The rush of energy from completing my first task still lingered in my body. I had actually felt the wind. It was like discovering a new sense I never knew existed.
Kaito tilted his head. “You sure you’ve never done magic before?”
I grinned. “First time.”
Before he could reply, a deep voice echoed across the training ground.
“Oh! Early morning training, huh? This is good.”
We both turned to see Elder Jiro approaching. Despite his 431 years, the old man moved with the confidence of a seasoned warrior. His long, graying hair was tied back, and his sharp eyes scanned us with amusement.
“But training without a proper guide won’t get you far.” He smirked. “Luckily, I know just the person to help.”
He turned to the village and shouted. “Ryoji! Get over here!”
A few moments later, heavy footsteps approached.
A towering man, easily over six feet tall, stepped into the clearing. His muscular frame and broad shoulders screamed war veteran. He had short, jet-black hair with streaks of gray and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me.
Kaito’s face lit up. “Father!”
Wait. What?!
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Kaito’s father? This absolute monster of a man was Kaito’s dad?
Elder Jiro chuckled. “Hiroshi, meet Ryoji Kazama—a retired elite soldier from the army’s frontline. He’s also the father of that boy you’ve been sparring with.”
I swallowed hard.
I fought a direwolf.
But this guy looks ten times scarier.
Ryoji crossed his arms. “So you’re the outsider who killed the direwolf.”
His voice was deep, filled with authority. I felt like I was standing in front of a drill sergeant.
“Uh… yeah.” I rubbed the back of my head. “Got lucky, I guess.”
Ryoji’s sharp eyes narrowed. “No. That wasn’t luck.”
“Huh?”
He took a step closer, and I instinctively straightened my back.
“I saw the wounds on the direwolf’s body. You weren’t just swinging blindly. You aimed for weak spots—eyes, throat, joints.” His voice was steady. “That’s the instinct of a trained fighter.”
I gulped.
Trained fighter? Me?
I was just a middle-aged corporate worker! Sure, I played games, but I wasn’t some martial arts master!
Before I could argue, Ryoji clapped his hands together. “Alright, let’s see what you can do.”
Kaito’s eyes gleamed. “Ooooh! Father’s going to train us? This is gonna be fun!”
Fun? This felt more like a death sentence.
Ryoji picked up a wooden sword from a nearby rack. “Hiroshi, pick one.”
I hesitated before grabbing one.
BAM!
Ryoji’s sword smacked mine before I could even lift it. The impact nearly knocked me off my feet.
“What the—?!”
Ryoji clicked his tongue. “Slow.”
I barely had time to react before he swung again.
BAM!
I staggered back, gripping my sword tightly.
“Too stiff,” Ryoji muttered. “Loosen your grip. Let the weapon flow like an extension of your arm.”
I took a deep breath and adjusted my stance.
He attacked again—this time, I managed to block. But the force still rattled my arms.
“Better,” he said. “But you lack endurance.”
Kaito was dying of laughter on the sidelines. “Hahaha! Hiroshi-san, you look like you’re fighting for your life!”
“I am fighting for my life!” I snapped.
Elder Jiro chuckled. “Ryoji’s training is brutal, but if you survive it, you’ll become a real warrior.”
I groaned. Great. Just what I needed.
Ryoji lowered his sword. “Enough for now. Show me your magic.”
I hesitated. “I… just started learning.”
Ryoji smirked. “Then show me what you’ve got.”
I took a deep breath, recalling my earlier lesson.
Feel the Wind.
I closed my eyes, letting the air flow around me.
I raised my hand and focused.
WHOOSH!
A small gust of wind burst forward, rustling the grass.
Ryoji nodded. “Not bad.”
I blinked. “Wait. That’s it?”
Ryoji’s smirk widened. “You have potential.”
I exhaled in relief—until he spoke again.
“Tomorrow morning, we start real training.”
Kaito cheered.
I panicked.
What have I gotten myself into?
