After the nanny disappeared, I smiled, it was the definitive proof that my thoughts about her were correct.
As the nanny hurried off to the family, Kim Song approached me with a smile.
"You're remarkable, boy. You have intelligence and determination beyond your years."
I pretended to feel proud to receive a compliment from someone as respected as Kim Song.
Though he praised me, I wasn't proud.
Sure, I did well, but it's nothing special; after all, I've been reincarnated. I can only be proud when I have incredible strength.
Even though I thought this, I responded with fake pride, saying:
"Thank you, Mr. Kim Song. I just want to do my best to make this training hall a truly useful place for all of us."
Kim Song nodded approvingly.
"And you will, I'm sure. Now, while we wait for the nanny to return with the rune books, shall we start planning the construction details? Do you have any ideas on how to organize the work?"
Although he already had an idea of how to proceed with the work based on the current modifications, it was right for him to ask, considering that he was surprised before, he might be surprised again now.
He might be wrong and not be surprised again, but for him, it's worth trying. In the worst case, he could convince him and make him change his mind on how to proceed.
I began to think, trying to visualize the construction process.
"Yes, I thought of dividing the work into phases. We'll start with the construction of the outer walls of the training hall, then move on to internal structures like gyms, changing rooms, and the cafeteria".
Then I took a pause, giving him time to absorb the information, and then continued, saying::
"Finally, we'll finish with the construction of the dormitory and library. This way, we can ensure we have a functional space as soon as possible, while continuing to work on the other structures."
Then I took a pause to continue:
"Since I'll be overseeing this, I'd like you to help me understand the mistakes I make when supervising."
Kim Song nodded in a mix of understanding and amazement.
"A well-thought-out approach. We'll start with the outer walls as you suggested. The ground is already prepared, although I'll need to gather the necessary materials for this phase".
Then to add:
"Nevertheless, we can start tomorrow morning. We'll need precision and attention to detail, so I'm sure you'll do a great job, and I'll help you by pointing out where you go wrong."
I agreed with a determined nod.
"Absolutely. I'll do my utmost to ensure that each step is carried out with care and precision, and thank you very much for your help."
Kim Song smiled again, appreciating my dedication.
"You're truly an extraordinary boy. Let's get to work. We have a lot to do and little time to do it."
With that thought in mind, I headed towards what was now my new home, thinking about the next phase of the work, determined to demonstrate my competence and dedication in turning the training hall project into a tangible reality.
Later that same day, while absorbing mana, the nanny returned.
As soon as she returned, I went to greet her and then updated her on the events that happened after she left.
After telling her this, she nodded understandingly without showing any reaction, although I was sure she was surprised by what I told her.
So that was the perfect moment, since at the moment she is surprised and therefore happy, she is certainly more likely to say yes to any of the requests I make, provided they are not too exaggerated.
So I asked her if she could teach me a footwork technique, and she agreed.
"It seems that I managed to get a technique much sooner than I expected, and now she should teach me something to improve my physique, which along with mana absorption will make me improve much faster," I thought.
I wanted something else because even though it's true that my physique would improve in building a training structure, it's not specialized in improving it, it's just a side effect.
I could say it's an unconventional training method.
But it was the nanny who interrupted my thoughts when she said:
"Since you haven't learned any martial techniques yet, before teaching you footwork, I'll have to teach you martial forms."
"What you need to know is that martial forms serve as a basis for the fundamental teachings of a family and a clan, and they are basic martial arts taught to children to lay the foundations.
In fact, they provide a solid foundation from which to start and grow.
And at the same time, they train the body and prepare it for proper cultivation.
The Ryushin family has accumulated and created several martial forms throughout its history.
But there are 4 that are considered the main martial forms.
The first martial form teaches stability and power.
Emphasizing the strength of the lower body and bones.
The second martial form teaches speed and explosiveness.
Emphasizing rapid muscle contraction, focusing on smaller groups to promote not only reaction speed but also adaptability.
The third martial form teaches endurance and stamina.
It emphasizes the flow of blood and the efficient use of oxygen.
Finally, the fourth martial form teaches recoverability and flexibility.
Emphasizing understanding the human body down to the smallest details.
Even a mortal who became proficient in this Martial Form would be able to accelerate the pace of their healing by diverting energy from elsewhere.
However, mastering a martial form is impossible.
You must practice daily and improve your basics step by step.
Once you free yourself from the need for Martial Forms, you would become a true expert."
Then she took a break to continue:
"Now I'll show them to you, keep in mind that I'll adjust my strength to match yours at the moment."
So, she began her demonstration.
The nanny's feet stomped the ground, sinking into the dry soil with perfectly controlled imprint.
The lower part of her body flexed, and her bones crackled, but she maintained posture, rotating the core to unleash all the power of her fist.
Then, her form changed.
From calm and stable like a mountain, she became like a galloping horse.
Her movements were fast but deliberate and controlled.
If you looked closely, you could see that her actions deviated by just an inch from her last attempt.
Once again, a sudden change occurred. Her sweat-dampened skin reddened as her veins became visible.
The rushing sound of blood drowned out the nearby stream as the nanny's breath sometimes light as the flutter of a butterfly's wings, and other times strong as the force of hurricane winds.
Finally, her body bent and flexed, reaching angles that would have been impossible without shattering bones.
In fact, she seemed to be entirely boneless, moving like a snake in the grass or a fish in the water.
After seeing that, I was very satisfied, thinking:
"Just as I expected, now she will teach me both the martial forms and footwork. Since it's clear that for her I need to train further to practice real martial techniques, I've managed to get two things instead of on".
"Also, even though someone might find my request for footwork strange, it's fundamental."
This is because many people learn swordsmanship at an intermediate level, but it's very rare for any of them to have learned proper footwork that complements and makes the technique more effective.
Indeed, footwork is a systematic method developed to make sword or fist technique more offensive, defensive, or simply faster.
Indeed, while learning sword and footwork are crucial to becoming a swordsman, what makes swordsmanship sharper and faster and what will save your life in the future? It's footwork, also known as foot movement.
So, I began to seriously train in the 4 martial forms of my family.
Fortunately, the nanny had tailored them considering my current strength, and thanks to this, I was able to see them.
Now I had 2 possible approaches to learn them:
Comparing my improvements day by day or constantly comparing my movements with those of the nanny and having her teach me directly.
Both methods have their advantages, and the choice depends on personal preferences and the goals I aim to achieve.
By comparing my improvements daily, I increase my awareness.
Because observing daily details makes me aware of strengths and areas where I still need to work. This awareness guides me towards constant growth.
Increase my adaptability.
By making changes to the training plan based on daily results. If something isn't working, I can adjust my strategy.
Create personalized understanding.
Although starting with the understanding of martial arts will be slower, it will improve and not be limited to someone else's, but I will have a personalized understanding that will allow me to reach new heights.
And above all, create a personal version.
Because by comparing improvements on a daily basis, I develop a deep understanding of my abilities, which allows me to create a personalized version of martial techniques, adapting them to my needs and lifestyle.
By constantly comparing with the nanny's movements, instead, I have direct learning.
Because observing someone skilled, like the nanny, offers the opportunity to learn directly from their movements. You can learn tricks, strategies, and details that may not be evident in the daily comparison with yourself.
I would have immediate corrections.
Because the nanny can instantly correct if she notices errors in movements. This will accelerate your learning and help avoid wrong habits.
My understanding of martial arts would be faster.
Because I would have someone skilled to guide me, my understanding would naturally be initially deeper and faster.
So, evaluating the pros and consequently understanding the cons that these two choices entail, I think it's better to compare my progress on a daily basis.
So, I started practicing them with this method in mind.
This way, I entered my training state, and all my attention was devoted to doing exactly what the nanny was demonstrating better than she did.
It's a ridiculous goal that most would laugh at and scoff if they heard.
But somehow, I feel like I can do it. From the first time I try the technique, I instinctively feel like I can do it.
And so... I will.
From that moment on, I paid rapt attention to all of the nanny's movements.
It's no surprise that I fail numerous times, but I was improving.
At first, I could only do it for a couple of seconds, then a minute, then two, then three...
I'm definitely improving, but the strangest thing is...
"I'm improving faster."
It seemed that the more I improved, the easier it was for me to improve once again.
As I continue, I realize that my past could never have been this fast. Two words came to mind as I thought:
"Is this what people call having talent? Are these the effects of martial talent?"
When it came to martial arts, in my past life, I was above average, but that's it.
I wasn't exceptional, and I only saw myself a little differently.
Yet, as I continued to practice, examining my mistakes, watching the nanny, and trying to figure out why what I'm doing is so different from what the nanny is doing.
The speed at which I'm improving is quite surprising even to the nanny, and this only makes me move even faster, and it pushes me to work harder.
So I'm following the nanny's movements closely as I try to keep up, trying to make the martial forms completely mine.
After an unknown number of attempts, I managed to achieve basic mastery of the lightning movement technique by mimicking the nanny.
Subsequently, I'm able to increase my mastery to a level slightly higher than basic.
"What a monster, his martial talent is incredible".
These were the nanny's thoughts after seeing that.
[You have acquired basic proficiency in the 4 martial forms of the Ryushin family]
After managing to master the martial forms at a basic level, I received this notification from the System.
I thought about it for a while but ultimately decided to let it go, since it showed my progress.
So, after letting go of it, I asked the nanny how the meeting went to procure the rune books and other types of books.
"It went quite well, as for the rune books, the ones they gave me are about their basics, but they said that after mastering them, you can decide whether to have someone teach you or continue studying on your own".
"As for other types of books covering different topics, they decided to give you books but to let you study on your own without sending anyone."
After saying that, the nanny pulled out several books.
"Well, then I'll read them tomorrow, now I'm going to bed."