As Karina walked in, Ram and Mael paused mid-bite, their forks hovering in the air. The atmosphere in the small dining room shifted subtly. Only Molly, with her ever-welcoming smile, stepped forward.
"You're back! How was your day?" she asked, her warmth cutting through the tension.
Karina nodded, her expression softening as she replied, "It was alright. Just another long day." She set her bag down and took a seat at the table, ready to dig into the meal.
Harry studied her as she began eating. Memories flooded his mind, revealing the complexities of her life. She was the eldest sibling, but like Mael, she often worried their parents with her choices. Conflicts had marked her teenage years, and it was clear that her presence stirred an undercurrent of unease in the household.
Despite this, Harry chose to focus on the meal before him. The food, while simple and lacking spices, was nourishing enough for his growing body. He relished each bite, appreciating the flavors despite their plainness. Ram and Molly exchanged glances, surprised by his appetite but remaining silent, knowing that every bit of food counted.
Once everyone had finished eating, the atmosphere lightened. Mael and Karina excused themselves, retreating to their rooms. Harry gathered his schoolbag and headed upstairs but didn't go to his own room. Instead, he approached Karina's door.
"Come in," she called from inside.
He opened the door to find her room cramped but cozy. A wooden bed dominated the space, with barely enough room for the two of them. Karina looked up, her expression one of mild surprise.
"Zack! What are you doing here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was hoping you might have some job recommendations," Harry replied earnestly. "I figured you'd know about opportunities."
Karina's face clouded with hesitation. "You want to work? But your studies…"
"Don't worry about that," Harry interrupted. "I have a light course load now, and with exams a year away, I need to start saving for tuition."
After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "Alright, I'll see what I can find."
"Thanks, Karina. I really appreciate it," he said, a sense of relief washing over him. He turned to leave but paused at the door.
"Zack," she called, her voice softening. "Just remember, education is important."
"I know," he replied, feeling the weight of her concern. "I'll make it work."
He returned to his room, sitting on the edge of his bed, lost in thought. The challenges ahead were daunting, and the condition of this body was tougher than he had anticipated. His purpose for coming to this world was clear: he aimed to train and become a knight. But with every new revelation about his surroundings, the path seemed more complex.
As he sat there, Harry resolved to face whatever challenges lay ahead, fueled by a determination to not only succeed for himself but also to help his family.
Harry took a deep breath, casting his gaze over the bustling streets and wondering, "Surely there must be other Aura Techniques in this world." When he'd first set this goal, he'd thought it would be easy. But now, as he felt the hunger gnawing in his stomach and glanced at his meager food rations, he realized things weren't so simple.
The body he inhabited was weak, barely sustained by the stale bread and few scraps of vegetables he'd managed to find. Meat was a rare luxury, one he could hardly afford. If he continued training with the Knight's Aura Technique on such a diet, he knew his body would eventually break down. Malnutrition and rigorous training simply didn't mix.
"I need to take better care of myself," he thought firmly. "Step one: improve my diet."
Harry clenched his fists with determination. He'd find a way to make money, enough to buy real food, and maybe even save for tuition at the university. He had to keep practicing, yes, but he also longed to study. This world's university wasn't just any school; it was a revered institution, a gateway to the deepest knowledge this world held. He knew that attending would open doors to opportunities and understanding he couldn't find elsewhere. If there was a chance to get in, he wasn't going to miss it.
The next morning, Harry set out, threading his way through the narrow streets toward the school. He carefully avoided the more dangerous areas, remembering Louis's advice from yesterday. Just as he neared the meeting spot, he noticed a small crowd ahead. His steps slowed as he saw what was happening.
A group of older students, probably around seventeen or eighteen, had gathered around a girl, trapping her in the middle. Judging by their uniforms, they were from the nearby Prayer Middle School, and their mocking laughter filled the air.
"Is this your idea of a safe spot?" Harry murmured to Louis, who'd caught up with him, looking equally uneasy.
Louis's face paled. "Run!" he whispered urgently, grabbing Harry's arm.
But it was too late. A few of the older students spotted them and quickly moved to block their escape. In moments, Harry and Louis found themselves surrounded.
Harry scanned the faces closing in, his expression steady and calm, though he could feel Louis trembling beside him. He glanced at his friend, whose face had turned as white as a sheet. A quick shake of his head told Harry all he needed to know; Louis wasn't going to be much help in a fight.
Seeing no other choice, Harry bent down and picked up a sturdy stick lying nearby. He squared his shoulders, his eyes fixed straight ahead.
His movement sparked a round of laughter from the group. "Look at the kid with his little stick!" one sneered. "What, you think you're gonna fight us with that?"
Another chimed in, "Might want to rethink that, junior. We don't mess around." They flashed knives, the blades catching the sunlight and glinting ominously.
But Harry's expression didn't waver. He tightened his grip on the stick, grounding himself, and inhaled deeply, letting the Knight's Aura Technique flood strength into his limbs.
Then, with a swift and powerful motion, he struck. The stick cracked against the first attacker's side with a force that sent him sprawling, gasping for breath. Harry didn't stop. His strikes were precise, each one well-timed, driving his attackers back and knocking knives from their hands. In the span of a few heartbeats, two more went down, clutching their bruised arms and stumbling to the ground.
Louis, watching from the side, gaped in disbelief. "When did he get this strong?" he murmured, rubbing his eyes as though to assure himself he wasn't dreaming. To him, Harry seemed almost otherworldly, moving with a skill and strength that made him seem untouchable, like a warrior descended from the heavens.
Harry continued, never losing focus. His breathing was steady, his stance balanced, every swing of the stick a calculated defense. By now, the remaining bullies were hesitant, their earlier arrogance replaced by wary glances and uncertain footing.
With one final sweep of his makeshift weapon, Harry held his ground, standing tall amidst the fallen, his gaze fierce and unwavering. The bullies exchanged nervous glances, muttering to each other before deciding to back off, leaving their comrades and knives scattered on the ground.
As they retreated, Louis stumbled over to Harry, eyes still wide with awe. "Harry… that was amazing," he breathed. "I had no idea you could do that."
Harry gave a faint smile, gripping his stick tightly, the adrenaline slowly fading. "You'd be surprised what a bit of training and a whole lot of determination can do," he said, letting out a long exhale.
They turned and continued on their way, the echoes of their encounter fading into the background. Harry's thoughts shifted, back to his plans, back to the life he wanted to build. This was only the beginning.