Power... I crave power...
I was born frail. I couldn't do most things that others could do, and they've always looked down on me...
Those disgusting pitiful looks they give me...
"Again."
I can't give up... I need more...
"Again."
More skill.
"Again."
More strength.
"Again."
More speed.
"You can't keep going, kid. You're going to pass out."
"What are you doing here? Get lost..."
The buff man walked towards me.
"Don't just use brute strength. You gotta hit the vital points..."
"I know that..."
I don't need your help, why are you doing this?
You're looking down on me, just like the others...
"Listen, I'll help you become strong."
"Why?"
The gaze he has is different than others.
"You have the potential and will..."
He chuckles, ruffling my hair.
"Come on, I'll show you."
His movements... agile and sharp. His accuracy is insane... the footwork, it's incredible... who is this man?
"So, willing to learn from me?"
"If you can make me stronger..."
I look at him with a determined gaze.
"Please help me."
...
It's been months since I started training with him, I've gotten stronger, gained more muscles, and have become more agile..
Even then, I still can't beat this old man...
What's with him?
"Come on, get up. Never back down, pick yourself up again."
Ugh... he packs a punch... he isn't even holding back on a kid...
"Pay attention to my movements, predict what I'll do next."
I raise my arms, clench my fists. They're rough after training.
He comes at me, full speed. This time, I dodge to the side. He smirks.
"You're finally learning, good. Now... to introduce to you the most important thing when it comes to fighting..."
Huh...?
"The element of surprise...!"
He swings his right leg, low kicking me in the leg.
"Ow-!"
What the hell was that?!
"Great job, you're doing well."
"Ugh... when are you going to let me land a hit?"
"Haha... you're a hundred years too early to challenge me to an actual fight."
Ouch... sheesh, at least he's honest. I prefer the brutal truth over a lie any day.
"Say... do you think I'll be strong one day?"
"Oh? Under my guidance, you're sure to become the strongest there is!"
Back then, I believed his words. I was overjoyed by the fact that someone like me would be able to become the strongest...
"Ugh..."
"Get up. Raise your arms and fight."
I shouldn't have... picked a fight with them...
The man kicks my body harshly. I groan from the pain in my ribs.
"Old man..."
He's lying over there, bleeding out. I always thought he was the strongest... he's still human in the end huh...
"Damnit...!"
Even if I've broken my bones, bled out from a wound...
"Clench your fists... don't back down."
"Even if you're in pain... never show weakness..."
I glance back at my teacher's dying body.
"I'm not weak..."
I can see things differently now... a timer, I need to defeat him before it ends...
Everything is slower now. I can see his movements. Analyse, predict... and attack with the element of surprise...!
Go for the vital points.
His right shin is weaker, he hasn't used that leg to kick at all.
Use all your strength to attack that place.
"Gah...!"
Now... go for the face. Blind him at least.
"Agh...?!"
Lastly... the finishing move is...
Grab his weapon... and direct it to his chest.
"..."
He's no longer breathing.
I won... right?
"...!"
An ambush...?
I turn to face the back. A henchman with his baseball bat... blood... my blood?
I pass out.
Still... weak...
This isn't power...
I'm still losing in the end...?
Did I hesitate too much?
My body collapses to the ground, I'm too tired to open my eyes...
The last thing I feel is the cold hard ground coming in contact with my head.
I must... become the strongest.
_____________________________________
Hey everyone! Back with another chapter today... And also news about the second book! I've just casually doodled the characters in the second book, and I just wanted to share it...
Yep, I drew this... (please ignore the hands send help why do they look broken)
Your Author,
Baldie