As the first light of dawn seeped through the small window of Johan's room, he sat on his worn-out bed, deep in thought. A piece of paper lay in front of him, adorned with details about the bodyguard position he intended to apply for. 'Can I really pull this off?' Johan asked himself, his fingers tracing the text on the paper.
He recalled Fatty's advice from their last conversation. "Bodyguarding jobs pay well," Fatty had said, his jovial face turning serious for a moment. "Plus, it'll give you a chance to mingle with some of the high-position figures. It's a win-win situation."
Johan let out a sigh, his eyes drifting to his frail reflection in the mirror across the room. 'But am I physically capable enough?' He wasn't oblivious to his physical condition. In a world where strength could mean the difference between life and death, he was at a disadvantage.
With a deep breath, he pushed his doubts away and stood up, making a decision. He'd spent enough time contemplating his physical weaknesses. Now was the time for action. 'If I want to change my circumstances, I have to start somewhere,' he mused, his gaze determined.
Over the next few days, Johan immersed himself in preparation for his new role. He spent countless hours in the city library, researching about bodyguarding duties, learning about potential threats, and even studying basic self-defense techniques. He knew that his knowledge as a Card Wielder was limited, but he wasn't ready to give up. 'Every bit of information counts,' he reminded himself as he pored over another book.
Every morning and evening, he trained. He ran laps around the city, did push-ups and sit-ups in his room, and practiced the self-defense moves he'd read about. Every aching muscle and gasping breath was a reminder of his physical shortcomings, but instead of discouraging him, it fueled his determination. 'I'm not the strongest, but I'll make sure I'm not the weakest either,' he promised himself during one particularly grueling workout session.
In the midst of all his preparations, Johan didn't forget to connect with others. He had numerous conversations with locals, listening to their stories and experiences. He asked Fatty for advice and even managed to strike up conversations with a few high-tier card wielders, trying to learn as much as he could.
As the days turned into a week, Johan felt a change. He was still far from being physically robust, and his knowledge of being a bodyguard was still rudimentary. But there was a newfound confidence in his stride, a spark in his eyes that hadn't been there before. He was ready to face this challenge head-on.
...
The next morning, with a determined spirit and a resolute heart, Johan set out to submit his applications. His journey led him through various corners of Jurica City, from grand mansions to modest establishments, each with its own unique aura. 'Every place has its story,' Johan thought, taking in the bustling activity around him.
As he handed over his application at each location, he was met with a variety of reactions. Some looked at his frail frame with skepticism, others dismissed him with a nonchalant wave of their hand. Despite the discouraging responses, Johan didn't lose hope. 'One of them will surely see past my physical appearance,' he told himself.
His interactions with potential employers were a harsh reminder of the brutal realities of his chosen path. In a profession where brute strength was often favored over strategic thinking, Johan stood out like a sore thumb. Conversations were filled with veiled insults and dismissive comments, yet he held his ground, his hope undeterred.
And then came the rejections. One after another, doors closed in his face, each rejection a sting sharper than the last. "You wouldn't last a day," one employer said dismissively. "We need muscle, not a scholar," sneered another. Each comment was a punch to his confidence, yet he refused to let it crush his spirit. 'Their words only hold power if I let them,' Johan reminded himself, standing taller with each rejection.
Despite the disheartening results of his endeavors, he didn't allow the shadow of rejection to dampen his resolve. He returned home each day, tired but not beaten, carrying the burden of rejection.
Each rejection was like a fresh blow, knocking the wind out of Johan's sails, leaving him adrift in a sea of disappointment. 'They don't see my potential, only my frailty,' he mused bitterly, the sting of their dismissive words still fresh in his mind.
Yet, beneath the layers of rejection and scorn, his spirit refused to be quelled. Like a flame stubbornly resisting the violent wind, Johan's determination remained undeterred. 'Failure is just a stepping stone, not my destination,' he told himself, his resolve hardening with each rejection.
When he returned home, his younger brother, Miles, could sense the silent struggle behind Johan's forced smile. Miles, though younger, had a wisdom beyond his years, a perceptiveness that allowed him to see the battle his brother was fighting.
"What happened, Johan?" Miles asked, his concern evident in his voice. Johan simply shrugged, feigning nonchalance. 'I cannot burden him with my failures,' he thought, trying to brush off Miles' inquiries.
But Miles saw through his attempts at deflecting. "Don't shut me out, Johan," he implored, his voice a quiet plea. "We're in this together, remember?"
Johan finally relented, pouring out his frustrations, the harsh rejections, the condescending remarks. Miles listened quietly, offering silent support as Johan vented his anger and disappointment.
Finally, Miles spoke, "It's their loss, Johan. They don't recognize your strength because it doesn't come in the form they're used to. But you know better. Don't let them define you. You have forge your own path."
Those words, spoken with such conviction and faith, filled Johan with a renewed sense of hope. 'Miles is right. I won't let others' narrow perceptions define me,' Johan told himself, his resolve reigniting with renewed vigor.
...
Johan sat in their humble home, the reality of his situation weighing heavy on his heart. The room seemed to echo his disappointment, the quiet amplifying his thoughts. 'I'm back at square one,' he thought, 'But I refuse to stay here.'
His mind began to wander, recalling past struggles, shared victories, and Edgar's unwavering faith. He found strength in those memories, in the indomitable spirit he shared with his brother. 'This is but a hurdle. We've overcome more, and we will surpass this too,' he reminded himself.
Despite his recent failures, Johan's determination refused to wane. Instead, it fueled his resolve, pushing him to brainstorm new strategies and possible solutions. 'I will not be swayed by a few setbacks. I need to think, adapt, and most importantly, persevere.'
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. As he opened it, he was surprised to find Fatty standing there, his usual jovial expression replaced by one of determination. "Johan, I've hired a martial arts master and a calisthenics master for you. I know it's not much, but I believe in you. Let's get you trained up!" he announced, his words echoing in Johan's ears.
Johan stared at Fatty in disbelief, his mind trying to process the unexpected development. 'Did Fatty just...?' He felt a surge of gratitude for his friend, along with a renewed sense of motivation. His journey was far from over, and this was just the next step.