The Nature of the World

Hane ignored the faint glances cast his way and led Subaru Natsuki, who had finished warming up, straight to a clean patch of grass.

"Master! What are we doing next?"

Subaru looked at Hane excitedly. He was more eager than ever to see what his master would teach him.

Hane paid no attention to Subaru's excitement. He simply pointed at the grass.

"Sit down cross-legged over there. What comes next won't require much strenuous movement."

"Oh! Okay, Master!"

Subaru obediently sat cross-legged, his eyes fixed on Hane without blinking.

Emilia, who had just gotten up and come outside, walked over curiously with Puck, who had awakened in the spirit realm.

"Master Hane, what are you two doing this time?"

Emilia tilted her head at the seated Subaru, confusion flickering in her eyes.

After all, Hane's hellish training yesterday had left a deep impression on her.

She had expected more of the same today, only to find the master and apprentice sitting quietly on the grass when she got up.

Hane nodded to Emilia and Puck without explaining further, then turned a stern gaze on Subaru.

"This next stage of training is crucial. It will determine how far you can go, so I need you to focus. You can't afford the slightest carelessness!"

Subaru had brightened at Emilia's arrival, but Hane's words immediately brought his attention back to the task.

"Come on, Master. I'm ready for the pain!"

Hane's mouth twitched.

"Close your eyes!"

Subaru immediately closed them. Then he felt a fingertip press against the center of his forehead.

"Quietly sense the fluctuations of your mind and body. What I'm about to teach you is a training method from my homeland.

"It's called the Chakra Refinement Method. Chakra is produced by combining cellular energy with mental energy. So focus your