Awaking in the morning to the sun tapping on his face, Kenta sits up, stretches and gives a big yawn. Standing up, Kenta goes over to the window and looks out. Out in the field are two ominous figures, the first is a battered hay filled scarecrow, it’s clothes ripped and torn from the environment, it’s straw hat tilted to one side, and his arm loosely hanging from a few strands. The other ominous figure, also has a straw hat, but this one is moving. Moving from one crop to the next, the creature doesn’t seem to be slowing down, dirty and sweaty, it continues its path.

Rubbing his eyes, Kenta takes another look out the open window, focusing on the moving creature. Upon closer inspection, Kenta realises that the ominous creature is just Hachi, working the farm.

That guy is a monster.

Opening the wooden door and walking down the narrow hallway, Kenta heads downstairs, creaking at every footstep.

“Did you sleep well?” Kaede asks hearing his arrival.

“Yeah, I slept well.” Kenta answers, “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what time does Hachi wake up to work on the farm?”

“Hmm… That’s an odd question.” Kaede says, “On most days, Hachi wakes up before the sun does, quickly finishing breakfast, he’s usually out the door working, before the sun peaks over the horizon.”

…That guy, is seriously a monster.

Kenta grabbing an apple, sits down bites into the juicy core and slowly eats.

…

5 minutes later he finally finishes the apple. Getting up, he heads outside and unsheathes his sword.

“Yah! Yah! Yah!” Kenta sounds as he swings his sword.

“Hah! Hah! Hah!” Kenta yells as he thrusts his sword.

“Ah! Ah! Ah!” Kenta shouts as he blocks the invisible enemies. 

After practicing for nearly an hour, Kenta feels better using the sword. Looking down the dirt path that exits the farm. Kenta focuses. Bringing his sword up, he pushes all his intent through his arm, through his hand, through the hilt and into the blade. With all the power he can muster, he swings down, unleashing the swordforce, and sending a wave of air.

*Shink*

It cuts a straight line in the ground going forward. Kenta falling to a knee, looks up to see the results of his attack. Reaching a distance max distance of 10 feet, the outcome hasn’t changed at all.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

I guess I was getting my hopes up just a little too high. This is going to take some time.

Coming around from the back of the house, the sweaty Hachi spots Kenta training with his sword.

“Hey Kenta!” Hachi yells out, “Ya’ look like ya’ could use a break, why don’t ya’ join me inside for a drink.”

“Sure, I’d love to.” Kenta answers.

Following Hachi in, they separate, he goes into the kitchen and Kenta goes to the table. Coming back out, Hachi is carrying a jug of water in one hand and two cups in the other. Placing them down on the timber table, Hachi first pours Kenta’s drink and then his own.

*Gulp*

Like a waterfall running down the back of his throat, Kenta drinks the rich and invigorating water, regaining his energy. Hachi does the same.

“Ahh!” Kenta gasps for air, “That was needed.”

“Hahaha. It sure was.” Hachi agrees. “If ya’ don’t mind, I could use some help out back, it’d make the work a lot easier.”

“Sure thing!” Kenta responds, “I’d be glad to help.”

“That’s great!” Hachi says happily, “Wait here for just a moment, I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

Quickly walking upstairs, Kenta can hear Hachi moving around in his room.

…

2 minutes later.

*Creak* *Creak* *Creak*

Hachi comes running back down, holding something behind his back.

“Okay Kenta, now close your eyes.” Hachi says.

Kenta doing as instructed, closes he eyes. He feels something lying on his head. Opening his eyes, he looks up and sees a straw hat, similar to Hachi’s. Kenta is not amused.

“Aw, come on.” Hachi says while grinning, “It looks good on ya’.”

Kenta, accepting it and not worrying too much, follows Hachi outside and into the field. Standing next to the creepy worn-down scarecrow, he notices that it’s about a foot shorter than he is.

Hachi passes a shovel to Kenta.

“Alright, here’s the plan.” Hachi explains, “As we go along, I’ll harvest the plants, and ya’ uproot the remaining parts. Don’t worry about cleaning up the mess we can do that another time.”

Following the instructions, the two work their way up and down the lines of crops, harvesting and uprooting every single one.

After working hard for 4 hours, the scorching rays of the midday sun are shinning down upon the two men. The beads of sweat are dripping from every part of their body, falling to the soil below. Beaten, broken and exhausted, the two men have successfully harvested one quarter of the field.

“Hachi, I think I’m going to die.” Kenta says whilst panting for air, “Anymore, and my body is going to collapse.”

“Hahaha!” Hachi laughs, “Luckily for ya’, we’ve worked tremendously fast. We’ve accomplished what would normally take me a full day. If you’re looking for a break, I’d say ya’ earned it.”

Oh, thank god!

“Come now.” Hachi says, “Let’s head back and have some lunch.”

After a slow 10-minute walk, they eventually reach home. Opening the door, they step inside. Immediately Kenta jumps for the water. Chugging the invigorating drink down his throat, Kenta see’s Hachi coming out of the kitchen a few minutes later, he is holding two plates full of salad with some chicken thrown into the mix.

Setting them down, the two instantly begin to chow down. Crunching and munching, Kenta and Hachi, both finish their meals.

“Ready for round two?” Hachi asks with a serious look on his face.

Is this guy trying to kill me? Hachi, you monster.

…

“Actually, I have some other business to attend to.” Kenta says, “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to help for the rest of the day.”

“Oh, well. Ya’ already helped me a bunch today. Without you I wouldn’t have done so much, so thanks.” Hachi humbly replies.