Arc 3 Old Man

*** Crow

There were a big lake and a shabby house deep in the forest. Does someone live there? Time to do a stakeout to find out who does. While staking out, I thought about how to turn my life around. I experimented with my ‘bleach’ bottle to turn my hair blonde. Later my hair turned the same blonde shade as Azure. Why does Azure need to dye her hair blonde? Is she trying to hide her powers? Is it possible that she is an illegitimate child of royalty? Maids are supposed to be commoners after all.

It’s been several hours yet nobody has ever left or returned to the house. Perhaps it is empty? I took the first dash forward to the shabby looking house.

“ Why have you been staking my house?” asked an old man.

The old man somehow got behind me. I can’t believe I never noticed him there, even with my superior hearing and sight. Was I careless?

“ How long have you been there?”

“ I asked first but no matters. I am just an old retired man living my last years in the forest to die peacefully. If you want to kill me, I wouldn’t mind that either.”

“ No, I will not kill you at all, and I’m just exploring this forest.”

“ Exploring? Why would a Royal like you, do such a thing? Well, why don’t we talk inside so I can get you a cup of tea.”

“ Um… you are not planning to kill me right?”

The old man looks stunned for a moment.

“ This weak frail man can’t kill anyone, much less a royal. Also, the blonde part of your hair is so funny looking. HAHAHAHA”

I smiled back meekly. So are royals in this world super strong? It’s worth trying to talk to him to learn more about this world. Maybe this old man knows of magic? Azure could have lied after all.

I followed him into his shabby house and sat down for a cup of tea. I watched if he would smuggle any poison in there. This is a nightmare world, I must be cautious. However, he does seem like a nice old man. He took the first sip of tea.

“ Drinking tea will help calm you down.”

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This old man seems to be aware that I am acting cautiously of him. If he does anything funny, I will flee immediately.

“ Ah don’t mind me, I just want to talk.”

“ You are one funny Royal, don’t you know that Royals like you can’t be poisoned.”

“ Wait what? Royals cannot be poisoned? Please explain why.”

“...because royals can control their own blood at the highest level. Do you not know that?”

“ Uh, actually I do not know that at all…”

The old man looked sad.

“Hahahaha, you are a really funny Royal. But in case you are serious. I am willing to teach you how to use Blood Control. Now tell me funny Royal. What happened to this kingdom?”

“ I don’t know anything about this kingdom either.”

“ Seriously you don’t know anything?”

“ Yeah… I was hoping you can teach me more about this world and Blood Control. Also, have you heard of magic?”

The old man thought I was crazy for saying something like magic even existed in this world. He laughed so hard when I tried explaining magic. It seems like making myself look like an idiot was my thing. But Blood Control is the thing that does exist in this world.

Royals are capable of internally controlling their own blood at the highest level. Poison can easily be rendered useless in their body. It gives them superior strength, speed, and stamina. You can use it to enhance your own senses, heal faster, and live longer lives. Most importantly they use Blood Control to force their bodies to move in crazy ways making deadly techniques that are used for fighting.

“Grant, what was that Blood Control technique you used to sneak up on me?”

“ Ah, that is one of my secret abilities, maybe I will teach it to you when you are ready. But why don’t you know anything about this kingdom Crow?”

If this old man is willing to teach me this world’s fighting system. Then I will trust him. I told the old man everything. How I first started in this world to how I met him.

“ Wow, you must have a tough time in this world, sorry Crow. This old man will teach you everything he knows so you can survive in this world.”

“ Wait you believe me? And you will teach me everything you know?”

“ It’s alright, I don’t have long to live anyways. Besides, I don’t think you’re lying at all. You are a genuinely good person Crow. Someone who helps others must be a good person.”

I was so happy I found this old man, he was willing to teach me how to fight and everything about this world. Unfortunately, the knowledge of his world is outdated for 10 years since he started living secluded from civilization. He was formerly a top soldier during his prime but only barely reaching the weakest royal level. He served under his master Alicia. But after her death, he became a combat instructor before finally retiring here. This is my chance to become strong and not have to live my life as a weak fugitive in ignorance.

He started teaching me the basics of Blood Control. Apparently, you can control both your own blood pressure and blood flow. Both have their own pros and cons.

“ Wow this is my first time teaching a Royal blood control, you are learning very fast Crow.”

“ Thanks, and I kinda have to, I know I’m probably the weakest Royal in existence.”

“ Hahaha, you are so weak that even I can beat you! But don’t worry, you will surely be able to grow strong over time with proper training and guidance Crow.”

“ Yeah… Grant please give me the hardest training possible. I have to get strong.”

“ Yes I love that attitude. Very well Royal Crow. I will give you the hardest training ever.”