Today is the third day I’ve been in the village. I don’t sleep too well in this place because the bed is made out of hay. With a cloth covering it only, but what choice do I have to get my life started in this world. I’ve come to learn a bit about the village.

The village wasn’t big. It had about only 4 cottages and only 4 different families living in this village. The place actually didn’t have a name of its own, because it was so small. Nobody in the village had a family name either. One family used to be mercenaries, two families were farmers, and the last one was a reclusive family that rarely came out.

Steve used to be a mercenary for the nearby town. However, he got married and no longer wanted to live that life. He has two children: a boy and a girl. The boy seemed to be in his mid-teens while the girl looked to be 4 or 5. Steve took me into his family for the time being, because I told him I don’t have any family and I would like to learn from Steve. He took to believing me because I also told him I wanted to become a mercenary or an adventurer when I was skilled enough.

I soon hear a noise coming towards the barn I’m in.

“Wake up Nick. I want to see how well trained your body is and if you have the talent to become an adventurer or mercenary. I’m sorry for the accommodations, but this is all I can help you with for a roof over your head. I can’t exactly just let someone I don’t know into my home.”

“It’s alright Steve. I appreciate the help that you are giving me.” I’m surprised he even had a barn. Surprisingly he is quite cautious of me even though he led me into their small village.

“Come we are going behind the back of my house to practice. Do you know how to swing a sword? Actually what is your weapon preference?”

“I’ll try to use anything you have. I’m sorry for the not having anything of my own. My village was quite small like your own. My parents died in a raid. That’s why I was trying to go to the next town and learn to be a mercenary.”

Trying to make up a story is easy considering I used to read a lot besides my time with my studies. I know how to use most weapons because my parents weren’t home so I had an interest in martial arts. Something to do since I read so many books and don’t want to die should something happen to the world. Well I’m already done with that world, but I wonder if he has anything to teach me.

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“Everybody has their own stories. No need to tell me. Here take this wooden sword for now. It’s what my son uses to practice with me.”

He throws me the wooden sword and I catch it with my right hand.

“Ok. Now I want you to attack me with all you got. I want to see how skilled you are. If you can’t beat me then you have no chance at surviving out in the real world.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

I get into a fencing stance. Then soon take slight steps toward Steve. I thrust forward toward his body. Steve then shifts his body back and deflects my thrust. Using Steve’s momentum I grab the handle with both of my hands. And swing towards his body. Noticing this Steve quickly let’s go of his sword and gets out of the way of my swing.

“Man you are quite skilled. I have never seen any use a sword like you. You have a fluid motion with your sword and use your opponent’s momentum to aid in your counter. If I was in my prime I would be able to spar with you, but not as I am now. I haven’t been too active in polishing my technique since I quit being a mercenary. How about I just see what you can do. Instead of sparing how about you just show me your forms and practice against the pole there for now. If you need any adjustments I’ll try to give you advice.”

“I’m sorry Steve. It has been awhile since I’ve spared with anyone and I got a little excited.”

“It’s good that you are capable. Your dream will only come sooner.”

I then start to practice on the pole.

I start to think of the past and remember that I used to spar a lot with different teachers. They said I was naturally gifted and weapons, but my parents never saw or acknowledge me for it. It is nice to know that I still have the gift for it after dying. Now that I think of it my body seems to be in really good condition. My body actually feels like it has more energy here. Who knows maybe it is the magic in this world. Think of that much. Maybe with magic I will be able to exceed my past self. I’ll ask Steve if he knows any magic tomorrow.

I saw Steve watching me, but it didn’t look like I needed any adjustments. He looked more amazed than anything. Doing these exercise though I can feel my body start to tense up a bit. I wonder how long he wants me to practice for.

“Hey Nick your pretty dam good. I was wondering, could you teach me some of your moves? Your technique seems to be dam good and if we sparred more I don’t’ think I would have been your match even if I was in my prime.”

“Sure Steve lets spar then. I’ll go easier and try to teach you.”

In the end I guess our roles got reversed.