terrmomix took a step forward to introduce himself to them.
—He is my new student, his name is Terrmomix, treat him as one of you.
One of the students smiled.
—Oh, I see. Nice to meet you Terrmomix. My name is Jhonatan.
—I am Brandon.
—I am Ben.
—Cesar.
The last boy smiled kindly.
—I am Marco.
Terrmomix was surprised to hear his name.
—You are Marco?.
—Yes. Nice to meet you, Terrmomix.
—Same to all of you, I hope we can get along.
The five welcomed him warmly, Son let them talk for a while so they could get to know each other.
—Can you already use a technique, Marco?—asked Terrmomix excitedly.
Marco unsheathed his katana and moved it slightly to create a small fireball in his hand.
—Yes, but it is very hard for me to keep it for a long time.
—It is amazing, is not it?—asked Ben.
—Yes, very amazing.
Son clapped softly.
—Well, you can talk more later, now you must go take a bath and get ready for dinner.
—Yes, I am very hungry—said Brandon as he held his stomach.
Marco laughed and walked towards the cabin.
—Come on then, you know, my bed is the biggest.
Ben snorted in annoyance.
—How unfair.
Terrmomix and his master also went inside behind them. His master went up the stairs with them, Terrmomix was about to go up too but Vexana called him.
—Terrmomix!.
He turned to look at her.
—Yes? What is wrong?.
Vexana smiled, her cheeks were slightly blushing.
—Very good work in today's training—her voice was soft and beautiful.
Terrmomix's face turned completely red.
—Uh... Thank... you.—he said in a low voice, he was nervous.
Vexana nodded and he went up the stairs. After a few minutes they came down for dinner, the afternoon and evening passed normally. The students kept asking about Terrmomix.
He answered all their questions except those related to his family, which he tried to avoid. Night came and everyone went to sleep to get ready for training the next day.