"Kailash?" Ajit's voice came from outside, sounding far too amused. "Are you talking to yourself again?"
Kailash scrambled to compose himself. "Uh, no! I'm just... meditating!"
Ajit opened the door, poking his head inside. "Meditating? Is that what you call jumping around like an idiot?"
Kailash rolled his eyes. "I reached Basic Level 2, alright? I'm allowed to celebrate."
Ajit raised an eyebrow. "Basic Level 2? Already?" He whistled. "Look at you, moving up in the world."
He crossed his arms, smirking. "So what's next? You going to challenge maybe take on a dragon or two after sect master?"
Kailash laughed. "No dragons today, but I could definitely take on a couple more beasts."
Ajit leaned against the doorframe, clearly unimpressed. "Right. Well, just don't get ahead of yourself. We both know you're still the same guy who got bitten by a snake"
Apparently when he traveled to this world, this body was injured and died to due to snake bit in the balls and then his soul traveled through after being killed by snake bite and pune striker.
"That was a one-time thing," Kailash protested, though he couldn't stop himself from grinning. "And besides, look at me now! I'm a real cultivator."
Ajit snorted. "Alright, 'Real Cultivator,' let's see how you handle carrying these buckets to the well."
He tossed a pair of water buckets at Kailash, who caught them easily.
Kailash raised an eyebrow, then grinned. "Oh, you want to see strength? Watch this."
With a quick movement, he hoisted the buckets onto his shoulders like they weighed nothing, strutting toward the well with exaggerated confidence.
Ajit burst out laughing. "Alright, alright! Show off. But seriously, don't let it go to your head."
"Too late!" Kailash called over his shoulder, already feeling like a hero.
As he walked toward the well, Kailash couldn't help but smile. He had a long way to go, sure, but this was progress.
Real progress.
Basic Level 2 wasn't something to scoff at, especially for someone who had started out as a helpless bookworm.
The village square bustled with activity as Kailash walked through, the buckets balanced effortlessly on his shoulders.
He glanced around, half-expecting the villagers to stop and stare in awe of his newfound power.
But instead, he got a few raised eyebrows and smirks.
"Look at him," Maasa muttered to one of the farmers. "Carrying water like he's been reborn as the village hero."
"Well, he did help kill a beast," the farmer replied with a chuckle. "Let him have his moment."
Kailash grinned, undeterred by their teasing. "Hey, it's not every day you hit Basic Level 2, Maasa. I'll have you know I'm practically a prodigy now!"
Maasa snorted. "Prove it by filling up those buckets without spilling half of it, then we'll talk."
Kailash laughed and continued toward the well, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.
Reaching Basic Level 2 had boosted more than just his strength, it had given him confidence.
He had spent so long doubting himself, but now… now he felt like he could take on the world.
As he lowered the buckets into the well, Ajit came up beside him, a crooked smile on his face.
"Alright, hero. You got your water. What's next? You going to march back home and meditate your way to Basic Level 3?"
Kailash shook his head, still grinning. "I think I'll take a break from all the 'heroic' stuff for a bit. I deserve a rest, don't I?"
Ajit chuckled. "You say that now, but I give you a day before you're back out there, swinging your sword at air like a lunatic."
"Hey, practice makes perfect," Kailash shot back, pulling the buckets out of the well with one hand each.
He barely felt the weight anymore. It was like he was carrying empty buckets instead of water-filled ones.
Ajit noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Alright, I'm impressed. You weren't kidding about getting stronger. Next time we're out in the woods, I might actually let you fight the beast instead of hiding behind you."
"Gee, thanks," Kailash said dryly. "Nice to know I've earned your trust as human bait."
Ajit clapped him on the back. "You'll be fine. Just don't go getting a big head. We've still got a lot to learn, especially if you want to keep leveling up."
Kailash nodded, the grin fading just slightly. Ajit was right, as usual.
There was still so much ahead, stronger enemies, tougher challenges, and a whole world outside the village that he hadn't even begun to explore.
His mind went deep in to memories of this body to the sect recruiter that had passed through a few months ago, offering promises of power and advancement to those who joined.
At the time, Kailash hadn't been ready, but now…
"You thinking about the sects again?" Ajit asked, reading the look on Kailash's face.
Kailash shrugged. "Maybe. I mean, this is great and all, but we both know I won't get much stronger if I stay in the village forever."
Ajit nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. I get that. But don't rush it. We've got time. And besides, there's still plenty of trouble to get into right here in Kalith."
Kailash smirked. "Oh, I'm sure you'll make sure of that."
They walked back toward the square, the buckets swaying gently in Kailash's hands.
The villagers continued with their usual routines, but every now and then, Kailash caught someone looking at him with something like respect, or at least curiosity.
As they reached the center of the village, Kailash set the buckets down and stretched his arms above his head. "Alright, what's next? I'm feeling strong. Maybe we should head to the woods and see if there are any more beasts that need slaying."
Ajit snorted. "Easy there, warrior. How about we start with lunch and work our way up from there? You've earned it."
Kailash laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, alright. Lunch sounds good. But after that, back to training. I'm not stopping now."