With an nimble sidestep, Isaac skillfully evaded the swing of the wooden sword. He had anticipated that they would try something like this, so he wasn't about to fall for the same trick again.
Kevin, infuriated by his failed strike, leaped towards Isaac, aiming to land a hit.
However, Isaac, aware of his surroundings, didn't bother evading. The previous conflict between them had taught Isaac the value of seeking peaceful resolutions, but now, understanding his position, he recognized that Kevin posed no real threat.
If anything, considering Kevin a threat would reflect Isaac's own limited perspective.
Kevin unleashed a forceful punch, exerting all his strength. To the average child, it may have seemed like a powerful blow, but in Isaac's eyes, it was merely a mundane punch.
Dodging it effortlessly without a second thought, Isaac had no intention of repeating his past actions.
Swiftly, he countered by swiftly striking Kevin's leg with his foot, causing Kevin to clutch his injured limb and groan in pain. As Kevin looked up at Isaac, he was taken aback by a hand swiftly approaching his face.
With a resounding slap, Isaac struck Kevin's right cheek, leaving the boy bewildered. Before Kevin could process what had just happened, Isaac's hand connected with his other cheek, continuing the series of slaps.
The slaps persisted, raining down upon Kevin's face until it became swollen, and tears streamed down his cheeks.
' I might have gone a bit too far, ' Isaac admitted to himself as he observed the aftermath of the slapping incident. He contemplated whether this would lead to any consequences for him.
Kevin's inflated cheeks added a comical touch to his appearance, but Isaac didn't dwell on it. He believed that the worst that could happen to him would be facing Julia's scolding.
"I suggest you all think twice before attempting to play with me again," Isaac warned the other children before proceeding to fulfill the tasks assigned to him by Julia.
He had no intention of causing harm, but he knew that unless he made it clear to them that they were insignificant pests, they would continue to bother him whenever they found an opportunity.
Kevin continued to gaze at Isaac's departing figure, his eyes filled with admiration. This boy always held deep respect for those who displayed strength.
Two years ago, when Kevin was only five years old, he had been kidnapped by a group of bandits.
As they tried to flee into the forest, the bandits surrounded them. At that moment, Kevin believed that their fate was sealed, but what followed shattered his limited understanding of the world.
With a single move, A Swordman had swiftly eliminated half of the bandits. The remaining ones, witnessing the demise of their comrades, fell to their knees, begging for mercy.
...
After completing his chores and returning to his room, Isaac began practicing martial techniques that he had learned in his previous world. Initially, he had contemplated postponing these exercises, thinking he would quickly master them.
However, during his morning confrontation with Kevin, when he attempted a kick and realized his body wouldn't respond as he intended, he understood the need for training.
His mind was agile, but his body lacked the conditioning to keep up with his thoughts.
He continued his practice session until noon, when he prepared to leave the house for work. To his surprise, Kevin was waiting for him at the door.
"Are you here for another round of slapping or something?" Isaac presumed that Kevin had come seeking revenge for their earlier altercation. However, Kevin's actions took him aback.
"I apologize for my behavior earlier. I want us to start fresh and put our differences behind us," Kevin extended his hand, genuinely meaning his words.
"Sure, I don't mind," Isaac replied, reciprocating the handshake.
He didn't attach much significance to it. He knew he could handle Kevin easily if he continued to bother him, but he didn't want to appear domineering in the eyes of the villagers.
'Thinking about it, I might need some idiots like him later.'
Curiosity piqued, he wondered what Kevin's role might be in his upcoming endeavors.
With the dispute settled, Isaac resumed his daily routine. Early mornings were dedicated to physical training, focusing on strengthening his body.
Before noon, he engaged in various intellectual games and puzzles, gradually transitioning to playing chess to enhance his strategic and military acumen. Evenings were spent working diligently.
Isaac cherished the tranquil days, fully immersing himself in each moment, uncertain of what awaited him once he ventured beyond this peaceful existence.
He recognized and valued the present calmness, unsure if it would persist in the future.
...
[3 years later]
Amidst the forest, a little squirrel emerged from its hiding spot, its curious gaze fixed on a particular section of the woods, its ears catching intermittent sounds that clearly denoted weariness.
4996
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4997
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4998
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4999
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5000
"Whoo, whoo."
"I've finally completed my push-ups today."
Lying on his back, Isaac's face broke into a wide smile. He felt immense joy knowing that the three years he had dedicated to training had not been in vain.
He had built up his physical strength and sharpened his mental faculties. Currently, there was no one in the village who could defeat him, although he wasn't certain about Azira.
' Presently, my strength may be considered commendable, but if we adhere to the logic of this world, I'm merely a fledgling compared to certain individuals like Oden. At the tender age of six, he battled gangs and monsters.
However, I shouldn't compare myself to these extraordinary beings. I was born a regular human, so I needn't measure myself against them.'
After concluding his training, Isaac returned home and indulged in a soothing warm bath.
As he prepared to step out, he examined the changes that had occurred within him. He had grown taller, and his facial features had matured, albeit slightly softening his once cold countenance.
Over the past three years, living with Julia's family had fostered a sense of kinship within him. However, his cold gaze remained reserved for those outside his newfound family circle.
'Now at the age of 9, it seems that my physical strength has improved significantly, and I continue to refine my combat techniques.
Yet, a small predicament persists. In this world, most individuals engage in combat using weapons, rarely resorting to close-quarters combat.
If I were to face a skilled swordsman, my body would struggle to match the swiftness of their blade. There lies only one solution to overcome this hurdle: learning Haki.
However, no matter how hard I try, I cannot recall how to train it. For now, I must focus on enhancing my speed, as it remains the sole recourse to aid me in this challenge.
With great swiftness, I can intercept adversaries before they launch their attacks. Although it serves as a temporary fix, it is a step towards resolution.'
Having charted his training path, Isaac realized it was time to take action. He swiftly made his way to the tavern owned by Old Theo and Grandma Rika.
...
As Isaac made his way through the tavern, he encountered familiar faces and received various requests from the customers.
"Isaac, pass me a drink over here."
"Isaac, bring me my usual order."
Having worked at the tavern for an extended period, Isaac had become a well-liked figure among the customers.
They treated him with kindness and respect, though he didn't particularly concern himself with their gestures. Nonetheless, he appreciated the tranquility of his current life.
"Have you heard about the recent happenings in the villages beyond the mountain?" one customer asked another.
"What happened?" Isaac inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"It appears that a gang of bandits has been causing havoc there, but there are rumors that they were recently vanquished by a heroic group."
As Isaac passed by to deliver an order to one of the tables, he overheard this conversation among some customers.
The news intrigued him, prompting him to approach the person who was discussing it—an ordinary-looking middle-aged man.
"What do you mean by that, Uncle?" Isaac asked curiously.
"Didn't you hear about it, Isaac? I heard that a gang of bandits caused chaos in the villages beyond the mountain. They looted and stole the belongings of the residents.
However, they crossed paths with a group of hunters led by Rainer, resulting in a fierce battle. Most of the bandits were defeated, but some managed to escape and hide in the mountains," the middle-aged man explained.
"Tell me, did the hunters recover the stolen items and return them to the rightful owners?" Isaac inquired.
"No, it appears they couldn't locate the stolen goods. Why do you ask?" the man replied, curious about Isaac's interest.
"Oh, it's nothing. I was just curious," Isaac responded, concealing his true intentions. Deep down, he had a specific reason for wanting to know.
Despite living in the village for a considerable time, he found himself in a financially tight spot. He had been saving whatever he could, but it was still not enough.
The existence of the bandits presented an opportunity for Isaac to replenish his empty treasury. Moreover, he was eager to find someone worthy to test his skills against
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